The best outdoor camping experience you can have is at Camp Emerald Bay. It is a guaranteed…read moreunforgettable, unparalleled, and unique experience. Staff is fun too!

Stayed at Emerald Bay over the summer (my son as a scout, and myself as a adult leader), and we had…read morea great time. This was my first time at a summer camp, so I didn't know much to expect. The location was beautiful with the calm ocean, beach, and trails. My son learned a lot in the merit badge programs (including shooting a shotgun), and I even got to try scuba diving. Parson's Landing is a gorgeous beach there, and the staff there were excellent. In addition, the food was good too (for a scout camp). I totally recommend Emerald Bay as a fun summer camp for scouts!

I just got back yesterday from chaperoning middle school kids at CIMI, Fox Landing…read more My 5 star review is for the activities we did as well as the incredibly passionate, patient, and knowledgeable staff we got to work with, Brenna and Sofie. As a company, I hope you acknowledge, compensate generously, and appreciate the staff on your team for their hard work and dedication to the people who visit your camp and for giving us the experiences we have that make us want to send our kids the following years. It is them, and their talents, that turn a 2-star facility into a 5-star experience. I can not emphasize that last sentence enough, so a little louder for the people in the back: BRENNA AND SOFIE TURNED YOUR 2-STAR FACILITY INTO A 5-STAR EXPERIENCE. Our school signed up for intro to snorkeling, a night snorkel, a second day snorkel with play time (jumping off the floater), tide pooling, the large air swing, and kayaking. I read quite a few of the 1-3 star reviews from years past and could not disagree with them more. Could the facilities be upgraded? Yes. Should they be? Maybe. But this is camp. Have none of you gone camping before?? Camping is dirty. It is dusty. There are bugs. You're lucky when there are flushing toilets. This isn't a hotel with maids! And all of these kids- they could all use a lesson or two on cleaning up after themselves. You want the bathrooms to be clean? Teach your kids to not piss on the seat. You want camp floors clean? Teach your kids to shake off sand before coming in, and how to sweep the floors. It was embarrassing to see how many 13yo didn't know how to sweep the cafeteria of the food THEY DROPPED ONTO THE FLOOR 5 mins ago. I felt like all of these things, they were learning experiences for the kids and the ones that complained the most needed the lessons the most. The only time I had a real concern during the camp was during the night snorkeling; as the chaperone, I had a few minutes of panic when I felt claustrophobic as half of the kids (Sofie and I were watching 16 13yos) were climbing on top of me/the boogie board I was given, and the secondary chaperone, not a strong swimmer, also started to drag on me. During the night dives, I wonder if it would be possible to provide not just a buddy system, but have a handful of body boards provided to the kids? Some of these kids have 0 swim skills and not knowing if school-appointed chaperones are good swimmers, taking 16 kids into the ocean at night, hoping for the best... feels like there could be a couple extra measures in place. Food was sufficient- it was all "edible" and while I did see kids eating only cereal all three days, I also saw kids piling up their plates and eating it all. I did wish there was a way to keep the hundreds of small black fruit flies off of the salad greens and broccoli in the salad bar. Our rooms were inspected upon departure and another school did arrive by boat as we were departing. This means that the only cleaning done for bathrooms/cabins was by our departing kids, so my advice for future parents sending their kids- pack clorox wipes so your kid can wipe down the plastic mattress before setting up their bed and to wipe the toilet seat before their cheeks touch the pee-splattered seats. Pack crocs so they have shower slippers- shower floors were really gross. Know in advance that your kids will be wearing recently-pissed-in wetsuits, about 2 hours after another kid has worn them- but I'm going to guess this is true for every single rental gear dive spot at any vacation destination. And also know that they'll have a great time at camp.

I've sent my kids, nephews and recommended to friends. The program is top shelf! They deliver fun,…read moreadventure, and space for kids to be be kids.

Our son went to CSC last year as a young 8-year-old who didn't know anyone there. He has ADHD and…read moredyslexia, which I'm mentioning because I've noticed it matters to some of the moms writing reviews. He had an amazing time. He made friends, learned to cook, and got through some homesickness, and he came home so proud of himself. Honestly, some of the other reviews confused me. Overnight camp isn't supposed to be perfect or easy. The whole point is for kids to have fun while learning to do things on their own. Before he went, we practiced with him on how to make friends and how to speak up for himself, and we did what we could to set him up well. The staff were great with him. They stepped in when he needed help, but they also let him work things out himself, which is exactly what we wanted. It's probably not the right fit for every family. But if you want your kid to gain some independence in a beautiful place, with lots of fun and a good amount of support, I'd highly recommend it. Don't let a few reviews scare you away. We'll definitely be back next year!

To improve, 1.when you say the class schedule is going to be emailed on Friday then send it…read more Instead, told on Friday will get it when we arrive. We asked when we arrive to drop off still no list of what they are doing and when. 2. Just pretend that Jacque might care when kids are bullying your child. He went to her the first day and said he needed a new cabin because the kids were mean and the counselor in the cabin and she refused. Pretty much said handle it. After that he did not want to go to any of the classes he signed up for because there was always one of the kids from the bullies in that class. Then it was hard because there was no direction on the classes for a kid with dyslexia. I could go on and on but I'll just say unless your child or teen is going with a friend find a different camp.

Amazing Experience. Campus by the Sea is such a great place…read moreto grow closer to others and God. They are able to strike a balance between cutting out distractions, while still having fun. Attending Youth Camp has been one of the best experiences of my year, thank you to all the leaders, counselors, and the rest of the crew for making such experience possible. Even the media team was cooking... go team green btw

My first visit was in 1997 and most recent in Summer of 2021, it just keeps getting better and…read morebetter! This is a private camp that both puts on programming in the summer (family camps) and also rents the camp to other groups who want to come and host their programs at this beautiful location (churches, school groups, marine groups, etc.). I have attended camps that were hosted here by IVCF and the related Alumni Camp - they are top notch! The location is amazing. Just a one-hour boat ride away from LA, yet you'll think you are a world away. In fact, my daughter used to think Catalina was a different country, it felt so different from home. It's a great mix of modern and rustic: Electricity in the Dining Hall, Classrooms, and Bathroom (yes, there is modern plumbing with hot showers), but no electricity in your cabins (a mixture of enclosed and open-air hard-walled and tent cabins). And yes - no cell phone service!!! What a joy to tell my work I was unavailable while on vacation! A bigger joy to see your teens with no phones, finally giving in and playing card games all evening with friends and family. And don't worry, there is a land line in camp if you really need to call a loved one to check in. The staff works with a spirit of wanting to serve, they love their jobs. My most recent visit during COVID, I saw them all step up to do more work to ensure all health standards were being met. We felt safe and realized that having an open-air dining room is now a great feature! I have also been impressed by their efforts to keep long-term staff employed during the pandemic, the stability of camp leadership is serving them well as we come out of the pandemic. For those with children, this place is extra special as there is no road access to camp, everyone arrives on the pier by boat. This means, no stranger danger. Even as a 4 year-old, we could let our daughter go around camp on her own and experience a unique independence that wouldn't exist at home. Now a teen, she loves bringing friends and eagerly awaits this family vacation each year. Finally - this place is fun! When weather allows, there is snorkling, swimming, fishing, tubing, hiking, basketball, ping pong, volleyball, and campfire sing-alongs ... and everything is included in your camp price (no surprise add-on's). Sometimes there are opportunities to hike into Avalon and be brought back by boat (usually during week-long camps). Different groups program different events, but I have never been bored and have always been sad to leave. Seriously, if you have an opportunity to experience Campus By the Sea yourself, GO! I wasn't sure about going that first time, but I'm sure glad I did!

BEST WEDDING VENUE EVER!…read more My husband and I dreamed of a wedding where everyone could stay together onsite, immersed in nature, with no worries about driving after a night of fun, and Camp Osito Rancho made that dream a reality. Our families stayed in the health center, lodge, and electrified cabins, while our friends embraced the adventure of summer cabins and tents. The venue offers so many stunning spaces, from the spacious dining hall for meals to the stage/amphitheater with fire pits--perfect for s'mores and late-night stories. We exchanged vows at the top of a hill near the outdoor pavilion, with a gorgeous backdrop of pine trees and a view of Big Bear Lake in the distance. We were able to offer our guests camp activities like archery and a pool day, as well as had room to setup other activities like craft tables and lawn games. The biggest perk was the complete freedom to choose our own vendors, allowing us to create a truly personalized experience (huge shoutout to Scratch Kitchen for catering--our guests still rave about the food). We spent a year making signs, collecting décor, buying solar lights, and crafting to transform this Girl Scout camp into a full-blown wedding festival. If you're up for planning the details, this venue is the ultimate blank canvas. Last but not least, the Camp Osito Rancho team is absolutely amazing. A huge thanks to Angel for her help throughout the year, Ryan for his help throughout the weekend, and to Gerardo for the tour that sold us from the start. For a wedding that feels like an unforgettable getaway, this place is pure magic

Amazing camp!! Came with sweet elite Girl Scouts 2020. My daughter canoed, rode horses, zip lined,…read morelearned archery. So many activities. Well worth the work. Beautiful campsite.

My son attended his first season at Camp Adventurewood in 2023 - it was his first experience at a…read moresummer camp and he was a little nervous and shy but all his counselors made him feel so welcome and comfortable and after the first day he was hooked! He loved the variety of activities and made so many new friends. He came home with fun stories each day. I loved that they offered a variety of options from 2 days/week to 5 days. We returned last summer and an unexpected and sudden medical event threw our summer for a loop. They were beyond kind and accommodating. Michael, the owner, personally made sure we were taken care of at a very scary time and was just incredibly kind and communicative. I can't thank him and his staff enough for the support. I would recommend this camp for any family. Its like a classic, old-school summer day camp experience!

My son attended Adventurewood camp for the first time this week. For the most part he enjoyed…read morehimself -- particularly the characters they introduce throughout the week. However, we decided to pull him out for next week because of a very disturbing situation. He shared that a counselor had pushed him with both hands on his shoulders during a capture the flag activity. He had dropped his flag and was putting it back on when a counselor (he didn't know her name) pushed him back hard enough to make him lose his balance and fall. She also barked "you need to reset!" She didn't ask if he was ok or help him up. You'd think if this was an accidental push and he fell over she would say something like "sorry bud are you ok? Here let me help you up" but nope, not a word. A friend he's attending camp with witnessed the whole incident. Since I pick them both up in the afternoons they both recounted this situation to me and both of them noted how inappropriate her behavior was. I immediately reached out to Michael, the owner of the camp. He said he wanted to identify this counselor and get her side of the story. Understandable. My son felt uncomfortable going back the next day but I reassured him it would be handled and offered to drop him off in the morning and stick around to talk to Michael and the counselor. I wanted him to feel safe. Michael identified her (her name is Carson) and said he wanted to talk to her first, which he did a few feet away from me. I heard her say she didn't push him. They then walked over to me and she again denied everything. So we asked both kids to come over and recount what happened. They both did -- in front of her -- and reiterated she pushed him. She denied even touching him. So Michael suggests at this point that perhaps it was an accident and my son responds by saying "how do you push someone like that by accident?!" No response. So I ask her, are you saying these kids are lying? She again said she didn't touch him and at this point we send the kids away. I'm incensed because not only does she gaslight both of them to their face but tells this bold faced lie to her boss in front of the campers and me. I tell her I believe them and I think she's the one lying. At this point she gives me this dirty look - angry, irritated and almost rolls her eyes at me. I turn to Michael and say "and now she's giving ME an attitude?!" Unbelievable. In a follow up call, he tells me how good of a person she is and that this is shocking for him to hear but that she doesn't seem like someone who would do something like this...that she's getting her teacher credentials and he knows her really well. I am getting the vibe he doesn't actually believe any of this and he sounds very skeptical. I respond by telling him that it's almost always surprising when people exhibit bad behavior and that even teachers do bad things...that doesn't make her any more credible in my eyes. He acknowledged that. In fact, it's worse because I would be really concerned to have someone like that teaching a kid. Lack of empathy, accountability, and integrity. I mean, I think it's great he's trying to have her back but there are moments in life when you need to draw a line and act swiftly...these are one of those moments. Because ultimately, this impacts the reputation of your camp. I told him that it would be good to offer training to his staff in case this ever happens again in the future and honestly he sounded baffled and asked me to clarify...I said well maybe tell your staff not to give dirty looks to a mom who's clearly upset that her son just got pushed by a grown adult at summer camp?? I told him that the response to this situation could've resulted in a totally different outcome. Had she said something like "I really don't recall pushing you but if I inadvertently did and made you feel bad I'm sorry - I didn't mean to do that" - I would've went home that morning feeling fine about the situation. When I told him this he said that he's not going to police all her reactions, that she's still young, that she's still learning and made all kinds of excuses for her. Exhausting. Apparently she got a "warning" and will sit out of the flag activity (umm, ok...). He seems like a smart guy and wish him nothing but success in the future and I was earnestly trying to offer advice for how to handle a situation like this better but it fell on deaf ears. I really hope that some kind of learning comes out of this for both of them. Oh and to top it off, my son's friend told her mom that Carson was giving her looks several times throughout the day today and when she asked what kind she said "side eye" looks. NOT COOL. My son also said she was kind of mean to him but wondering why they were even in close proximity when Michael said they'd absolutely be separated and would not see each other? Validates we both made the right choice by pulling them both out. He offered a refund but I'm still pissed about the situation.

My boys just got home from Camp Nawakwa and had the time of their lives!…read more My older son was homesick and his cabin counselor, Squirrel, did amazing calming him and getting him involved. There was lots of activities and they had options so they could choose the things that interested them. Swimming, crafts, archery, drama, rock climbing. They had a dance and camp fires, they performed skits. When I went to pick them up my little one had lost his voice from singing and cheering so much. My homesick boy didn't want to leave... He even asked to go back for the next weeks session. Days later they are still singing their cabin songs and telling stories about what they did while they were there. I know my kids can't wait to go back and I'm so thankful they had this experience. And I'm going to make sure they return to Camp Nawakwa because they have made memories they will cherish for a lifetime...and they'll make even more in the summers to come

Camp Nawakwa-Angelus Forest Site I went on a camping trip…read morewith our church Agape Christian Center on June 5-7, 2015. I wanted to take a moment to compliment you on the cleanliness of your camp! I was pleasantly surprised. Your staff were all very friendly,courteous, and helpful. I specially wanted to thank your head chef, (I hope I have the name right, Shawn?)I have a gluten free kid and he was so nice, and helpful. He completely went out of his way, his food was delish!He made my job of having to pack gluten free food obsolete! I am so thankful! All in all had a great time, we Will definitely be back!!! See you soon! Delia Ybarra

We have been participating in the Laurel Foundations activities and services for about 3 years. We…read moreare so happy with the quality of the activities (summer camp/meet ups/informational zooms). We are so grateful for the community.

Thank you so much to everyone at the Laurel Foundation for Camp Mulberry! My 15-year-old just got…read moreback from camp - it was her first time away from home without one of us with her, and it was her first camp experience. She had what I can only describe as a transformative time. She came home so much more self-confident, joyful and the most comfortable I've ever seen her in her body. After years of suffering from depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, seeing this kind of change and growth in my child in such a short amount of time made me teary eyed. I'm forever grateful.

I'm not a camper but we had to stop here for a night because visibility was getting pretty bad and…read morewe couldn't go further on our 50 mile hike. The campground was quiet nice all things considered. There's a ranger station and also full facilities down the hill. I slept on the table because I didn't want to be down low with the crappy crawlies. Please come and create your own adventure.

I have always wanted to go to Catalina and we finally went and decided to go to two harbors and…read morestay in their tent cabins. They were clean and nice! They provide you with propane for the stove they provide. Will definitely go back back it was a great time.