It took a 7-man crew 10 days and $5,000 in materials to make our storm damaged float like new for 2013. The Catalina Experience staff did an amazing job stripping the old lumber and bolts, painting the frame, installing a new floatation pontoon and resurfacing the entire 54′ floating dock with new lumber and hardware. Special thanks to BYC’s Mike Longfield and CBYC’s Alan Singer for their assistance.

Heavy equipment was brought down to Whites by a great work crew from the Catalina Island Conservancy on launch day to finish the task, and the dingy steps and ladders provided by San Diego Yacht Club have finally been permanently installed. The process required 650 man hours, 75 2x12x16′ boards, over 300 bolts, nuts and washers, custom made pontoon brackets and 4 gallons of paint.

We hope everyone enjoys this critical link to Whites Landing in the coming camp and boating season. See you on the island!

Introducing The Catalina Experience from Eugene Anderson on Vimeo.

   Yesterday at about 3:30 pm, our campers departed White’s Landing to head over to Long Beach and go home.  I think most of them had mixed feelings: they loved camp, but they missed many things about home (parents, pets, McDonald’s, x-boxes).  Here at camp, we (and especially me) are having mixed feelings as well: we are welcoming the chance to rest, but mostly, we already miss the campers.  We had an especially wonderful group this year, new and seasoned Castaway-ers alike.

I overheard one camper say this before he boarded the boat: “I was reluctant to come, but now I don’t want to leave.”   I love that Camp Castaway and the overall magic of Catalina Island can change people in that way in just one week.  It is a small reflection of how the camp and the island have changed me in my time here.  It is truly a connection that can never be broken, no matter how far away we go.

I hope to return for Camp Castaway 2013, because like many who have been or worked here before, once summer rolls back around I’ll be pining for the sunshine, float jumps, and nights around the campfire.  I hope our 2012 campers feel the same way, and that I’ll get to see all their faces again.  They certainly haven’t seen the last of mine here at White’s Landing.

Anna