We suggest the following items for each of our Catalina Field Trippers:
Tent: Tent Assignments will be organized by the EEP and the Field Trippers. Please check the Big Board for Tent Sign-Up sheet. EEPsters typically team up and share tents but individuals may pitch a single if desired. Campers sharing tents must be of the same gender, of course. Note it is wise to test the tent beforehand (see note below)
Sleeping Bag: It gets rather chilly at night
Air Mattress: A necessity because the ground is extremely hard. Also, because the campground is very shaded there is always a generous layer of tree debris not to mention plenty of little pointy rocks!
Pillow: Something we always forget and really miss later. A roll of clothes or towel can also serve the purpose but a small inflatable pillow can be a nice treat.
Clothing Should Include:
a) warm sweater or sweatshirt for the evenings
b) shorts, tanks and other light summer wear for the day's activities
c) swimming suits and towel
d) undergarments
e) comfortable shoes, extra socks and flip-flops (for the shower area). Note that the Island is small and the kids will be hoofing it a lot during the weekend, so comfortable shoes are a necessity!
Toiletries and Personal Items Should Include:
f) deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush and/or other misc hygienic products
g) limited hair care tools and/or machinery (!)
h) sunblock, insect repellant and a small first aid kit couldn't hurt
i) change (quarters) for the showers and the vending machines at the campground
Flashlight or Lantern: We don't want you to run into unseen BBQ grills in the dark.
Baggage allowance: two pieces per person to be stored in the Catalina Express' luggage hold, and each piece must weigh under 70 pounds and not exceed 21"x24"x36". Additionally, campers can bring one carry-on (that does not exceed 12"x12"x24").
Items not allowed: trash cans as luggage, dollies/carts/wagons that are larger than 24"x20" and no 4-wheeled dollies at all, windsurfers, kayaks (bikes and surfboards are allowed, but you must make a reservation in advance and there is an extra charge -- generally $3 each way), coolers over 120 quarts or over 70 pounds or over 36" in length, and obviously no dangerous commodities including fuel, firewood, batteries, charcoal, flammables, combustibles, etc. Consult the Catalina Express website for more information.
Other Suggestions and Tips
It is wise to set up your tent prior to packing it for the trip. Missing parts can really be frustrating so checking your equipment while still at home is recommended.
The Island is small but the kids will be hoofing it a lot during the weekend so wear comfortable shoes! There is a tram service (The Island Hopper) that runs from the campground through Avalon about every 1/2 hour from 8am to 10pm, $1 a ride or $5 for an all-day pass.
Catalina is a tourist spot and everything in Avalon has to be shipped over, so costs are inflated. Students should bring as many snack and food items as possible. Granola and other dry items are best. Remember that wild animals live in the woods and they enjoy human food, so keep all food items safe.
There are various pay activities (like canoeing, biking and kayaking) on the Island, so if possible, provide allowance advances.
At times there will be an abundance of free time which can be used just to relax at the campground or at any one of numerous beautiful Island locations. Bring a book or other hobby-like item to aid in the relaxation efforts.