What is Emerald Bay?
Emerald Bay is one of the summer scout programs that Troop 57 and 4057 scouts return to year after year and absolutely love. The scout camp is located off the coast of LA on the Santa Catalina Islands, and the camp specializes in aquatic activities and merit badges. With shiny blue oceans as far as the eye can see, Emerald Bay is located in a beautiful camp with semi-permanent tents for scouts and parents, bathrooms, a dining hall, a parent-area (with access to chargers for phones), a chapel, an aquarium and lab area, and a large beachfront. Scouts have the opportunity to participate in paddle boarding, canoeing, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and there are even opportunities for scouts and parents to scuba dive!
How do scouts travel to Emerald Bay?
Typically, our troops rent a bus to take scouts to LA where they stay at a hostel for one night. The bus ride takes 7 hours, but this mostly depends on traffic and how many stops are made. Early the next morning, scouts catch an hour long ferry to Emerald Bay and have free time the rest of the afternoon. Scouts get to spend the rest of the day exploring the camp, and/or take the swim test, and get to know scouts from all over the globe. Last year (2019) there was even a troop from China at Emerald Bay!
In what activities can scouts participate?
Scouts sign up for specific merit badges before going to Emerald Bay, and in the mornings, scouts go to their MB classes. They run programs for lifesaving, swimming, electricity, swimming, paddle-boarding, shotgun shooting, archery, weaving, carving, and so much more. In fact, Emerald Bay is one of the only scout camps in America that offers the Oceanography merit badge. Emerald Bay even has a a fully equipped aquarium that Scouts and parents can explore! There are also activities outside of merit badges to encourage troop bonding, such as paddle-board pirates, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking. Once during the week, troops can have a barbecue on the water front where they can have burgers and hang-out on the beach. Additionally, there’s a war canoe activity where scouts canoe out to a neighboring beach and camp under the stars.
What can adults do at Emerald Bay?
Adults can participate in ASM training and can attend Merit Badges just for fun. There are also opportunities to complete Paddle-boarding BSA, and BSA Aquarist. Adults can also take advantage of all the equipment they have at Emerald Bay, including canoes, paddle boards, and kayaks. Adults can take out water activity equipment, bikes, snorkeling equipment, and can go hiking along scenic routes. There is a town on the same island (a decent hike away) that parents can explore as well. As mentioned before, there is a parent lounge with access to desktop computers, charging ports, and a TV. Scouts younger than 18 are not allowed in this lounge, so parents can fully relax in this quiet, peaceful space.
How is the food and dining hall at Emerald Bay?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served at the dining hall. There is a main course served for each meal that is prepared by the cooks and kitchen staff. To offer more flexibility, there’s always a salad bar for lunches and dinners, and a cereal bar for breakfasts. A typical breakfast consists of scrambled eggs and sausages or waffles and bacon. Lunches are usually chicken and French fries or sandwiches. Dinners are typically some sort of meat with rice, hot dogs, or pasta. The menu changes everyday and these examples are to give you an idea of the food they serve. Vegetarian options are also available upon request.
The dining hall is quite large and serves as a get-together place for scouts as well as adults. There is a covered outdoor space with benches, plenty of tables, and with an amazing view of the ocean. There are also caffeinated beverages for those over 18. If scouts or parents get hungry between meals, there is a store there that sells snacks, Emerald Bay merchandise, and basic scouting equipment, which is one of the reasons why it is recommended that scouts bring some money on the trip.