1. Estrella Mountain Elementary
8th Grade Class Trip
Catalina Island
May 14-16, 2017
Information Parent Meeting
August 10, 2017

2. Catalina Environmental Leadership Program CELP
Established in 1922, Catalina Island Camps, Inc. (CIC) is the home of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Family Camp and The Catalina Environmental Leadership Program for 4th to 12th grade school groups.
The camp facility is located at Howland’s Landing on the California side of Catalina Island, 22 miles from Los Angeles.
Catalina Island Camps is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA) and is a member of the Western Association of Independent Camps (WAIC).

3. CELP
You can take a photo tour of the camp by visiting the web site at

4. History
Our school has been attending this memorable trip for at least 15 years. The camp and counselors know us extremely well. Mrs. Sheesley has lead the trip twice and attended 3 times. She will be leading the trip again this year. Mr. Hegedus will be our male lead chaperone and he has attended at least 15 years.
Possible Chaperones - Sheesley, Esposito, Gabel, Kennedy, Hegedus, more if needed to cover the student/chaperone ratio.

5. When are we going? May 14, 2018 –May 16, 2018
We will meet at Estrella at 11:30 PM on Sunday, May 13th.
We will depart at 12:15 AM on Monday, May 14th for San Pedro, California.
We will return approximately 9:30 PM on Wednesday, May 16th.
Thursday is a scheduled school day for EVERYONE. Kids will be going to promotion practice and home early (11-11:30am)
Promotion is that evening.

6. Possible Classes This is a curriculum based trip.
The students will be exposed to various curriculum that enhances the state standards for 8th grade.
Students will participate in classes at camp like snorkeling, sea kayaking, a night hike, an eco hike with tide pools, gardening and composting and conservation activities/education.

7. Cabin/Sleeping Arrangements
Girls Camp and Boys Camp are separated and not allowed to enter into the opposite camp at anytime (including chaperones.)
One chaperone will be in each cabin students to 1 chaperone.
CELP day groups consist of a Camp Leader and an EMES chaperone.

8. Medical Attention
The staff at the camp are First Aid and CPR certified. They may tend to minor medical needs of the students. Should we need more attention, the city of Avalon is a 2 hour drive or more extreme measures are available as well.

9. Swim Attire/Dress Code
Girls must be wearing a one-piece swim suit. Boys must have swim shorts.
Dress code applies to all other daily wear.

10. Estimated Cost of Trip
Camp Tuition - $258/child (it has increased this year)
Ferry Transportation - $70/child
Charter Coach Transportation – estimated $112
Depends on amount of students
Subway Dinner in Indio- $5/child
My prediction is around - $445
I expect it wiil be slightly lower once my bus quotes return.

11. Space is not limited at this time
All students can attend. We do not have limited space at this time.

12. Payment Plan
We require an $100 non-refundable deposit by FRIDAY SEPT 8 to hold a spot for your child on the trip.
Full payments will not be accepted this evening due to the fact I don’t know the final cost. If you pay overage, I cannot refund.
After the deposit, payments can be made at your convenience. The FULL AMOUNT IS DUE FEB 2,2018.

13. More info…
All Money Orders/Cashier’s Checks/Checks should be made out to Estrella Mountain Elementary School. Please note Catalina and your child’s name in the memo section
PLEASE NO CASH. A receipt will be written and given to your student when deposited.

14. Tax Credit Tax Credit can be applied for this trip.
A married couple can donated up to $400 in a tax year. A single filer or head of household can donate up to $200.
A tax credit form MUST accompany each payment you wish to be applied. Forms are always available in the office or with Mrs. Sheesley.

15. Fundraising
We do not have fundraising in place, however, if there are parent volunteers who would like to take that on, I will do what I can on the campus to support that. Collect money, hand out forms, etc. The only thing I ask is that all kids can participate in the fundraising.
Please see Sheesley if interested.

16. Financial Assistance
PTO, in the past, has furnished many children with full or partial scholarships if there is a need.
Please see Mrs. Sheesley for more information about that.

17. Conditions for not attending
Any student who is not passing 8th grade, or who has had any sort of suspension for more than 2.5 days for the year will not be allowed to join us on our trip.
Excessive amount of infractions will result in a conference with parents, students and staff to determine eligibility to attend the trip.

18. If Your Student Doesn’t Wish to Attend
They are still required to attend school or will be counted as absent, and responsible for the school activities happening in their classroom.

19. Questions?
Concerns?

20. Thank You for Coming
This PowerPoint will be uploaded to my school Website or send me an and I will send you the PowerPoint