Scouts BSA Troop 88 - Gilbert, AZ

Summer Camp 2026 - Camp Emerald Bay - Catalina Island


Summer Camp 2026 - Camp Emerald Bay - Catalina Island
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Summer Camp 2026 at Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island

Travel and Costs are being formulated - Anticipated total cost per Scout is $1,200 and subject to change (hopefully down with Parent help organizing Troop fundraisers to offset transportation costs)

Individual year-round fundraising opportunities exist, so get started now so as not to miss the EPIC FUN to be had on Catalina Island!

Programs offered (subject to change):

Traditional Merit Badge Program

The bread and butter of the summer camp experience is the Traditional Merit Badge Program. Camp Emerald Bay takes full advantage of its unique location on the west end of beautiful Catalina Island. Scouts have the opportunity to learn and earn a variety of Merit Badges from Cycling to SCUBA to Pottery. With 6 dedicated Merit Badge areas and over 30 badges offered there’s something for everyone. 

 

Lifeguard Certification

Since 2019 Camp Emerald Bay has been an American Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR training facility. With two lifeguards working together to lead this program, you can feel confident that your Scouts, aged 15 and older, will leave Emerald Bay with the skills to not only safely guard your troops aquatic program, but apply for lifeguarding jobs in your area. Adults can also take the program.

Scouts must be aged 15 or older to take the course.

 

ASA 110 certifications: Basic Small Boat Sailing

Camp emerald Bay is an official American Sailing Association affiliate school. A staff of professional sailors teach the Advanced Sailing Courses where students earn their ASA 110 certifications: Basic Small Boat Sailing. The mission of ASA is “to teach people to sail safely and confidently” and has “over 300 affiliated sailing schools throughout the U.S., Europe, Japan, Central America, Taiwan, China, and other far eastern countries”. Sailors who earn their ASA certifications are able to travel around the world and sail confidently with other yacht clubs and sailing schools, utilizing the skills learned at Camp Emerald Bay.

Youth and adults are invited to take the course, but space will be reserved for youth, first. All participants must have previous sailing experience. Youth must have already completed the Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge and be at least 13 years of age to participate.

ASA Certification Additional Cost: $100 per person and covers the a sailing logbook (good for all future courses) and an ASA 110 course fee.

 

Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge

Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge is available for any Scout who has completed Swimming, Lifesaving and Rowing or Canoeing. Although this is not a BSA prerequisite, Emerald Bay requires Scouts to have additional boating experience and are more comfortable in the water to ensure they are safer while on the open ocean.

 

In addition to the many merit badges available and numerous troop activity adventures,  Camp Emerald Bay has several programs to offer you during your free time during the rest of the day. Be prepared: One thing you can truly count on is keeping very busy during your weeklong stay here. The following is a list of our various program areas, as well as a few additional programs you can sign up for while at camp.

  • Waterfront: Come down to Doctor’s Cove to snorkel with a buddy and you might spot a Giant Black Sea Bass or Bat Ray!
  • Handicraft:: Join our creative Handicraft staff during an open session and sculpt a masterpiece, stamp a leather belt, or carve an original neckerchief slide. Purchase your item at the Ship’s Store across the way and we’ll show you how to make it your own.
  • Nature:: Meet with our Nature Staff on the Dining Hall Porch after dark and learn about the stars like you never could in a planetarium. The plethora of shining stars in our sky isn’t veiled by city light or air pollution. Who knows? You may just catch a meteor shower while you’re gazing.
  • Marine Center::Explore the aquarium. See and touch a live Leopard Shark!
  • Field Sports: Looking to improve your skills as a marksman? Come on over to our state-of-the-art Archery, Rifle, and Shotgun ranges for some free-shooting time.
  • Scoutcraft:: When you come up to our Scoutcraft pirate ship during your free time, let loose and play some volleyball on a net that you wove together, or contribute your own structural masterpiece to the area for future Scouts to enjoy!
  • Aquacade: Try Aqua-madness! Head to the waterfront for fun with your troop and compete in our camp-wide games. Help your troop win the coveted Aquacade trophy!
  • Silver Peak: Sunrise Hike: See the sunrise like you never will again. The West End of Catalina is home to the third largest peak on the Island. This four-hour round-trip hike is not for the faint of heart, but your toils will be rewarded with a stunning 360-degree sunrise panorama.
  • Pirate Award Program: Have you been to Emerald Bay before? Are you coming back this summer? If so, download this form to check out the requirements of our exclusive Pirate Award Program. Complete the requirements during your free time and earn a cool patch to put on your uniform!
  • War Canoe Overnight Program: Every Scout signed up for the Traditional Program will be sent on our overnight program to Parsons Beach in an 8-person canoe. Participants will have to cook their own lunch and dinner and then sleep out under the stars at night.

 


If you have a question, comment, or suggestion, please e-mail: John Beimfohr

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