Frequently Asked Questions

Program Information

• Are there any prerequisites for Emerald Bay merit badges? If so, what are they?

  There are a few pre-requisites required for some merit badges, including some online programming for the SCUBA merit badge, requirements 8, 9A and 9B for the Camping merit badge, and Requirements 4A and 4B of the Energy merit badge. We also ask that each participant taking any Aquatics merit badges have Swimming merit badge completed prior to coming to camp. Safety is our number one priority, and as the ocean can be unpredictable, we want every Scout to Be Prepared.
  Download the Merit Badge Prerequisite Form here.

• What merit badges are offered at Emerald Bay?

  Our Merit Badges and Awards are explained in detail in the Merit Badge Guide. You may also download the Merit Badge Schedule for your Scouts to decide which merit badges they can take during which sessions. This form will help adult leaders when registering the Scouts for merit badges later online. These forms can be found on the Forms and Packets page.

• How many merit badges can I get in a week at Emerald Bay?

  The average Scout earns three to four merit badges during their week. In addition to these merit badges, Scouts will participate in a large variety of troop actvities such as snorkeling, mountain biking, a canoe overnighter, kayaking, and much, much more.

• Can I take the Scuba merit badge?

  Scouts who are Open Water Certified or are earning their certification while at camp can earn the merit badge at camp. Visit the Scuba section of this FAQ for answers to more Scuba-related questions.

• Are there age requirements for Scuba Activities?

  All SCUBA Participants must be 12 years of age or older before the week of camp.

• How do I sign up for merit badges?

  You will be emailed merit badge sign-up information in March. Your unit must already be registered to attend camp before signing up for any merit badges.

• How can I make changes to my merit badge sign-ups?

  The registration owner will be able to make changes to merit badge sign-ups. If you need help with this, please go to the Merit Badge Sign Up Instructions for the steps on how to do this.

• I’ve lost my merit badge records from this summer or a summer in the past. Can I get an additional copy?

  Digital copies are available upon request. Please email your request to [email protected] for assistance.

   

• There was a discrepancy on our merit badge records after we left camp. How can I get it resolved?

  Please email your issue to [email protected]. You will need to provide your name, the Scout’s name, troop number, council, dates the individual attended camp, and the details of the issue.

• What SCUBA programs are offered?

  We offer both week-long and half-day Scuba opportunities at Camp Emerald Bay. Our week long programs are: PADI Open Water Certification and PADI Advanced Open Water Certification. Campers can also participate in SCUBA BSA (Discover Scuba Diving), a half-day dive program for non-certified divers, or in a variety of Discover Local Diving trips for certified divers.

• What’s included in the costs for Scuba Certifications?

  The price of Scuba Certifications include the cost of eLearning, instructor time, and use of all of the gear you need to go SCUBA diving!

• What age is required for Scuba programs?

  SCUBA BSA and Discover Local Diving are now ages 11 and up, however courses are still 12 and up.

• How do I sign up for SCUBA?

  Reference the Summer Camp Prices page to view our offerings. Once a registration has been created through Doubleknot, click the “What Are They Doing?” box to select the SCUBA activities. If someone in your unit has already signed up, work through them. Some SCUBA Activities will not be available for sign-ups until the spring.

  You can also sign up for SCUBA BSA and Discover Local Diving at the Dive Locker once at camp.

• Are there age requirements for any merit badges?

  The only BSA programs at Emerald Bay with specific age requirements are BSA Lifeguard (must be 14 years of age or older) and Scuba merit badge (must be 12 years of age or older). We do however have age recommendations for certain merit badges, as they tend to be more difficult either physically or mentally. A complete breakdown of these recommendations is available in our Merit Badge Guide.

• Can I earn the SCUBA Merit Badge if I'm not registered for Open Water Certification?

  Divers who are Open Water Certified can complete the coursework required for the SCUBA Merit Badge while at camp.

• Do I need to bring anything special for SCUBA Certification programs?

  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Bottled water
  • Forms (if not already submitted)
  • Dive gear (if certified already)

• Are there any prerequisites for SCUBA Certifications?

  Participants must be able to complete the Scuba swim check and must also complete all pre-camp online coursework given by the scuba vendor. Please contact the the scuba vendor with additional questions.

• Will I have time for other activities while participating in Scuba Certification programs?

  SCUBA Certification program participants often spend time as a group doing some activities that are not Scuba related during the week, but please do not expect to have time to participate in any additional Merit Badges or unit activities. Participants can plan to join the unit for the Parson’s overnight, though they will hike to Parson’s late with a group and can return to camp in a canoe as long as there is room.

• Can provisional scouts participate in SCUBA Certification programs?

  Yes. Provisional Scouts are welcome to participate in SCUBA Certification programs.

• What medical forms are required for SCUBA?

  The official BSA Medical Form is required for all Camp participants- Download here. All SCUBA participants, in addition, also include the Diver Medical Questionnaire

• What High Adventure programs do you offer?

  We have five High Adventure Programs during the summer at Emerald Bay:
  Rugged Explorers– A rugged island adventure with kayaking, canoeing, biking, snorkeling, hiking, and more! For individuals ages 14+
  Rugged Canoers– A canoe trip around Catalina Island while camping on deserted beaches throughout the week. Must be age 14+

  If you may be interested in other opportunities to bike, hike, or sail around Catalina Island as a crew, please contact our Camp Director at (310)-510-1795.

• How do we register for a High Adventure program?

  Reference what Rugged Programs are being offered during your stay at camp by visiting the Summer Camp Prices page. Then in Doubleknot, click the ““What are they doing?” page to sign up for Rugged Adventure activities. If you need help with this, please go to the Merit Badge Sign Up Instructions for the steps on how to do this.

• Some of our Scouts are participating in a High Adventure program. Will they stay in our campsite or eat with us at meal times?

  When a Scout registers for the Rugged Explorers or Rugged Canoers program, he or she will stay in the High Adventure campsite, cooking and eating all meals with the other Rugged participants. They will become their own patrol, focusing on leadership and team building techniques. Don’t expect to see too much of these Scouts while they’re off learning independence and ethical decision making.

  If your Scout is in either of the week-long Scuba Programs, he or she will stay in the campsite with the troop, but eat separately in accordance with the class’s dive schedule.

• Do you or can you earn merit badges in any of the High Adventure programs

  No, but you can earn your 50 miler award and earn advancements on rank and different merit badges that you may be working on.

• What do I need to bring if I’m participating in a High Adventure program?

  Please refer to the What to Bring List,

• Where can I get more information on High Adventure programs at Emerald Bay?

  The links have been provided above for each Rugged Adventurer Program. You may find our previous years’ rugged leaders guide on the forms and documents page.

• What is the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) Training program?

  The SPL Program begins on the Thursday before the troop is scheduled to attend camp. These three extra days of training help the SPL not only learn how to effectively lead your unit through camp, but will teach him inumerable useful skills to become an extraordinary leader. Many units have regarded this as the best program offered at Emerald Bay. We pride ourselves on our incredible staff to lead the SPLs through this life-changing experience.

• How much does the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) program cost?

  The cost for the SPL program was $200.00 per participant.

• Is the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) program required?

  The SPL program is not required for each unit, though it is highly recommended. Experience has shown that troops with the most qualified and capable SPLs have the best experiences at Emerald Bay.

• Do you have a Trail to First Class program?

  We do have a Trail to First Class program. The structured program is offered during sessions one and two, and takes up both sessions. If your Scout would like to work on just a few requirements, they can stop by the Scoutcraft area any time during forth and fifth session for a drop-in program.

• How do I sign up for the Trail to First Class program?

  Scouts can sign up for the Trail to First Class program at the same time as their merit badge registration. The Scoutmaster will be emailed this information in the Spring.

• Which requirements will be covered in Trail to First Class?

  Our Rangers teach the First Year Program or Trail to First Class. These are the requirements that our trail to first class program covers during the week at camp.

  Please note that our staff members only instruct on these requirements, they do not sign off in the scout’s books. The scouts are meant to bring a list of requirements to their leader and demonstrate the skills to be signed off after or at the end of their week at camp.

  • Tenderfoot
    3a, 3d, 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 5c, 7a, 7b
  • Second Class
    1b, 2g, 3a, 4, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • First Class
    3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 6a, 6b, 6e, 7a, 7b, 7c, 9b

• Will Scouts be eligible for First Class rank after participating in the program?

  No. While we teach most of the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks, there are some requirements that need to be met at home. Our staff only teaches the skills needed to complete the requirements. They will not sign off the requirements in the Scout Handbooks. Scouts participating in the program will need to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities to their troop leadership in order to meet the requirements.

• What trainings do you offer for adult leaders?

  We offer Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, This Is Scouting, New Scoutmaster Essentials, and Introduction to Outdoor Leadership at Camp Emerald Bay. We also have computers and internet access in the Helm for Leave No Trace, Hazardous Weather, and other online trainings. Please remember that Youth Protection Training is required for all adult leaders prior to attending camp.

• How do adults sign up to take a training class?

  There is no need to sign up in advance. Just show up during the scheduled times!

• When do the training classes take place?

  Please refer to the Program Planner for a complete schedule.

• How will we receive certification of our adult leader training?

  Our staff will contact your local council and give them the certification information. They will then update your profile in the Scouting database. We will also provide you with certification cards either at the end of the week or by mail.

• What activities can we participate in as a unit?

   In addition to the activities outlined in the Spring Leader Packet, units will be able to sign up for troop kayaking, snorkeling, mountain biking, ultimate frisbee, troop beach cooking, and more.

• What activities can one participate in as an individual?

  Please refer to the Activity Sheet for a complete list of activities at Emerald Bay. This is also available in the Spring Leader Packet, which will be posted in the Spring.

• Who do I contact if I have special requests?

  Please look for the Special Requests Form on the Forms and Documents Section of the website.

• When do we sign up for troop activities?

  Your SPL will sign up for all the troop activities for your unit on the first evening of camp.

• What is War Canoe and does our unit need to sign up for it?

  War Canoe is Emerald Bay’s signature overnight experience. Your unit will canoe over to the secluded Parsons Beach on either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday and participate in a variety of activities throughout the day. This experience will help your troop learn to work together and grow as a unit. You will sleep under a blanket of stars on the beach and return to camp the next morning.

• Will I miss merit badges when I go on War Canoe?

  All of our merit badge lesson plans are designed on a four-day schedule, so you will not miss any class. Some classes, like Oceanography merit badge, may require you to attend a makeup session. Please pay close attention to your intructors’ specifications about this on the first day of class.

• What activities can adults participate in?

  Adult activities can be found on the Activity Sheet and in the Spring Leader Packet.

• How do I register for camp?

  Registration links for Summer Camp can be found on the Summer Camp Prices page of our website.

• What is the cost to attend camp?

  Several factors are included in determining your cost of attendance. Please refer to our pricelist to see the cost for the week you would like to attend.

• This cost is too much for some of my scouts. Is financial assistance available?

  Yes, you can find the Campership Application form on the Summer Camp Prices page of the website.

• Do you offer financial assistance to scouts who are not in the Western Los Angeles County Council?

  While we do offer some priority support to scouts from the WLACC, we do not make our support exclusive to them. Our campership awards are based on need and availability. In the past we have been fortunate enough to fulfill many out-of-council funding requests. However we cannot guarantee support at any time.

• I submitted a Campership Application, when will I hear back?

  We accept campership applications all through the summer but ask that you submit applications prior to making final payment so the award can be applied to your account. If you haven’t heard back from us on the status of your award in two weeks from the date that you submitted the application, please call (818) 933-0130.

• My scouts want to participate in the Rugged Explorer, Canoe, and SCUBA programs. Are the costs of those programs IN ADDITION to the cost of camp, or IN PLACE of the camp fee?

  The cost of these programs are in addition to the cost of attending camp. For the price schedules and fees associated with these programs, please check out the Summer Camp Prices page of the website

• Does the cost include the trip to the island?

  Yes, travel from San Pedro to Camp Emerald Bay is included in your fee.

• Can I change the number of participants on my reservation

  Yes, please fill out the Reservation Change Request form found on the Summer Camp Prices page of the website.

• I have a scout who is suddenly ill. Can we get a refund if cancelled?

  Refunds are reviewed by the Camping Department on a case-by-case basis. Email evidence of the request to [email protected] along with your request and we will get back to you with in two weeks. Refunds are only sent as checks back to the registration owner and may take up to 8 weeks to arrive.

• When will registration open for the following summer?

  Registration for our next summer season will open when our current season begins. Please check back on our website at that time for further information. 

• One of our scouts must go to summer school, can we get a refund?

  Typically the Camp Emerald Bay cancellation policy is applicable to those cancelling because of requisite summer school. However, we will evaluate these on a case by case basis. Please send any relevant documentation to [email protected] .

• Can I pay with my credit card?

  Unfortunately we do not accept payment by Credit or Debit Card. Our accepted methods of payments are Cash, Check, or Electronic Funds Transfer (online check).

• What reservations do I need to make to get to the island?

  The good news is, we take care of all of those arrangements for you. The cost of the trip to the island is included in your fees. Your only responsibility is getting to the USS Iowa parking lot on time.

• When and where does the boat depart on Sunday and arrive back on Saturday?

  The boat to camp leaves each Sunday as soon as troops are checked in and loaded up. The terminal is located at:  USS Iowa, Berth 87, San Pedro, CA.

  You should plan to arrive at the terminal at 6:00 a.m. to ensure proper check-in.

  Participants will return to the same location no later than 11:30 am the following Saturday.

• How early can I check in on Sunday?

  Check-in begins at 6:00 a.m.

• What will I need to check in?

  In order to receive the boarding pass for your group you must present a passenger manifest with the names of all of your participants. Additionally, your entire account must be paid in full. We ask that groups do their best to check in only after their entire group is present. Partially checked-in groups risk leaving participants behind.

• We are coming from out of town, how do we make sure we make it on time?

  If you are flying into LAX or Long Beach, make sure your flight arrives no later than 6:00 am in order to get to the terminal on time. If you would like to fly in the night before, there are plenty of places to stay nearby and make it to the terminal in the morning. When planning your return flight plan on the 11:30 am boat arrival in San Pedro.

• How do I get to the terminal from the airport?

  Shuttle services are typically the most cost-efficient way to travel from the airport. Super Shuttle has been a reliable provider in the past. You can contact them for reservations at http://www.supershuttle.com/.

• Is there a lot to leave our vehicles while we are at camp?

  The USS Iowa parking lot has plenty of parking available for $20/day.

• How do I get to camp if I can’t make it on Sunday, or if I need to leave before Saturday?

  Traveling to or from camp on days other than Sunday or Saturday requires advanced planning and will require an additional cost.

  You will need to purchase a one-way trip to Two-Harbors from San Pedro if you are coming to camp, or a ticket leaving Two Harbors to San Pedro if you are leaving camp. Catalina Express has its schedule here. Once you arrive in Two Harbors, or are ready to leave camp, you must charter a shore boat to the camp through the Two Harbors Harbor Department. They work on a charter system, meaning this is the price that would be paid for either the minimum or maximum number of passengers.

  2023 Two Harbors Charter Rates (One Way). Emerald Bay or Howlands Landing
  ♦1-6 Passengers Maximum – no gear: $108
  ♦1-6 Passengers Maximum – with gear: $162
  ♦7-22 Passengers Maximum – no gear: $270
  ♦7-22 Passengers Maximum – with gear: $325
  To schedule a charter please call the Two Harbors Harbor Department at (310) 510.4253.

• Where will we sleep when we are at camp?

  Your unit will sleep in one of our campsites, containing numerous two-man army style wall tents. Each tent contains two cots and two mattresses. In order to allow every Scout to come to camp, your unit may share a campsite with another troop. We thank you for your cooperation.

• We have one or more female leaders. Will they stay in the campsite with us?

   Female adult leaders do stay in the same campsite as their unit, as we can make separate accomodations for them. If you let us know one week in advance, we can make the accomodations more efficiently. Feel free to email [email protected] with any campsite concerns or updates.

• Can we reserve a campsite?

  You are more than welcome to let us know your campsite preference, and we will do our best to accomodate, but we do not take campsite reservations.

• How far is it from the boat to my campsite?

  Distances vary based on which campsite your unit may have, but most are about a five minute walk from the beach.

• Are there separate bathrooms and showers for female leaders?

  Yes.

  For more information about our Facilities, please visit our Facilities portion of his website.

• Do you have cabins available?

  We do not have cabins available for campers during the summer season.

• What are the bathrooms like?

  All bathrooms have flushable toilets and are separate for adults and youth.

• What are the showers like?

  The showers are also separate for adult and youth, and are separated in stalls with shower curtains.

• Are meals provided?

  Yes. The cost of camp includes all of your meals while at Camp Emerald Bay.

• Can units cook their own meals?

  Troops will have the opportunity to plan a meal menu and cook their own meals during a Unit Get Together. Additionally, units will cook their own meals over a beach campfire during the Parson’s overnight experience. Due to fire hazards, we do not allow units to have fires or cook meals in their campsites.

• Are there vegetarian options?

  In addition to a salad bar at most lunches and dinners, each meal provided at Camp Emerald Bay includes a vegetarian alternative.

• Can Camp Emerald Bay provide food for campers with allergies or special diets?

  If notified prior to arrival, Camp Emerald Bay can accommodate many, but not all, allergies and special diets. We routinely serve meals to guests with peanut, gluten, and dairy allergies. For special requests, dietary restrictions or food allergies please fill out the Special Request Form.

• Can I purchase meal upgrades?

  We currently do not offer any upgradeable meal options at Camp Emerald Bay.

• Can I bring my own food?

  While units are welcome to bring food to keep in their campsite, we only allow food to be stored in our kitchen under special dietary circumstances and provide no access to the kitchen for cooking personal meals. We also cannot refund or discount a portion of camper fees for guests who bring their own meals.

• Do I need a mess kit?

  Scouts will need a mess kit only for their Parson’s Overnight. The Emerald Bay dining hall provides plates, cups, and silverware for all in-camp meals.

• Which meals are served during a week of camp?

  Camp Emerald Bay provides meals from Sunday lunch through Saturday breakfast. For troops arriving early, please see the Transportation section of the FAQ.

• I have a CPAP, can I run a power cord to my tent?

  We can accommodate guests with CPAP machines. Please fill out the Special Request Form before your visit so we can make sure you get a campsite close to an outlet.

• I have daily medication that needs to be refrigerated.

  Our health lodge has a refrigerator and we are happy to work with you to ensure you have access to your medication.

• I have daily medication (non-refrigerated) do I need to turn it into the camp Doctor?

  We ask that your adult leader take responsibility for medication. With so many people in camp we cannot take responsibility for dispensing medication.

• What happens if there is a medical emergency?

  During the summer camp is staffed by a physician who is on call 24/7. In the event that a patient needs to be transported to the hospital Baywatch (paramedics) will respond in approximately 15 minutes.

• I am in wheelchair, can I come to camp?

  While not fully ADA accessible we are eager to work with you to make sure we can serve your needs. Please email [email protected] to help arrange your visit.

• I have food allergies; can I eat in the dining hall?

  We can generally serve all food allergies, please see the Food section of the FAQ for more details.

• We have a camper with special needs, what accommodations can be made?

  Our staff has experience working with a wide variety of special needs campers, including those with ADD, ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, hearing loss, blindness, movement impairments, and those with other needs. We strive to serve every camper and are eager to work with you. Please email [email protected] to help arrange your visit.

• I have general questions about camp, who can I call?

  During the fall or spring please call or e-mail our camping registrar at 818-933-0130 or [email protected]

  During the summer please call or e-mail our camp clerk at 310-510-1795 or [email protected]

• I need to get in touch with a camper in an emergency (EMERGENCY ONLY):

  Please call 310-510-1795

• I have questions at Merit Badges, who can I call?

  Please e-mail [email protected] or call 818-933-0130

• I want to mail in a payment, what address do I use?

  Western Los Angeles County Council Boy Scouts
  Unit C-8
  16525 Sherman Way
  Van Nuys, CA 91406

• We need a place to stay the night before camp, where do you recommend?

  There are two options we recommend:

  Our sister camp, Camp Josepho, is only 40 minutes from the dock and is wonderful staging point for your trip to the islan. Visit www.campjosepho.org, or call 818-933-0130.

  Many units also stay at the BSA Cabrillo Youth Center in San Pedro. They can be reached at 310-831-1984 or by visiting http://www.cabrilloyouthcamp.org/contactus.html

• We are flying into LAX, how do we get to camp?

  We recommend www.supershuttle.com

• What is the address of the terminal?

  USS Iowa, Berth 87, San Pedro, CA

• I want to mail a package to a camper, what address do I use?

  For USPS:
  (Name of person) Troop #, Council, Session #
  Camp Emerald Bay, B.S.A.
  P.O. Box 5066
  Avalon, CA 90704-5066

  For U.P.S, DHL, and Fed Ex Air delivery for packages:
  (Name of person) Troop #, Council, Session #
  Camp Emerald Bay, B.S.A.
  1 Cove Road
  Avalon, CA 90704-5066

  DUE TO PAST PROBLEMS WE RECOMMEND NO PACKAGES BE SENT USING FEDEX GROUND.

  Note: Mail sent to Catalina Island by U.S. Postal Service, including Express Mail, takes 1-2 days longer than normal. For faster service please use UPS or FedEx Air