Onward + JustServe
Hello!
This is your invite to a purposeful weekend in Catalina! As part of the trip you’ll be helping repair and maintain our off-grid community & education center called Onward Oceans. It’s our nonprofit’s headquarters for community, education, retreats, and events. The space serves the community and is amazing … but it needs a lot of upkeep!
You’ll be helping out during a “barn raising” work party May 29-31.
The plan:
Your group will head out to Cat Harbor for a weekend of shared purpose, belly laughs, and outdoors time. In short: SUPER FUN AND IMPACTFUL WEEKEND!
We’ll send full trip details, including packing & weather info, closer to the trip. In the meantime please read on for registration.
Schedule:
Fri 5/29: Arrive in Two Harbors via Catalina Express Ferry
FRI-Sun: Coordinated volunteer work
Some of the tasks: Painting, Organizing, light construction (decking), maintaining systems (water, tents).
Sun 5/31: Depart catalina express ferry
Cost & Fundraising:
You’re volunteering! That’s amazing, and we want to make this accessible. There is one fixed cost for this trip and one fundraising goal that we’re asking for your help to hit:
Ferry Ticket:
JustServe members will buy their own ferry tickets to/from the island. (You want the San Pedro>Two Harbors ferry, See Catalina Express for more info)
Food & Materials Group Fundraising Goal: $1500
Onward, the nonprofit JustServe is helping, is providing food, lodging, and protective equipment during the trip. We are 100% donation supported.
Food & materials are EXPENSIVE for a group this size. To help offset the cost to our volunteer-run community nonprofit, we’re asking JustServe members to help raise some money by sharing the JustServe fundraising link below. The goal is ~$100 raised per participant.
Our Costs: $1500
Food for 15-20 participants = $800
Paint, paint supplies = $400
Cleaning supplies = $50
Personal protective equipment for volunteers = $250
What is Onward?
We’re an LA-based 501(c)3 dedicated to building community outdoors through immersion in nature. Check out our About page here.
The Space & Accommodations :
Say hello to the Onward Oceans Center in beautiful Cat Harbor, Catalina Island!
We’re so excited to host you in this truly one-of-a-kind location ... a place where rustic charm meets thoughtful touches and endless adventure. The Oceans Center is designed to help program participants disconnect from the noise and reconnect with nature, community, art, and play.
At its core, this is a camping facility—with a few elevated amenities that make it extra special. Think: cots instead of sleeping on the ground, paddleboards and kayaks at your fingertips, and cozy spaces for gathering, cooking, and dreaming. That said, this is still island camping: there’s no refrigeration, power is minimal, and the great outdoors will be your constant companion. A conservation mindset is essential in this delicate ecosystem. Magic thrives when you’re prepared!
Click for more information on the facility
Safety & Supervision
Onward volunteers will direct participants in service tasks throughout the weekend. All tasks must be undertaken with supervision. Participants must review and abide by Onward’s worksite safety and best management practices and wear protective equipment and closed toe shoes on the work site at all times.
Onward will provide an accredited first-responder on site, with medical qualifications meeting the LA County requirements for children’s camp Medical Supervisor. Emergency services on the island are provided by the LA County Sheriff’s Department, which maintains an office in the town of Two Harbors. Air transport is available to medical facilities in Avalon and on the mainland.
Chaperones: JustServe will supply 1-3 parent chaperones to supervise JustServe participants starting at ferry departure and throughout the weekend of service.
Reserve your spot:
To reserve your spot please REGISTER HERE.
In order to cover expenses for the weekend (food & work materials) and support the nonprofit we’re asking for your help raising money for this trip. Please share this fundraising link.
Please be sure to read the WHAT TO EXPECT page to get a sense of what’s in store (and what’s expected) during an Onward journey. Note that your specific itinerary & activities will be customized in consultation with your group leader.
Questions?
Please contact your JustServe president and/or vice president for questions about the trip & planning. If you have questions about Onward, use the form below.