Voted the World’s Best Seaside Park

Planning Guide – Fall 2023

Boardwalk Overnights Girl Scouts logo

We are super excited for the upcoming Girl Scout Overnight here at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!

Please review the following information before you head off to your fun overnight event.

Timeline

*times and events subject to change

Friday
1pm-10pm Check-in at Main Entrance Ticket Booths
4pm Gates open for Set-up
5pm-8pm Arcade Free Play in the Casino Arcade and Neptune's Kingdom (Includes Laser Tag & Mini Golf- excludes redemption games)
5pm-8pm Ride Exclusive: Looff Carousel & Pirate Ship
6pm-8pm Dinner at the Aloha Terrace and Cocoanut Grove
7:45pm-8:15pm Magic Show (Located at the Beach Movie)
8:20pm-10:30pm Movie on the Beach: Elemental
10:45pm Lights Out
Saturday
7am-8:30am Pack up sleeping areas
7:30am-9am Breakfast at the Aloha Terrace & Cocoanut Grove (coffee available at 7am)
7:30am-9am Sand Sculpture Sign-ups
8:30am-10am Sand Sculpture Contest
8:30am-10:30am Arcade Free Play in the Casino Arcade and Neptune's Kingdom (Includes Laser Tag & Mini Golf- excludes redemption games)
9:45am-10:15am Sand Sculpture Judging
10:30am Sand Sculpture Winners Announced at Colonnade Stage
10:40am-10:50am Friendship Circle (Beach in front of Neptune Kingdom)
11am Park Opens!

What to do before arriving

  • Register everyone in attendance, adult chaperones, scouts, friends and siblings.
  • Everyone in attendance must submit online authorization form
  • Bring registration and confirmation email.

Recommended Packing list

  • Free-standing tent
  • Hand cart or wagon (to help transport items to sleeping area)
  • Sleeping pad/mattress (tents will be on cement)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Blanket
  • Pillow 
  • Warm jacket
  • Beach/Lawn chair for evening movie
  • Flashlight
  • Toiletries (toothbrush/toothpaste/brush/deodorant/face towel)
  • Earplugs (you will sleep in the vicinity of other campers so pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper)
  • Snacks & bottled water
  • Change of clothes for Saturday
  • Sunscreen
  • Portable charger

Parking

  • Parking will be discounted for Saturday. One discounted parking voucher will be issued at check-in. Sorry, lost vouchers will not be replaced. No discounted parking vouchers will be issued after 11am Saturday. 
  • Parking will be at the Main Lot across from event entrance, you will pull a ticket. Please take ticket to the red kiosk along with your discounted parking voucher before you leave. You will pay the discounted rate at the red kiosk. 
  • Security will patrol the parking lot for the overnight parking.
  • No ins and outs. Once you leave, standard parking rates will apply.
  • RV parking will be $25 and must park in the Main Parking lot. You will need to process payment on Friday at the check-in ticket booth. An employee will give you a confirmation paper that must be displayed on your dashboard overnight. Security will be notified of your RV. Failure to process payment on Friday will result in full $50 RV parking fee on Saturday. Your RV must be moved to the River Lot on Saturday morning. 

Check-In

  • Check-in will be located at the Main Entrance. Check-in will be open at 1pm and will be staffed by a Boardwalk representative until 10pm. 
  • An information table will be staffed by a Boardwalk representative at Aloha Terrace Saturday morning from 7:30am-9am. 
  • When checking in, you will receive your patch, event wristband and any additional items you have pre-purchased.
  • Limited availability of T-shirts available to purchase at check-in.
  • You can check-in as a group or individually. Once you enter event, you may set up inside the Boardwalk. There are no assigned campsite locations.
  • The event wristband you receive at check-in will allow you access to the exclusive event areas on Friday evening and Saturday morning. The wristband will also be your Rides Wristband for Saturday.
  • If anyone in your group needs to leave early once checked in, please see Boardwalk representative at the check-in table or information table. 

Food

  • Dinner is included with registration for Friday evening on the Aloha Terrace and Cocoanut Grove near the Casino Arcade 
  • Dinner Menu (subject to change without notice): Chicken strips, pasta with marinara, baked beans, fruit salad, carrots, celery, fountain drinks and water.
  • Breakfast is included with registration for Saturday morning and will be served on the Aloha Terrace and Cocoanut Grove near the Casino Arcade.
  • Breakfast Menu (subject to change without notice): Scrambled eggs, scrambled eggs with bacon, bagels, oatmeal, yogurt, bananas, coffee, hot cocoa, orange juice and water.
  • You are welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages and water bottles.
  • On Saturday, when the park opens please be aware that most food location accept cashless payment only. MyBoardwalk cards are accepted at all food locations. 

SWAPS

SWAPS are optional (Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere). These are small crafts, often with a pin that scouts & others can exchange. Recommended to bring around 20 if participating.

Sand Sculpture Competition

  • Sand sculpture competition location will be announced when signing up.
  • All contestants must be registered for the overnight event.
  • Parents/chaperones are responsible for the minor’s safety on the beach and along the water line. There will be no lifeguard on duty. 
  • Teams must provide their own supplies.
  • Have fun and be safe! 
  • Judges will be judging based on the following:
    • Originality/creativity- up to 10 points
    • Attention to detail- up to 5 points
    • Artistic impression- up to 5 points
  • Prizes will be awarded for each of the team categories placing in 1st, 2nd, 3rd. 

Lights out Etiquette

  • Lights will begin to be shut off around 10:45pm and may take about 15-20 minutes. 
  • Please be respectful of fellow camper’s and keep conversations to a whisper. 

Safety Guidelines & Requirements

  • Adult Chaperone: All participants under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. One adult chaperone, over the age of 18 years, is required for every group of 8 minors.
  • Authorization forms: Each attendee must submit a completed authorization form before October 4 by their legal guardian. Adults 18 and over must submit one for themselves. 
  • Suspicious Behavior: While uniformed Boardwalk Security will keep the event area secure, each attendee is under the responsibility of their adult chaperone at event. Any behavior the Boardwalk staff and security deem inappropriate (drugs, drinking, graffiti, etc.) will result in immediate removal from the event without a refund. 
  • Overnight Security: There will be uniformed Boardwalk Security on-site throughout the event. The Boardwalk Security will be in touch with The City of Santa Cruz Police Department and Fire Department. If you have anything suspicious to report, please communicate with the Boardwalk Security. 
  • First Aid: All Boardwalk Security officers are trained in First Aid and CPR. If there is a need for First Aid, please inform Boardwalk Security. When the park opens on Saturday at 11am, you may go to the First Aid office located inside the Guest Services office next to the Haunted Castle. 
  • Alcohol: This event is alcohol-free. 
  • Fires: No campfires are allowed during this event. Any violation will result in immediate removal from event. 
  • Restrooms: Restrooms are located inside the sleeping areas throughout the Boardwalk and will remain open throughout the night. There are no showers available. 
  • Event Boundaries: No attendees will be allowed outside of the designated event areas unattended (parking lots, beach, etc.) after they have checked in. 
  • Encountering Trespassers: If at any time you see/suspect a trespasser who is not part of the event enter the event area, please report immediately to a Boardwalk Security Officer. Please do not attempt to contact them yourself. 
  • Rides: Under no circumstances will anyone be allowed to be on or in the ride areas until the park opens on Saturday at 11am. If any attendees are found playing on or around rides throughout the evening and prior to rides opening, it may be cause for immediate removal from event without a refund. All event attendees must adhere to The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk rules/regulations including ride height requirements. 
  • After 11am on Saturday: On Saturday at 11am when the park opens, the event concludes. You will have access to rides with your event wristband and remain under the supervision of your chaperone. 

Male Chaperones & Male Attendees

  • The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk follows the Girl Scout Standard, “There may be trips when fathers or male leaders/advisors are part of the group. It is not appropriate for males to sleep in the same space with girl members. They may participate only if separate sleeping quarters are available for their use.” 
  • This overnight will provide a separate sleeping area designated for males and their immediate family only.
  • The girl scout attendee can choose to sleep with their male chaperone in this area.
  • No males can sleep outside this designated area.
  • Males must remain in their sleeping area beginning at 10:45pm.

Refunds & Cancellations

  • Sorry, no refunds, all registration sales are final. 
  • If you are unable to enjoy the rides on Saturday and need to depart early, you may exchange your event wristband prior to 11am at the event information table in exchange for a ride voucher for another visit. 

Questions?
Email us at [email protected].

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