First Time Experiences

The first day of Catalina, we went snorkeling, which was a very interesting and scary experience. I was able to identify new species as we learned about them and I was able to go snorkeling for the first time. The food was delicious and I enjoyed eating and talking with my friends. We played lots of fun games that allowed us to build new connections with people that we normally don’t talk to. We were surrounded with strangers from other schools and we got to make new friends. We also went stargazing and laid on top of a tarp while our instructors told stories. Overall, it was an amazing trip and I had a lot of fun with my friends.

~ Kharisma

Fun and Educational

When we first arrived at Catalina Island everyone was sea sick and ready to go to bed, but first we have to go snorkeling. The snorkeling was fun and by the end it wasn’t very cold. After dinner we learned about the natives of the island and sat around the camp fire. Over the next few days we continued to do more activities on and around the island, including kayaking, hiking, night snorkeling and learning about the animals around us. This trip has been very fun and educational and I wish we could stay longer.

~ Florence

Fun but Cold

When we arrived at Catalina, everyone was sea sick due to the rocky boat ride. The first activity we participated in was snorkeling, which was really fun but cold. Then we got ready and headed to dinner. After a dinner of pasta we enjoyed a campfire with our classmates. Over the week we got to do activities like snorkeling, kayaking, rock climbing, ropes courses, and eating (which was the best)! During Catalina it was cool to experience new things with my 8^th grade class!

~ Estelle

A Great Experience

On the first day of Catalina, we arrived to camp and the first thing we did was get to explore the island. After we got to know the island more, the first activity we did was snorkel around Catalina Island and get familiar with the water. After snorkeling, we ate dinner and sat around the campfire singing songs. After the first day, we did a lot of snorkeling, kayaking, rock climbing, ropes courses, and having fun! Catalina has been a great experience for the 8^th grade class and I would go again if I could!

~ Julianna

Swimming With Sharks

Over the past few days we have done many cool things that I have haven’t done in a while. We went snorkeling and saw some of the coolest fish, even the California garibaldi fish. We have gone rock climbing, kayaking and hiking. Our latest activity was a kayak snorkel, we went kayaking to a nearby cove, Emerald Bay and then snorkeling. The water there was a beautiful emerald color. The water there was so clear that we saw 5 huge bat rays. Oh and we swam with sharks! (Little horn sharks, and I saw a leopard shark swim by too!) I had a lot of fun rock climbing and challenged myself to complete all three walls. So far I have had a lot of fun! See you soon!

~ Laura

Island Life

On the first days activities we took a tour and snorkeled. Snorkeling was the best because we saw many creatures including the islands own Garibaldi. To finish the night we played a game called song wars around the fire circle. The next day we started the day with a good pancake breakfast and a very long hike. All for now...

~ Tafari

Challenge

My first three days at Catalina were good. I learned how to snorkel and I learned how to kayak. The kayaking gave me a huge tan. When I was snorkeling I saw a shark and an orange fish called a garibaldi. I also get really cold when I snorkel so I’ll be freezing when I come out the water. Also with the kayaking my arms got pretty sore because of the rowing back and forth. It was probably the most challenging activity on the entire  trip. In continuation Catalina has been fun so far and I will continue to enjoy it.

~ Anthony