In our years of experience with children we have learned that good staff members are the key to reaching our high standards.

All staff have a college degree in environmental science or a related field or are at least 21 years old with appropriate work experience.
All staff have experience working with children and are hired based on skills, character, personality, attitude, and leadership ability.
Each candidate completes a thorough application and two part interview process. We contact all references to confirm the strength of each applicant.
Staff go through extensive training with experts from the Ocean Futures Society and Catalina Island Camps.
All staff are first aid and CPR certified. Staff leading waterfront activities are lifeguard certified and receive thorough safety training at our waterfront.

 

Travis Langen - CELP Director
Travis Langen is the Director of the school year Catalina Environmental Leadership Program. He came to CELP in 2000 as a Senior Instructor and later became Assistant Director. During the summer program he has been the Head Skin Diver and Head Naturalist and is currently the Outback Program Director. Travis has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California in Santa Barbara where he emphasized in restoration ecology and environmental education. Travis has also worked as a director for various music and youth theatre productions throughout Santa Barbara and San Diego. As a CELP director Travis heads up the garden project and the sustainable living programming as well as working with staff, students, chaperones and volunteer groups.

 

J.J. Newman - CELP Assistant Director
J.J. is the Assistant Director of CELP. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Scripps College. J.J. entered the field of Outdoor Education in Lake Arrowhead in September 1999. She came to CELP in September 2001 and has worked as a CELP Instructor and as a Senior Instructor. She has worked at Tom Sawyer Camps since 1999 as a specialist and Assistant Director of the middle school program.

 

Richard C. Murphy, Ph.D.- Director, Ambassadors of the Environment Program Ocean Futures Society
Richard C. Murphy has a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from the University of Southern California. He began working with Jean-Michel Cousteau and his father, Jacques Cousteau, in 1968. Since that time he has been involved in a wide variety of projects and expeditions in many remote areas around the globe. Dr. Murphy's role in these expeditions has included serving as chief scientist, photographer, writer, educator or project director.

Since 1973 Dr. Murphy has been involved with Jean-Michel Cousteau in the creation and implementation of field study programs for students of all ages. The objective in these programs has been to share the wonder and importance of the ocean realm to the public. Drawing on over 30 years of exploring and studying a wide variety of ecosystems and cultures, Dr. Murphy states, "I believe a better understanding of how nature works can not only promote an appreciation for the value of our natural heritage but also help guide the next generation in living more sustainably on the planet. For the Ambassadors of the Environment program, of which CELP is a part, we have designed a truly innovative educational experience designed to meet these goals and at the same time give young people a chance to have fun and connect with nature, away from clutter and clatter of modern life. Such experiences have proven to be transformative and return young people to their homes better informed, inspired and possessing the tools to direct their lives toward fulfillment and meaning."