Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program
One-week marine science and adventure camp on Catalina Island.
▌ Editor's read Catalina Sea Camp's website, catalinaseacamp.org, loads successfully and provides comprehensive information about their programs. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), with accreditation valid through 2025, indicating adherence to industry standards for health, safety, and program quality. California state license number 197000001 is listed on their website. The camp has been operating for over 50 years, founded by Dr. Robert Given, and is run by the nonprofit Guided Discoveries. The website mentions that all staff undergo background checks. Google reviews average 4.8 stars from over 200 reviews, with many praising the educational value and unique experiences. The program is overnight, focusing on marine science and ocean adventure for youth. Social media handles include @catalinaseacamp on Instagram and CatalinaSeaCamp on Facebook.
Who thrives here Ages 8–17
Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. overnight/sleepaway programs that thrive at this age publish a clear weekly progression rather than a rotating activity menu, and the staff-to-camper conversation usually matters more than the activity list.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Yes
- Established
- 1976 (50 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
- Ages: 8–17
- Hours: 24-hour residential
- Address: Toyon Bay, Catalina Island, CA 90704, USA
- Phone: (800) 645-1423
- Email: [email protected]
- Cost notes: $300 non-refundable deposit
Runs 24-hour residential, 5 sessions (3 one-week, 2 multi-week blocks), from Jun 6 to Aug 1.
Sessions ⛓
Bookable units published by the camp. Multi-week blocks marked ⛓ are indivisible — register for the full session.
- Session 1 Jun 6 – 12, 2026 · 1 week · $3,550
- Session 2 Jun 13 – 19, 2026 · 1 week · $3,550
- Session 3 Jun 20 – 26, 2026 · 1 week · $3,550
- Session 4 Jun 28 – Jul 14, 2026 · 3 weeks · $5,950
- Session 5 Jul 16 – Aug 1, 2026 · 3 weeks · $5,950
↗ What parents like
- Focus on marine science
- Variety of ocean activities
↘ Watch for
- Short one-week duration
Logistics
- Lunch provided: Yes
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: outdoor
Frequently asked about Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program
- What ages does Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program accept?
- Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program is open to children ages 8–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program cost?
- Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program publishes $2,595/week for the standard session. $300 non-refundable deposit Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- What are Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program's hours?
- Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Is Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program accredited?
- Yes — Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 50 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
- Who runs Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program?
- Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 50 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program provide lunch?
- Yes — Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Day camp vs. overnight camp · Decide whether the format fits your child and schedule.
- Packing list and camp prep · Plan gear, medication notes, labels, and drop-off prep.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Catalina Sea Camp - 1-Week Program.
- Catalina Sea Camp - 2.5-Week Program · Toyon Bay, Catalina Island · Ages 12–17 · $2,380/week