Click Here For Directions to the Boat Terminal(San Pedro Terminal Catalina Express)

Icon/SecondaryLogo Created with Sketch.
Join Our Team Register Now Request Info
Howlands Landing 1922
video-spacer

Unplug • Connect • Discover

Catalina Island Camps develops life-long skills through fun and unique outdoor experiences in a community that cultivates respect for self, others and the environment. At CIC​, our programs are built around our mission and the unique marine and land environments of Howlands Landing.

Our Mission
Desktop-Cuve Created with Sketch.
Mobile-Curve Created with Sketch.

CIC Programs

Summer Camp

We are a one and two-week co-ed sleepaway camp for children and teens 1st through 10th grade.

Learn More
Dates & Rates
kids kayaking off the coast of Catalina Island

Camper Leadership Programs

Programs for high school juniors and seniors to develop personal and group leadership skills

Jean-Michel Cousteau Family Camp

A camp adventure with Jean-Michel and his team from Ocean Futures Society

School Year Program

An experiential education program for school groups from 4th to 12th grade

Our Location

​Howlands Landing is located at the west end of Santa Catalina Island, 22 miles west of Los Angeles, California.

Howlands Landing
Boat Departure
aerial shot of Catalina Island

Meet Our Team

​We’re proud to be family operated since 1995 by Tom and Maria Horner, which allows us to create a strong community here on the island.

See All Staff
Tom and Maria Horner, owners of Catalina Island Camps
Tom & Maria Horner Executive Directors
Christine
Christine Honan Simpson General Manager CELP Director
Nick Horner
Nick Horner Program Director
A person wearing glasses and a striped shirt stands outdoors by a palm tree and a building near the beach, evoking the laid-back vibe of summer camp on Catalina Island.
Eric Simpson General Manager Facility and Food Service
A person with long hair and a white jacket smiles outdoors amidst the lush greenery of a summer camp, with trees and a grassy field in the background.
Holly Kern CELP Registrar

News & Blog

News & Blog
two tall palm trees at the end of the dock

Are Kids Who Go to Summer Camp Happier the Rest of the Year?

The Benefits of Summer Camp in California While it's difficult to make sweeping generalizations about the happiness levels...

Read More
sunset with the top of palm trees

Navigating the Camp Conundrum: A Parent’s Journey from Camper to Caregiver

Sleepover Camp Summer camp is a sanctuary of adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories For many of us who fondly...

Read More
Two campers being pulled in a tube by a powerboat

Expanding Horizons: The Benefits of Exposing Kids to Different Opinions and Perspectives at Sleepaway Camp

Summer camps can be a melting pot of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences Campers from all walks of life come...

Read More
bright orange sunset

Navigating Concerns: Sending Your Child to Camp Amidst Differing Perspectives

As a parent, it's natural to want the best for your child—to protect them, guide them, and instill in them the values and...

Read More
campers with their hands in the air at sunset

Navigating Parental Guilt: Finding Balance and Self-Care

Parenting is a rewarding yet demanding journey filled with love, joy, and countless sacrifices As parents, we strive to...

Read More
camper and counselor smiling after swimming

Unleashing Potential: The Transformative Power of Summer Camp for Adolescent Males

Summer camp on Catalina conjures up images of campfires, camaraderie, waterfront activities, and carefree days spent on the...

Read More
Two campers being pulled in a tube by a powerboat

The Unbreakable Bonds of Camp: How Camp Friends Stand Apart

There's something magical about the friendships forged amidst the cabins, crackling campfires, and starlit nights of summer...

Read More
kids in life jacket on boat

What Kids Who Go to Summer Camp Can Teach Their Parents

As parents, we often find ourselves in the role of teachers, guiding our children through life's lessons and imparting...

Read More
top of palm trees in the sky

The Ultimate Adventure: Being a Summer Camp Counselor on Catalina Island

Nestled off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island offers a unique and unforgettable summer camp experience for...

Read More
campers kayaking through the Howlands Landing harbor

Benefits of Summer Camps with International Counselors

Sending kids to a camp that employs international counselors can be a great idea for several reasons, as it offers a unique...

Read More
pink and blue sunset

Sleepaway Summer Camp Can Benefit Parents Too!

Sending kids to sleep-away summer camp can benefit parents in several ways Here are 9 that we find to be the most...

Read More
boy doing archery

How Does Summer Camp Help Kids Recharge and Recenter?

Disconnecting from Screens Summer camp encourages a break from digital devices and screens This break from technology...

Read More
beautiful blue ocean water and blue sky

Catalina Island: The Perfect Summer Sleep-Away Camp Destination in Southern California

Summer sleep-away camps are a time-honored tradition for children and teenagers, offering a chance to disconnect from...

Read More
two girls climbing together on the climbing wall

Summer Camp Rock Climbing – A Great Confidence Booster

Rock climbing can be a great confidence booster for summer campers Here are some ways that rock climbing can help build...

Read More
counselors and campers posing for a photo with lifejackets on by the dock

10 Reasons to Become a Camp Counselor

10 reasons why you should work with us as a camp counselor: You get to be a role model When you interact with...

Read More
girls talking at camp

Lifelong Lessons Learned at Summer Camp

For those adults who went to sleepaway camp as kids, summer camp was a huge part of their childhoods They not only tried...

Read More
camper and counselor smiling after swimming

Summer Camp Counselor Skills Can Help You Get a Job

Helpful Summer Camp Counselor Skills Many employers are impressed with people who have experience as summer camp...

Read More
4 girls holding kayak paddles

SoCal Summer Camp’s Biggest Benefits for Kids

With summer just around the corner, many parents recall their childhood summer days as carefree and full of joy Despite the...

Read More
scenic view of water and doc

Living in the Moment at Sleepaway Camp

Did you know that meaningful learning takes place at summer camp There may be no books, no homework, no studying, and no...

Read More
Two campers being pulled in a tube by a powerboat

To Go to Camp Alone or With a Friend?

That is the Eternal Question… Camp counselors and seasoned camp families know that summer camp is very much about...

Read More
Pauley Pavillion ULCA

Learn about Catalina Island at L.A. Camp Fair 2022!

Sunday, March 13 at UCLA   LA Camp Fair Details The LA Camp Fair 2022 at UCLA is Los Angeles' largest summer camp...

Read More
summer campers on sailboat waving

First Time Campers: A Guide to Summer Camp

The popularity of summer camp is soaring, with estimated attendance as high as 14 million campers each year The good news...

Read More
two kids playing with water

Attending Sleepaway Camp with a Friend

Going with a Friend to Camp For some kids, going to sleepaway camp for the first time can be intimidating And for many...

Read More
beautiful blue ocean water and blue sky

5 Reasons Why Your Child Should Learn to Swim

Safety in the Water Playing around in the water is a big responsibility, and kids who learn to swim also learn how to stay...

Read More
kids in life jacket on boat

At What Age Are Kids Ready for Sleepaway Camp?

When your kid turns to you and begs to go to sleepaway camp, you know it’s time! Maybe your child saw an ad or heard...

Read More
campers flexing with a counselor

What Skills Do I Need to be a Summer Camp Counselor?

Getting a Summer Camp Job Through tremendous dedication and hard work, summer camp counselors are the ones who plan and...

Read More
top view of water and mountain

Benefits of Attending Summer Camp in California

Summer Camps in California boasts year-round great weather One of the great benefits of attending summer camp in...

Read More
two campers sitting in a sailboat

Summer Camp Goals Journal

Coed Sleepaway Camps in California Summers at coed sleepaway camps in California are loaded with summer “bucket list”...

Read More
girls learning to paint in class

Summer Camp Crafts We’re All Nostalgic About

Summer Camp Crafts Crafts are a huge part of kids’ summer camp in Southern California! School and daily life are often...

Read More
boys climbing a steep hiking trail

Things Campers Really Need for Overnight Camp

Ready to start shopping for overnight camp Most residential summer camps provide detailed and specific packing lists of...

Read More
top view of the dock and water

How to Spot the Best Summer Camps in Southern California

There are hundreds of camp opportunities for kids on the West Coast – so how do parents spot the best summer camps in...

Read More
boy and girl sitting in sailboat

The Best Summer Away Camps Have a Secret Perk for Parents

Up until now, you have probably thought about sending your kids to summer camp as a way to make their lives richer and...

Read More
child meditating

Your Kid Needs Outdoor Summer Camp to Understand You and Others

Summer away camps are a unique experience for kids to make new friends, learn new skills, and become more confident and...

Read More
girls in a circle celebrating

The 5 Friends Your Kid or Teen Makes at Summer Camp

Your kids will make many new friends when they attend a summer camp for California teens Summer camp friends are so...

Read More
aerial view overlooking camp from the water

How to Fight FOMO When Your Kid Attends a California Overnight Camp

As fantastic as California overnight Camps are, they can cause a very specific type of anxiety in some kids and teens: FOMO...

Read More
top of palm trees in the sky

Where Can You Find The Best Summer Camp in Southern California

Finding the best summer camps in Southern California doesn’t have to be an overwhelming journey The best camp for your...

Read More
two campers smiling for a photo in green shirts with their towels and water bottles

10 Fun Letters to Send Your Camp Kid

Letters for Kids at Summer Overnight Camps in California   Writing daily letters to kids at summer overnight camp can...

Read More
girls at summer camp doing arts and crafts

You’ve Got Mail from Your Camper!

Getting Your Daughter to Write from California Summer Camp   How do you get your daughter to write to you when she’s...

Read More
sunset on the dock

Games to Bring to Sleepover Summer Camp

11 Classic Games That Need to Come to Sleepover Summer Camp in California Sleepover summer camps are not all fun and games...

Read More
Kids celebrating an announcement at lunch

The Kids That Need California Overnight Summer Camp the Most

What Kind of Kid is Yours The oldest child Can benefit greatly from a California overnight summer camp because camps...

Read More
campers seated on a tube being pulled by a boat

Sending Your Child to Sleepaway Camp? Here Are Some Good Books to Read

Summer Sleepaway Camp Books to Read Sending your kids off to a sleepaway camp in California this summer may seem like a...

Read More
kids in a boat

When is it Time for Sleepaway Summer Camp in California?

When Should You Send Kids to Sleepaway Summer Camps It can be difficult deciding when your kid is old enough to go to...

Read More
boys in a line with their hands behind their back in a challenge activity

Perks of a California Adventure Camp

An Adventure Camp Can Help Your Kid Get into College Do you want your child to weather the college application process...

Read More
young girl performing archery

Archery For Kids at Summer Camp

Summer camp is a great way to introduce kids to new activities, introduce them to new sports, and to generally help them...

Read More
camper navigating the challenge course

Benefits of Sending Your Kids to Overnight Camp in SoCal

There are many benefits of sending your child to an overnight camp in Southern California, but there are a few gems we hear...

Read More
two campers sitting in a sailboat

Prepping Your Teen for a Digital Detox at Summer Camp

A fantastic and screen-free summer can be a reality for teens who attend summer camp for teenagers But you might want to...

Read More
campers seated on a tube being pulled by a boat

Is Your Child Ready for a California Adventure Camp?

How do you know when your child is ready for adventure camp in California It would be incredibly convenient if there was a...

Read More
boy practicing archery

What to Do While Your Child is at Overnight Camp

It’s a question for the ages: What are parents supposed to do with all that free time when their kids head off to an...

Read More
camper and counselor smiling after swimming

What Skills Do I Need to Be a Camp Counselor?

Summer camp counselors possess a multitude of skills with real-world value A lot of the essential skills you gain as a camp...

Read More
summer campers and guide kayaking off the coast of Catalina Island

11 Tips to Prepare Anxious Kids for Summer Sleepaway Camp

Photos of smiling children engaged in sports, swimming, and just generally playing around with campers are the standard...

Read More
boys waving in water in snorkel gear

Making New Friends at Overnight Camp

Making new friends at overnight summer camp is one of the things kids most look forward to From overnight campouts to...

Read More
kids in a boat

When Choosing a Summer Camp, Don’t Make These Mistakes

You decide to send your kid to sleepaway camp and of course, you want to make the best choice possible, right  To help you...

Read More
campers seated on a tube being pulled by a boat

When Do I Send My Child to Kids Summer Camp?

If only there were a simple one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “When do I send my kid to go camp”  The reality...

Read More
4 girls holding kayak paddles

Friendship Comes Naturally at Summer Camp

For a lot of people, the thought of going to a strange place where they don’t know anyone can be nerve-wracking Many...

Read More
campers posing on a big log

3 Tips To Help Parents With Kids At Sleepaway Camp

Move over Homesick, Make Room for ‘Kidsick’ There is absolutely no way in the world your sweet little kid is ready for...

Read More
6 boy campers posing with kayak paddles

What Camp Counselors Wish Parents Knew About Overnight Camp

Many camp parents have experienced it, that “hold on a sec” moment of creeping self-doubt when you suddenly catch...

Read More
campers and counselors on a catamaran

Tips to Prepare Your Child and Yourself for Sleepaway Camp

For kids, going to camp for the first time conjures a mix of nervous anticipation, excitement and a flickering sense of...

Read More
girls at summer camp holding oars

Finding Your Camp

We answer questions all the time from parents about summer camp In one way or another, all of the questions come down to...

Read More
kids at summer camp

How Summer Camp Helps with Social Development

Summer camp brings new opportunities for kids and teens! Building friendships, becoming more independent and diving into...

Read More
summer campers paddle boarding

Why Kids Love Stand Up Paddleboarding

Swimming, kayaking and canoeing are certainly fun water activities, but there’s nothing quite like stand-up...

Read More
snorkelers in ocean waving at camera

7 Tips to Finding the Right Sleepaway Camp

Looking for the right sleepaway camp for your child takes thorough research and patience If you’re currently searching...

Read More
high ropes course

Reasons to Consider Sending Your Kids to Sleepaway Camp

Sleepaway camp is an excellent way to get kids to unplug for the summer Taking time to unwind, get in touch with nature and...

Read More
girls at summer camp holding oars

What Do Kids Learn about Friendship at Summer Camp?

Summer camp is an important part of childhood development Whether it’s building confidence, engaging in new activities or...

Read More
girls tubing

How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready for Sleepaway Camp?

Sleepaway camp in Southern California is an experience like no other With the sun shining nearly every day of the year,...

Read More
kayaks in a cove

How Does Summer Camp Encourage Outdoor Adventure? 

Unplugging at Summer Camp Do you want your child to have more adventures in the great outdoors than in the virtual...

Read More
girl at summer camp using fabric marker

The Benefits Of Coloring

Coloring is fun, and it turns out it’s actually beneficial to your health Coloring is not just for...

Read More
top down aerial view of campers skindiving in clear blue water

Why Catalina is the Perfect Location for Snorkeling

Catalina has been a sought-after destination for families and individuals for years, and for good reason Filled with...

Read More
aerial drone shot of Howlands Landing and Catalina Island Camps

Howlands at Home

Camp is a special place built by special people, camp people Our staff embodies what it means to be camp people In this...

Read More
summer campers and guide kayaking off the coast of Catalina Island

Exciting Summer Camp Activities for Kids of All Ages

Whether it’s your child’s first time at summer camp or they’ve been attending for many years, there’s something...

Read More
kids making silly faces

Important Tips To Prepare Your Child For Sleepaway Camp

After you’ve found a summer camp that’s right for your child, there are plenty of things you can do to prepare them...

Read More
girls at summer camp doing arts and crafts

Great Questions For Dinner Table Conversations

What did you do in school today Do you get blank stares or one-word answers when you ask your kids this question Here’s...

Read More
girl ziplining

Summer Camp Makes Kids Capable and Independent

Sleepaway camp provides kids with opportunities to take on responsibilities and learn new skills on their own,...

Read More
boy standing next to hanging plant

How To Find The Best Sleepaway Camp For Your Child

You’ve decided to send your child to a sleepaway camp this summer  How do you find the best camp for your camper...

Read More
boys tubing

3 Reasons Kids Thank You for Summer Camp

The opportunity to attend summer camp is awesome, but not all summer camps are created equal Summer camp by the ocean have...

Read More
girl on ropes course

Taking the First Step

Participating in a sleepaway camp can provide your child with cognitive thinking skills and can boost their confidence in...

Read More

Take a Tour of Catalina Island Camps: A Summer Camp in California

Take a Tour of Catalina Island Camps Summer Camp in California   It can be hard to picture your kid away from...

Read More

Do You Speak Overnight Summer Camp?

Do You Speak Overnight Summer Camp Your kids are off to California overnight summer camp at Catalina Island Camps Their...

Read More

10 Essential Items for Summer Camp by the Ocean

What do you need to pack for summer camp by the ocean Here's our go-to list! Lots and lots of sunscreen The best...

Read More

5 Reasons Kids Thank You for Summer Camp on Catalina Island

You made the big decision to send your kids to Summer Camp on Catalina Island Congratulations! Choosing the right kids...

Read More

10 Amazing Ways Kids Benefit from Summer Camp by the Ocean

The opportunity to attend summer camp is awesome, but not all summer camps are created equal Summer camp by the ocean have...

Read More

Surprise! Overnight Summer Camp is Good for Parents Too!

Dozens of papers have  written about the benefits of overnight summer camp for kids You’re probably looking forward to...

Read More

I Heart Camp Day

It's finally here, Happy I ❤️Camp Day!  What is I Heart Camp Day  As "Camp People", we are extremely passionate and...

Read More

The Power of Summer Camp

Did you know that camp has more of an impact on children than just as a fun escape for the summer Here’s a short video on...

Read More

From Camp to IKOS!

Mina is a Park City High School Senior She was a CIC camper for nine years, including two-weeks as a Camper in Leadership...

Read More

UNPLUG, CONNECT, DISCOVER

I’ve been thinking about my first years as a camper I first went to camp when I was seven I was a handful My energy...

Read More

What campers tell each other about the camp experience

Sunday night, we invited our older campers to stay after closing campfire to share about their CIC...

Read More

Summer Camp: Can it make kids more responsible?

Summer Camp Jobs for College Students: Can it Make Kids More Responsible Summer Camp: Can it make kids more...

Read More

Your Child’s First Sleep Away Camp?

Your Child's First Overnight Camp Your Child's First Sleep Away Camp The first time your child heads off for sleep-away...

Read More

Summer Camp Makes Kids Resilient

How Summer Camps Makes Kids Resilient Summer Camps Make Kids Resilient How can summer camp improve your child’s...

Read More

Catalina Foxes at Catalina Island Camp

Catalina Foxes at Catalina Island Camp! Catalina Island Fox Thrives after a Battle with Extinction Anyone who has visited...

Read More
News & Blog

Have a Question

Ask Here See FAQs
STAY IN TOUCH

Connect with CIC

Follow us on Instagram @CatalinaIslandCamps