Programs
Since our formal establishment in Spring 2025, COAC has experienced significant growth and impact through the support of community partners including the City of Avalon and private donors. Together, we have successfully delivered a wide variety of free outdoor recreational opportunities for local youth and families.
Fishing
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Archery
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Boating Exploration
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Outdoor Skills
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Scholarships
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Marksmanship
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Fishing ✳︎ Archery ✳︎ Boating Exploration ✳︎ Outdoor Skills ✳︎ Scholarships ✳︎ Marksmanship ✳︎
Fishing
A 10-week summer fishing derby on the Avalon pier teaching sustainable fishing practices, regulations, fish identification, tackle rigging, and marine stewardship. Participants develop angling skills, compete in weekly challenges, and receive food, prizes and giveaways. COAC also hosts annual big boat fishing adventure aboard a fully guided 70-foot sportfishing vessel with all gear, bait and giveaways. Also works to introduces youth to responsible spearfishing through guided instruction and safety education. New for Summer 2026, the program will expand to include weekly small-vessel youth fishing excursions during the 10-week derby summer series.
Archery
Our youth archery initiative provides structured instruction focused on safety, confidence, focus, and personal growth. In Spring 2026, COAC celebrated the grand opening of our community Archery Range during Spring Break, providing free introductory archery experiences and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities for local youth. Archery events and programming will be provided throughout the year in partnership with the City of Avalon’s Recreation Department.
Boater Education & Island Exploration
Providing classroom and hands-on boating instruction to help youth earn their California Boater License while gaining practical boating and water safety knowledge. The program also includes guided island adventure excursions featuring hiking, snorkeling, camping, marine exploration, and an annual full-day family trip to Camp Emerald Bay designed to promote outdoor education, family connection, and appreciation for Catalina’s natural environment.
Outdoor Skills
Partnering with our expert military survival volunteer instructor to provide practical wilderness survival instruction including fire starting, shelter building, signaling, environmental awareness, and outdoor preparedness. Mentoring youth through gear selection, trip planning, hunter education, conservation principles, and sustainable game processing. Expanding in Summer 2026, the program will incorporate more realistic wilderness-based survival scenarios and interior field instruction.
Youth Scholarships & Community Engagement
Since the summer of 2025, COAC has provided more than $2,000 in scholarships for local youth to participate in local ocean safety / skills programs. COAC also supported numerous community organizations and events through volunteerism, vessel support, fundraising assistance, and collaboration.
Marksmanship Skills
Structured instruction focused on firearm safety, responsibility, and marksmanship fundamentals. Plans for Fall 2026 include expansion into a more robust marksmanship program to provide instruction on a variety of firearms actions, shooting techniques and equipment maintenance.