Sunburst across the sea

Youth program finds safe harbor for volunteer work at Santa Catalina Island Emerald Bay.

Story, photos and video by Joseph B. Prouse
California National Guard Public Affairs

May 26, 2021

TWO HARBORS, Calif. – The Firehawk and Wolfpack platoons from Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy's Class 27 teamed up with park rangers to support the Western Los Angeles County Council Boy Scouts of America in cleaning the campgrounds of Emerald Bay in Two Harbors, May 14-16.

The platoons made the voyage to Catalina Island, 50 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, where they arrived on the western side of the island at Camp Emerald Bay. They then began working tirelessly over the weekend to get the campground ready for the upcoming summer season.

“It's difficult to get volunteers out here because of the required boat ride, so it usually takes our team a week and a half to do the campground set-up and preparation," said Park Ranger Nate Erlandson.

Sunburst cadets are required to perform 40 hours of community service during their five and a half month residential commitment. Service to the community is a core component of the National Guard's Youth Challenge Program. The opportunity to conduct this necessary and under-resourced service was thanks in part to generous donations from local organizations.

This support and coordination allowed the youth program to charter a private ferry ride for the more than 65 candidates and staff who helped get the Emerald Bay campgrounds ready.

Three members of Sunburst Academy Fire hawk platoon finishing wrapping a tent.

Three members of Sunburst Academy Fire hawk platoon finishing wrapping a tent.

“We have been fortunate during this pandemic to keep the school open, and part of that has been from our proactive measures to ensure the students remain safe.”

-Sunburst Director, Maj. Gilbert Sanchez

members of Sunbrst academy rake and clear the shoreline of Emerald bay

members of Sunbrst academy rake and clear the shoreline of Emerald bay

Everything has to arrive by ship, even helping hands.

Members of wolfpack platoon take a break between tasks

Two Firehawk platoon members clean off a cot before placing it onto the tent platform.

Firehawk platoon after finishing up the tent set up marches to lunch.

A member of wolfpack platoon carries an already unfolded tent to the next campsite for set up.

Wolf Pack Platoon members finishing up a campsite

Sunburst Academy Cadets take a Ferry from Los Angeles Harbor to Emerald Bay (photo by Staff Sgt. Grossman)

Cadets from Firehawk platoon pose together before getting a meal at the camps dining facility

Many of the cadets said they found the work inspiring and refreshing, especially after a year spent with COVID-19 restrictions.

"I loved bonding with my fellow cadets and working as a team," said Cadet Gonzales.

Camp Emerald Bay is a premier camping and outdoor academy offering classes on marine and earth sciences for youth. The motivated Sunburst group got to work preparing the campground, setting up more than 250 tents, clearing buildings and cleaning up shoreline.

Campground staff were grateful and delighted by the motivation and competence of the Sunburst Cadets.

“Since we have been closed for the 2020 season there was more work required than usual, but this group got it all accomplished in the weekend they were here,” said Erlandson.

The California National Guard has been in service throughout the pandemic at food banks, COVID-19 testing facilities and with vaccine distribution.

It is that same spirit of service to the community that reflects on the youth programs, doing their part to re-open facilities and services as we all rise out of quarantine restrictions.

View of the dock at Emerald Bay