As details are made available, this page will be updated. Last update: May 30, 2024 10AM

KEY FACTS:

1. The Ferry departure time is 11:45AM (11:15AM checkin). Give extra time to park and unload. Emerald is not easy to get to on your own, and no refunds are being offered for being late. Anticipate traffic heading to Long Beach at that time. Prepare for 45-90min drive from south OC. See Parking/Boat Location info below with screenshot
2. Forms must be completed and handed to your circle nav prior to the ferry's departure. (There are two forms for each adult)
3. ABSOLUTELY NO WAGONS UNLESS BROKEN DOWN AND STRAPPED TO A DUFFLE PRIOR TO HEADING DOWN THE GANGWAY TO BOARD THE FERRY. THERE WILL BE A MAXIMUM ALLOWANCE OF 4 TOUGH CHEST ROLLERS PER CIRCLE - COORDINATE!
4. Label your equipment for easy offloading (Last name and Circle Name)
5. If planning on going in the water, a full wet suit is highly recommended. 
6. Snorkling gear is available, but you can bring your own if prefered
7. Water shoes are highly recommended. (Rocky beaches).
8. Bring a cot sheet in addition to your sleeping bag and pillow.
9. Power is not available at the tents, but lockers are nearby with outlets in each. Bring a padlock if you prefer.
10. Fishing rods are not provided, bring your own equipment. Bait will be provided.
11. Alternative food options are highly recommended. Emerald Camp received negative feedback about food served during the past campout. Hopefully this has improved for our weekend, but be prepared. Expect two nights of heavier-than-usual midnight meat.
12. Propane/coooking fuel is not permitted on the ferry. It must be reserved and purchased from the camp store. They only have 5 gallon tanks and charcoal, so do not bring any grills that require mini tanks. If you would like to utilize a 5 gallon tank, a reservation must be made no later than 5/27. Coordinate with your circle nav ASAP. 
13. No fires of any kind are permitted anywhere near the tents. 
14. Several fireplates are available for use on the beach. Tripods are permitted and recommended.
15. Firewood will be provided. There will be no shortage.
16. REMINDER: If caught with alcohol, you may be suspended from AG and may risk getting the entire GCPE getting banned from this site. You signed a waiver.

[ REQUIRED READING & FORMS ]

The links below include some required reading. There are also 2 form requirements, an adult release + firearms/activities waiver. Both waivers must be completed, printed and handed in prior to arrival at Emerald Bay. Please be ready to hand off on/at the Ferry departure.

Camp Emerald Bay Safety Rules

Adult release form

Firearms permission form

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[ CAMPGROUND INFO ]

This is a new camp for most of us!  Emerald Bay is north of Two Harbors and it close to the northern end of the island. Read about the camp's history here.

** Do not expect gourtmet meals. Bring alternative meals if concerned. **

Emerald Bay Campground video 1:  https://youtu.be/Ul8bWB6h7cM

Emerald Bay Campground video 2: https://youtu.be/dEAhk-wAjLU

Printable event flyer (pdf)

• 05/31 @ 11:45AM: Chartered cruise departs out of Long Beach via Harbor Breeze Cruises directly to Emerald Bay Campground
• 06/02 @ 10:45AM: Chartered return to Long Beach
• Expedition games will be Kayak race, Bucket challenge, Dodgeball. Also open fishing tournament
• Graduation Ceremony will be held (prepare for lengthy campfire night)
• Previous awards and patches will be available
• Emerald Bay Campground facilities are a significant upgrade to White's Landing (past two seasons)
• Boat to/from Emerald Bay, lodging and meals included (Fri Dinner, Sat Break/Lunch/Dinner, Sun Break)
• Traditional cots with foam mattresses (Just two per tent.But a 3rd can be added). Bring your cot sheet, sleeping bag, camp pillow
• Camp Map here

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[ PARKING LOCATION ]

**DO NOT park in the Aquarium Structure, you will get towed overnight**

Pike Place Structure 

65 Cedar Ave

Long Beach, CA 90802

Bring Parking Ticket for Validation/Discounted Rate

[ BOAT LOCATION ] 

Harbor Breeze @ Long Beach Aquarium

100 Aquarium Way

Dock #2

Long Beach, CA 90802

See screenshot for unloading roundabout, dock access and parking location

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[ DINNING HALL RULES ]

• When the Bell rings, enter through the side doors of the dining hall

• You must wash hands before entering. (There are wash sinks on both sides of the dining hall)

• To reduce the number of Yellow Jackets (Bees), we have relocated our trash cans around the

side of the dining hall, outside, past the wash sinks.

• When you are done eating, please clean-up after yourself and throw away all trash.

• Trash must be separated. Green bins are for food waste ONLY, Grey bins for regular trash.

• There is a water bottle filling station on the right side of the dining hall veranda and a coffee /

Tea station for adults on the left side. There is also drink stations inside the dining hall as well.

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[ ITINERARY (WIP) ]

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Friday (NO LUNCH):

- 11:15AM: Check-in for ferry

- 11:45AM: Scheduled departure *possible check in by 11:30AM latest*

- 12PM Orientation on boat

Easy going rest of the day, mid afternoon hike possible

- 6PM: Dinner

- 9PM or later: Midnight MEAT (suggestion)

Saturday:

- 8AM: Breakfast

- 9AM: Free time, snorkling, kayak, hikes

- 12PM Lunch

- 1PM: Expedition games  (Kayak Races, Dodgeball Tournament, Bucket Challenge, Fishing tournament)

- 6PM: Dinner

- 7PM: Campfire (End of season + Graduation ceremony)

- 10PM on: Midnight MEAT

Sunday:

- 8AM: Breakfast

- 10:30AM: All equipment at dock ready for departure

-10:45AM: Depart​ure

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[ PACKING LIST ] (SUGGESTED) ]

Packing list suggestions from Emerald Camp

• Pack layers, the nights can be cold.
• Wagons are allowed on the boat, but not recommended as you must break down the waggon and strap it to your duffle BEFORE moving down the gangway for the ferry.. Emptying and folding takes time, so arrive by 11AM if this is your plan. If you have a Dewalt Tough Chest or something similar, make sure it is one of a maximum of 4 in your circle. 
• Label your things - they may fall from wagons AND will help expedite offloading. (Last name + Circle Name)
• Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Pads (there will be cot mattresses, pack a pad if preferred)
• Cot sheet
• Camp Pillow
• Lanterns, Flashlights, Headlamps (batteries)
• Reusable water bottles
• Camp Chairs (small folding, not large frame) This would be for using around the tents, and maybe by the beach or smaller beach fires. The main campfire has concrete amphitheater style seating. Keep in mind, your chairs need to be strapped to your duffle/backpack if needed.
• Games - frisbee, ladder ball, etc
• Beach Towels
• Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hats
• Personal snacks & beverages
• Cooking tripod (coordinate through circle nav - LEAVE PORTABLE (mini tank) GRILLS AT HOME)
• Full body wet suit (if planning on going in the water)
• Water shoes (beach is rocky)
• YOUR AG VESTS!
• Circle and Expedition Flags!

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[ CAMP ACTIVITIES (WIP) ] -  "open house" style, you have the flexibility to do what you want given the activity windows.

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Activity Windows TBD

• Nature Hikes
• Snorkeling
• Swimming
• Kayaks
• Paddle Boards
• BB Guns
• Archery 
• Marine Science Center

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[ FAQs ] 

Q: Will firewood be available?

A: "We have plenty of firewood and will stock the campfire circle, all the YMCAs are free to use our wood. There is no additional cost involved." - Emerald Bay Camp

Q: Can I bring a campfire ring?

A: No fires allowed at the campsites or cabins. The maincampfire ring is amphitheater style seating for up to 500 people. There are campfire rings available throughout the beach area. Good for cooking tripods.

Q: Are we allowed to bring grills?

A: "We have a large charcoal BBQ grill on the beach that your dads can use. This year we have 20lbs. bags of charcoal, as part of the weekend we include 1 free bag of charcoal, and then it will be and additional $20 per bag if the groups need more beyond that. This cost will be added to the group's final invoice, so we just need to keep proper accounting of which groups request extra charcoal so we can charge accordingly. If some of dads prefer to bring their own large portable grill, we can rent some of our 5-gallon propane tanks for $35 per tank (or refill). We have about four tanks on hand in camp.*Please also keep in mind that there are no fires allowed in the campsites or cabins, so grilling is only allowed on the beach or by the grill behind our dining hall." - Emerald Bay Camp

****NOTE -  PROPANE/CAMP FUEL IS NOT PERMITTED ON THE BOAT. IT MUST BE PURCHASED FROM THE CAMP. THEY ONLY RENT 5G TANKS & CHARCOAL.***

Q: Will lunch be provided on Friday?

A: No lunch will be provided on Friday arrival. Make arrangements with your circle.

Q: Will we have access to the BB gun and archery ranges?

A: Yes, all activities will be open.

Q: Are we in tents or cabins? How is this determined?

A: Hosting circle (Bears) will be assigning. 

Q: Are we allowed to bring our own tents for beach camping?

A: "We don’t want anyone camping directly on the waterfront (program areas) so they would need to set-up on camp-side of the rope fence that separates the waterfront. For those wanting to tent near the beach, it would be ideal for them to set-up by the North Hill cabins near Doctors Cove. The ground is much softer since the waterfront has a ton of rocks and is away from any foot traffic areas." - Emerad Bay Camp

Q: Is Soren a real Viking?

A: That depends on who you ask.