Why Camp Echo?

We stress the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We serve campers that exhibit many dimensions of diversity. Last summer, we gave out $131,000 in scholarships to 171 campers and 17 families. Our goal is to give scholarships to 212 campers for the summer of 2011. While we invite personal reflection at camp, our program is non-denominational and everyone feels at home.

Our setting allows campers and staff to “unplug” and get in touch with nature. Our cabins have electricity, but no plumbing; there are attic vent fans, but no air conditioners. There’s a bathroom building nearby each cluster of cabins. We have platform tent living for teens in Outpost and the Birches. There are no clocks — we ring a large bell to signal activity times.

Camp Echo is on a lake with 7,004 feet of shoreline adjoining nearly 500 acres of woodlands and wetlands. In recognition of the fact that camp is located on a peninsula, we take water safety seriously. Each camper’s swimming ability is evaluated on the first day, and those not classified as strong swimmers are assigned to swim lessons for at least a week.

Our summer camp is for campers age 8 to 17. We offer Adventure Trips and Leadership Training for high school age participants. As campers grow older and return year after year, our progressive program offers them new challenges and age-appropriate choices. Many children begin their Camp Echo experience as toddlers during Family Camp along with their parents and grandparents, then return in later years as summer campers.

Camp Echo is also a coed camp, which allows parents to send children of both genders to any session. Boys and girls are together for morning activities, free time, and often, evening program. However, boys and girls cabins are on opposite sides of the camp peninsula, and groups have single-gender meals, cabin group time, rest hour, and overnights. We believe that Camp Echo provides for an appropriate mix of single-sex and mixed-gender activities in a well-supervised setting.

We have land sports — but we’re not a Sports Camp. We have aquatic activites — but we’re not an Aquatics Camp. We have arts activities — but we’re not an Arts Camp. We have horseback riding — but we’re not an Equestrian Camp. Camp Echo’s generalized program allows for a well-rounded summer experience

2012 is the McGaw YMCA’s 113th season of overnight camping; our 89th at the present site in Fremont, Michigan. We have over 14,000 alumni who remain connected through our alumni website and events throughout the year. Alumni, parents, and friends of Echo donate over $150,000 to support scholarships and help maintain a quality program. We honor our strong traditions while embracing the ideas and energy that new people bring to Camp Echo.

65% of our campers return the next summer as campers or staff members, compared to a national average of about 50%. 80% of our staff members have a previous affiliation with Camp Echo as a staff member, camper, or CIT. Last year, 150 individuals donated 3,759 hours of volunteer service to Camp Echo at meetings, work weekends, and during camp. A number of campers have a parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent that attended Camp Echo

When surveyed after camp, 100% said that their child had fun; 99% said that the staff worked hard to ensure the health and safety of their child; 100% said that the counselors were good role models; 99% said that their child felt included; and 96% said that their child had an experience free from bullying. In addition, 99% say that the Camp Echo experience is a good value for the money, and 100% say they would recommend Camp Echo to other families.

Although we kick off the summer with a one-week session, mostly for first-timers, our four summer sessions are two weeks long. We believe two weeks is the perfect amount of time. It allows parents to “let go” for a while, knowing that trained role models and seasoned leaders are caring for their children. Counselors get to know and understand their campers; the cabin group establishes lasting friendships; and individuals build self-confidence and resilience.

Our policies and procedures meet the standards of the American Camp Association. The ACA accreditation process reviews our overall program quality, our compliance with nearly 300 safety standards, and our commitment to our campers’ security.