Los Angeles Maritime Institute’s Tall Ship Island Adventure Sea Camp offers unique and exciting summer camp options on our twin 110′ brigantines Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson based in San Pedro and on our 130′ schooner American Pride in Long Beach.
Designed to encourage growing minds to appreciate and explore nature. After a week of fun aboard tall ship American Pride and around Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, campers sail away for an optional overnight sleepover at sea! (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, with the optional overnight on Thursday; before and after care options available for an extra fee, beginning at 8:00 AM and until 5:00 PM.)
Building on our award-winning TopSail Youth Program, campers challenge themselves with exciting new opportunities while living aboard a tall ship through these two sleepaway camp options. New friends, star-gazing, and unforgettable adventures on the ocean and local islands await! (Joining us from outside of Southern California? Click here for helpful information.)
American Pride – Long Beach
Ages 6 – 10
$700 Per Session
Exy/Irving Johnson from San Pedro
Ages 10 – 17
$1625 Per Session
Exy/Irving Johnson from San Pedro
Ages 12 – 17
$3500 Per Session
Explorer Day Camp runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM, with the optional overnight on Thursday (see dates above). Before and after care options are available for an extra fee – campers can begin at 8:00 AM for an additional $25 and/or stay until 5:00 PM for an additional $50.
Each camper has their own bunk.
We can arrange airport transportation from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Long Beach Airport (LBG). LBG is the preferred airport, if possible.
When booking flights, please plan for arrival the Monday morning that your camp session begins (ideally by/before 10:00 am) and departure on the Friday late-afternoon that your camp session ends (no earlier than 5:00 pm). Please contact Jemma Kennedy with any questions and/or to discuss specifics (jemma@lamitopsail.org or 310-833-6055).
The tall ships depart from Downtown San Pedro, and they visit one or more island harbors off the coast, depending on weather and sea conditions.
Activities take place on the boat, on the island, and everywhere in between. Recreational options include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and more!
This small glimpse into the sleepaway camp experience is a beautiful example of the camaraderie, connection and adventure that is woven together during their time at sea. From campers singing sea shanties with each other while washing dishes to ocean adventures in kayaks, you can see how they’re enjoying this time together on board and off. Click here to watch the video on YouTube.
Former camper/deckhand Ella Momeny shares the nervousness she felt going into her first camp experience, and how that quickly dissipated when she met her new friends and crew mates. She also shares her hesitation about going aloft, but she was glad she faced her fears… it turned out to be an awesome experience, or as she said, “miraculous!” Click here to watch the video on YouTube.
As two groups of campers get ready to embark on a Summer Camp adventure – a 5-day session and a 12-day session – we asked three returning campers on the 12-day voyage what they’re most excited about… see what Lucas, Catherine and Johnny had to say while everyone gets settled, has lunch and takes in the sights of the Port of LA. Click here to watch the video on YouTube.
These campers returned to dock after 12 days together… and they were in no rush to leave the boat! From their on-board adventures to the islands they visited, listen to them share their favorite parts of their Summer Camp adventure with us as they hang out on the bowsprit together one more time. Click here to watch the video on YouTube.
Questions? Need help registering? Do you want to gift a summer camp registration?
Please contact Dahlia Southwick, Office Manager, at Dahlia@lamitopsail.org or 310-833-6055.
Is your camper not old enough OR not quite ready for our Summer Camp adventures? Click here to sign up for the Summer Camp Interest List!
Spend the summer on the beautiful California coast in a way that most people never experience… Whether dockside, at sea or on an island, we’ll explore marine biology, maritime history, island ecology and have fun with traditional maritime arts aboard a tall ship. These are some of the most memorable summer camp experiences in Southern California!
No sailing experience necessary – we all provide that and more! Learn the ropes of sailing a large, traditionally rigged vessel as you challenge yourself with exciting new opportunities: leaving the dock, setting and adjusting sails, keeping a ship on course, setting the anchor, and – for sleepaway camp or day camp’s optional overnight – sleeping aboard a tall ship. You’ll make new friends, enjoy outdoor activities, listen to the sound of the ocean, and gaze at the stars at night.
A Note for Parents: Please supervise your camper’s packing. All too often, we have campers who have forgotten items necessary for their comfort and enjoyment.
IMPORTANT! Please use a soft duffel or similar bag. Hard luggage is unmanageable aboard a tall ship.
Also note that we do not provide bedding. You must bring your own – and please remember to clearly label your personal items!
Electronics (except cameras) | Gum | Anything in glass | Knives/weapons | Excessive jewelry or other valuables