What do you think of when you think of Camp Emerald Bay? Is it the approach to the bay when Camp comes fully into view? Is it the smell of the eucalyptus and parade ground when you get off the boat? Is it a sunrise view from the Waterfront, a sunset from Arrow Point, a moonlit night, or a moonless night during the Perseids? Maybe it is the entire Camp at attention for evening colors? The Campfire circle fully packed and having a blast?
Like you, I could go on and on. I still remember attending Camp as an 11-year-old scout, back in the 1970s. Camp was magical. Of course I wanted to be on Staff! I was fortunate enough to be on Staff in the 70s, 80s and 90s. I learned a lot and met incredible people, many of whom are still my dearest friends. I feel blessed to have experienced Camp and the fine people who love and support it.
For thousands, the Emerald Bay Association has been an amazing vehicle to stay in touch with and give back to Camp Emerald Bay. Our Organization was essentially created when the Lease for Camp was lost in 1991. Some 40-50 of us came together to join the fight to save the Camp. Camp was saved and the EBA stayed together…and grew. We now have over 2,300 members and have raised over $1,200,000 for Camp & Staff support, Capital Improvements and perhaps most importantly, Camperships. Sending hundreds of kids to Camp, who would otherwise be unable to attend. $1.2 million…due to your generosity! Truly amazing.
I give a special thanks to all our supporters, volunteers and board members. We are a busy crew!
This year got off to a fast start in February with the EBA hosting the final Regional 100-year EB Anniversary Celebration, in Arizona. A special thanks to Peter Bauman! It was great to see the dozens of folks who turned out to celebrate. It was also a fun opportunity to visit with John George in his native habitat. 😉
In March, the EBA–spearheaded by our newest Boardmember, Chris Youssef–headed to Camp for the Spring Service work party. Getting Camp set up for The Season is hard but rewarding work. If you’ve not been to Camp in the Spring, you can’t imagine the beauty of it when everything is green. Keep an eye out for the 2026 Spring Workparty signups.
In April the EBA hosted the Annual Wine Event, raising nearly $25,000 for Camperships. Thanks to Brad Rothenberg for taking the laboring oar on that.
In early June the EBA Board headed back to Camp during Pre-week for more work parties and staff outreach, with Scott Nussbaum and John Meyers once again taking the lead.
At the end of July the EBA Board and generous volunteers returned for Staff Appreciation Weekend, cooking for the Staff, putting on an Auction and helping to scrub the kitchen. Some of the old-timers were lovingly reacquainted with Pot-sink and the Hobart.
On Labor Day Weekend we hosted the 34th Annual EBA Reunion Weekend. Over 200 attended and we raised close to $20,000! It was especially gratifying to see staffers from the 1950s and 60s are still showing up. Shout out to Kara Taylor for organizing the event!
October brought our 1st EBA Oktoberfest at Three Weavers Brewery in Los Angeles. Even the non-beer-drinkers had a great time!
This month brought a final opportunity to celebrate. The EBA just received an amazingly generous boat donation. This beautiful 25′ Parker with an extended cabin, appraised at $88,500, was donated by Mike Kantor who had only ever been to Camp on two short occasions. Mike found his way to the EBA through his relationship with former Boardmember/Staffman, Mike Mullin. (Yes, the Mike Mullin.) As I write this, the EBA is having the boat serviced, prepped, and we expect it to be delivered to Camp before Christmas.
Suffice to say, your EBA had a very productive year!
In all, we have received in 2025 approximately $62,000 in donations, auction proceeds, and collectible sales (in addition to the boat).
Also this year, the EBA has donated: 1. $25,000 in Camperships to help otherwise unable kids get to Camp; 2. Approximately $17,000 for 20 new Mountain Bikes for the Camp Biking Program (started by the EBA in the early 2000s); 3. Approximately $6,900 in Staff support (Shoreboats, Trips to Avalon; Pizza Party, Gear, etc.).
We incurred approximately $4,480 in costs for insurance, swag purchases, mailings, internet, fees, etc. Lastly, we anticipate incurring approximately $10,000 in costs to service, bottom paint, prepare and deliver the donor boat to EB.
Again, a busy and productive year. Totally worth it and necessary as the EBA serves as a vital external support and champion for Camp, for Staff, for campers, and for all who are connected to Emerald Bay. Over the years you/we have built cabins, constructed the fire circle, supplied motor boats, dock systems, sound systems, kayaks, tents, stand-up-paddleboards, bikes, and supported the Staff fund.
So on behalf of our organization, I thank you for your support, in 2025 as well as years past. If you can afford to give, or give more, or need a last minute charitable tax deduction, please donate to support and help secure the future of “the gem of Catalina.”
Thank you in advance.
In Fellowship & Comrades Lasting,
Rich Wise
President, Emerald Bay Association