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

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

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.





News & Blog

8 Tips for New Camp Counselors
Becoming a summer camp counselor is a fun and rewarding experience but comes with challenges Here are some helpful tips...
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Do Parents Get Sad When Kids go to Camp
Sending Your Child to Summer Camp Many parents feel a mix of emotions when their kids go to camp While they may be excited...
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What Kids Can Learn About Friendship at Summer Camp
Camp Friendship All kids can learn valuable lessons about friendship at summer camp, including: Inclusivity and...
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6 Benefits of Summer Camp for Kid Development
Can Summer Camp Benefit Kids for Mindfulness and Awareness Summer camp offers a unique environment that fosters...
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How Does A Parent Know When a Kid is Ready to go to Sleepaway Camp
At What Age Should I Send My Child to Sleepaway Camp Deciding when to send your child to sleepaway camp depends on several...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Summer Camp Goals Journal
Coed Sleepaway Camps in California Summers at coed sleepaway camps in California are loaded with summer “bucket list”...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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How Summer Camp Helps with Social Development
Summer camp brings new opportunities for kids and teens! Building friendships, becoming more independent and diving into...
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Why Kids Love Stand Up Paddleboarding
Swimming, kayaking and canoeing are certainly fun water activities, but there’s nothing quite like stand-up...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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The Benefits Of Coloring
Coloring is fun, and it turns out it’s actually beneficial to your health Coloring is not just for...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Summer Camp Makes Kids Capable and Independent
Sleepaway camp provides kids with opportunities to take on responsibilities and learn new skills on their own,...
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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...
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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...
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Taking the First Step
Participating in a sleepaway camp can provide your child with cognitive thinking skills and can boost their confidence in...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Summer Camp Makes Kids Resilient
How Summer Camps Makes Kids Resilient Summer Camps Make Kids Resilient How can summer camp improve your child’s...
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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...
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