Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bring my family?
2. Why do we have to take a swim test?  Do I have to take the swim test even if I'm a lifeguard?
3. I took the swim test last time I was here.  Do I have to take it again?
4. Why do we have to wear shoes down at the beach?
5. What time do the gates open and close?
6. Why do we have to wear a wristband?
7. Do you have showers? Are they heated?
8. Are meals provided?
9. Can we cook our own meals at our campsites?
10. What if we don't like the food you provide?
11. Can we have a fire at our campsite?
12. Do you have lifeguards?
13. Why do we have to wear lifejackets while boating?
14. Is the facility available for other events such as weddings and company picnics, etc.?
15. What would the cost be to use the facility for a wedding or other event?
16. You aren't offering a class I need. What do I do?
17. What if I'm not a Scout. Can I still take the class?

Why do we have to take a swim test?  Do I have to take the swim test even if I'm a lifeguard?

Our insurance and the safety of our campers, especially the children, dictate the need for a swim test.  Our lifeguards need to know the swimming ability of every camper--even if you are a certified lifeguard.

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I took the swim test last time I was here.  Do I have to take it again?

If we can document that your previous swim test is less than a year old from your group's swim roster, you do not have to take the swim test again.  If we are unable, for any reason, to document when you were here previously, you must take the test again if you wish to participate fully in the boating activities.

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Why do we have to wear shoes down at the beach?

Shoes are required for the safety and protection of our campers.  Because of our location in the harbor, many sharp objects wash up on shore such as broken bottles and cans, fish hooks, nails and needles. 

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What time do the gates open and close?

Gates will close at 9 p.m. on Friday, at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday evenings and at 3 p.m. on Sunday.  They will open at 6 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

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Why do we have to wear a wristband?

Wristbands

• Help identify who is a camper and who belongs in the area.  This helps protect our children.
• Help the lifeguards and rescue personnel identify the swimming ability of every camper which is especially important on the waterfront for boating activities.
• Are your meal ticket! 

If you lose your wristband or need to cut it off to attend an off-site event, you can replace it at the front office for 25 cents.

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Do you have showers? Do they have hot water?

Yes, we have showers with hot water!  They are outside the bathrooms in the campground.

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Are meals provided?

Yes.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday are provided. 

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Can we cook our meals at our campsites?

No.  The County Fire Marshall has declared that we cannot allow open fires.  Additionally, we do not have the facility to properly dispose of food wastes out of the campsites.  We have a thriving raccoon and opossum population who just LOVE snacks, especially Flaming Hot Cheetos®.  If you bring snacks, please have a way to put them away in a locked container.

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What if we don't like the food you provide?

If you have a special dietary request (i.e., for religious reasons or you have a particular food allergy), please let us know two weeks in advance of your planned stay.  We will do our best to accommodate you.  Otherwise, meals are on your own, off-site, and at your expense.  No refund will be given for food.

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Can we have a campfire at our campsite?

No.  The County Fire Marshall has declared that we cannot allow open fires.  You can, however, use charcoal briquettes with a non-liquid starter (liquid fuels such as white gas and/or liquid fire starters are not permitted) in the pits provided. 

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Do you have lifeguards?

Yes.  Our lifeguards are American Red Cross certified and all lifeguards hold valid American Red Cross CPR and First Aid certifications.

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Do we have to wear lifejackets while boating?

Yes.  Some boats, like kayaks and canoes, capsize (tip over) very easily.  Our insurance company tells us that our campers must wear them for their safety.

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Is the facility available for other events such as weddings and company picnics, etc.?

Yes.  However, we are a non-profit, youth-oriented facility and our policy is that youth come first.  Please call for availability of dates.

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What would the cost be to use the facility for a wedding or other activity?

It is impossible to say without knowing the needs of your function.  Please call the Center Office at (310) 831-1984 to make an appointment to discuss your needs with the Center Director.

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You aren't offering a class I need now. Can your facility teach the class I need if it isn't on the schedule?

If you have a minimum of seven persons for a particular class not on the current schedule, we can usually provide you with an instructor.  Please call the Center Office at (310) 831-1984 for more information or to schedule your class today.

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What if I'm not a Scout? Can I still take the class?

Absolutely!  Cost is the same whether you are a Scout or not.  Be sure to pre-register as space fills up quickly and once the class is full, it's full!

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Can I bring my family?

Guide to Safe Scouting rules apply.  On certain themed weekends, families are welcomed.  However, age restrictions apply.  Use of the center is restricted to youth age 6 through 21.  Youth under the age of 6 will be permitted if there are extenuating circumstances that necessitate the child accompanying the parent, and pre-approval is received from the center director.   Adequate adult supervision of the youth in the group must be maintained and the minimum number of adults shall not include the parents of the child under the age of 6.  In addition, a hold harmless agreement must be signed by the parent of the child.  Children under the age of 6 may not use any of the facilities of the pool and only when accompanied in the water at all times by an adult 21 years old.

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