Ocean Fun on Catalina — Girl Scouts, September 25–27, 2026

Day 1 · Fri, Sep 25
Howland’s Landing, Catalina Island, California

Friday — Ferry, Camp Welcome & Campfire

1:30 PM — Check in

Berth 95, San Pedro · Just inside the terminal gate

2:15 PM — Board the ferry

Have required signed forms ready.

2:45 PM — Depart San Pedro

The ferry cannot hold departure.

4:00 PM — Arrive at Catalina

Camp welcome & staff introduction

4:15 PM — Free time

Gaga, volleyball, soccer and beach exploring; no ocean entry without GSGLA lifeguards.

5:45 PM — Dinner & weekend orientation

6:45 PM — Leader meeting

Dining Hall

7:30 PM — Campfire

SWAPs & s’mores

9:00 PM — Astronomy night hike

Before leaving home

This is the organizer’s September 25–27, 2026 Ocean Fun on Catalina schedule: three calendar days and two nights. All times are local. Check with camp staff for changes.

The chartered ferry departs from the Catalina Express terminal, Berth 95, San Pedro. Meet just inside the terminal gate. Parking has a fee. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

At check-in, collect cabin assignments, group color, camp maps and luggage tags. Each participant is limited to 2 pieces of luggage weighing less than 50 lb, as stated in the packet. Bring only what you can carry in one trip. Wagons are not allowed. At camp arrival, carry any 2 bags off the boat; find your own bags in the common luggage area after the welcome speech.

Required paperwork

Physical signed forms are required to board. Youth need the GS Permission Form, Over-The-Counter (OTC) Form, and Health Information and Release Form. Adults need the Adult Authorization for Treatment Form. The troop’s Indoor Overnight binder must include its roster, emergency contacts, and signed forms alphabetized by last name. Catalina Express staff may ask anyone over 16 for photo ID. Use the original PDF’s links for forms and dietary restrictions.

Packing checklist

  • Sleeping bag and pillow
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
  • Bath and beach towel
  • Toiletries
  • Shirts and shorts that can get dirty
  • Swimsuit
  • Sandals or water shoes — the beach is rocky
  • Warmer evening clothes
  • Closed-toed hiking shoes
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit, including nausea medication if needed for boat rides
  • Required signed forms

Cabins, food and staying connected

Cabins sleep 12. Adults and youth are assigned separate nearby cabins. Troops may be split across cabins but stay together during rotations; girls are housed with others in similar grades. Quiet hours are 10 PM–7 AM. Camp staff prepare meals; submit dietary restrictions using the PDF’s form. Extra snacks must be sealed and non-refrigerated.

Very limited cell service and no Wi-Fi are available at camp; staff have emergency internet access only. Download the itinerary or original PDF before departure.

Camp rules

Use the buddy system. Troop adults must supervise youth at all times. No one, including adults, may enter the ocean without GSGLA lifeguards. Tell the program coordinator before leaving camp for a walk or hike.

Do not bring matches, lighters, fireworks, flammable materials, weapons, alcohol, narcotics (including marijuana), cigarettes, vapes or smokeless tobacco. The packet says anything not allowed in school is not allowed at camp.

Day 2 · Sat, Sep 26
Howland’s Landing, Catalina Island, California

Saturday — Ocean Activities & Evening Hikes

8:00 AM — Breakfast

8:45–10:00 AM — Activity rotation 1

10:15–11:30 AM — Activity rotation 2

11:30 AM–12:15 PM — Free time

12:15 PM — Lunch

1:00–2:15 PM — Activity rotation 3

2:30–3:45 PM — Activity rotation 4

4:00–5:15 PM — Activity rotation 5

6:00 PM — Dinner

7:30 PM — Sunset hike

8:00 PM — Campfire

Songs & skits

9:30 PM — Astronomy night hike

Saturday rotation schedule

Group colors are assigned at check-in.

Time Red Orange Yellow Green Blue
8:45–10:00 AM Kayak Snorkel Beach time (sand only) Free swim Scenic hike
10:15–11:30 AM Scenic hike Kayak Snorkel Beach time (sand only) Free swim
1:00–2:15 PM Free swim Scenic hike Kayak Snorkel Beach time (sand only)
2:30–3:45 PM Beach time (sand only) Free swim Scenic hike Kayak Snorkel
4:00–5:15 PM Snorkel Beach time (sand only) Free swim Scenic hike Kayak

Kayaking explores the coastline with Catalina camp staff. Snorkeling explores a kelp forest with GSGLA lifeguards. Beach time is sand-only, with watercolor art and friendship bracelets. Free swim is supervised by GSGLA lifeguards. The scenic hike is beginner-friendly and led by GSGLA staff.

Girls take a short swim test at the start of swimming or snorkeling; anyone who does not pass must wear a life jacket during those sessions. Adults must supervise girls during and between activities. Quiet hours begin at 10 PM.

Day 3 · Sun, Sep 27
Howland’s Landing, Catalina Island, California

Sunday — Polar Plunge & Return Ferry

7:00 AM — Polar plunge swim

GSGLA lifeguard supervision required

8:00 AM — Breakfast

8:30 AM — Clean up the cabin

9:15 AM — Board the ferry

10:00 AM — Depart Catalina

11:00 AM — Arrive at San Pedro

Carry any 2 bags off the boat, then find yours at the top of the loading ramp.

This trip starts Fri, 25 Sep 2026 — want the check-ins?
Confirm the date (or change it) and we'll check in at two weeks out, one week out, and the day before — bookings, packing, and a day-one brief. Reply to any of them if plans change.
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