Adventure Trips (Grades 7-11)

Trailblazers learn the basics of paddling, backpacking, and wilderness living at Camp Echo while gaining skills in teamwork, trust, and communication. The group then journeys to Northern Michigan to spend three days canoeing under a canopy of trees on the Big Manistee River, and three days hiking on historic North Manitou Island where wildflowers, fresh air, clean water, and starry nights abound. Between paddling and hiking, participants enjoy a layover day – relaxing, fishing, swimming, and cooking delicious meals. Trailblazers return to Echo and spend their final day celebrating their accomplishments.

Note: Trailblazers trips are single-gender, with boys and girls participating in separate sessions or sections.

Trip Level: Beginner

Spend eight days canoeing this environmentally protected watershed with over 1,000 lakes and streams near the US/Canadian border.  By day, participants experience the beauty of waterfalls, rock cliffs, and abundant wildlife including moose and turtles. After some of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable, the group enjoys campfires and falls asleep under a phenomenal blanket of stars – maybe even the Northern Lights! Participants have ample opportunity for swimming and general fun.

Trip Level: Basic Adventure Trip

This trip offers beginning hikers the opportunity to improve their skills while experiencing the amazing wildlife and scenery of Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains. There is something for everyone on this trip – the breathtaking coastline of Lake Superior, countless waterfalls, and acres of shady forests.

Trip Level: Basic Adventure Trip

A fantastic introduction to bicycle touring, this trip is designed to challenge, but not overwhelm, the first-time bike tripper. Both the terrain and the daily mileage, ranging from 35 to 50 miles, are moderate. The group is driven to the Mackinac Bridge where they begin their trek back to Echo. The trip route hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline, providing amazing vistas as well as the chance to cool off with an occasional dip. The group camps in state parks and forests along the way. Participants must provide their own bicycle, helmet, and panniers. Those not used to spending a full day on a bike should know that pre-trip training is essential.

Trip Level: Basic Adventure Trip

Join us for a memorable adventure exploring Canada’s Georgian Bay by sea kayak. We spend a day with the professional staff at White Squall Paddling Center learning sea kayaking skills before launching into an eight-day paddle through the crystal blue waters of Lake Huron and camping on picturesque islands that dot the bay. Living in the bay’s backcountry, you learn technical skills while learning about yourself through interaction with your group and the natural world.

Trip Level: Intermediate Adventure Trip

Experience the beauty and ruggedness of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. After leaving Echo, we fly to Denver and head out for a day of challenging and exciting rock climbing in Estes Park, then embark on an eight-day high-mountain adventure at elevations over 8,000 feet in Colorado State Park.

We’ll explore pristine lakes, endless fields of wild flowers, undiscovered patches of snow, and even attempt to reach the summit of a 13,000 foot peak. Our adventure ends in Boulder for a chance to clean up and celebrate before flying back to Chicago.

Trip Level: Intermediate Adventure Trip

This trip starts north of the Redwood National Park about 100 miles from Eureka. Feel the warmth of the California sunshine as we bike the coast from Oregon to San Francisco. The group begins at Camp Echo to connect with the Echo community and outfit the trip, then travels by train to begin a 400-mile trek through California. The biking begins in the shadows of the mighty Redwood forest. The group will see the National Park and travel down the famous ‘Avenue of the Giants.’ Then we proceed to the coast where the salt of the Pacific Ocean flavors the air and the view is magnificent.

Most days consist of 30-40 miles of biking, with a break in Bodega Bay for surfing and beach fun. After spending four weeks traveling through coastal towns and camping in beautiful forests, we celebrate the tour’s end with a spectacular ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. The final night before departing for Chicago is spent in San Francisco. Campers must provide their own bike, helmet, and panniers.

Trip Level: Advanced Adventure Trip

Introductory hiking and canoeing trips. Experienced trip guides teach participants introductory wilderness skills including fire safety, leave no trace concepts, personal hygiene, and cooking simple meals. The wilderness setting and terrain is appropriate for beginners and the group is never far from advanced medical care. Age-appropriate team elements and initiatives build group cohesiveness.

Intermediate backpacking, biking, and kayaking trips. Individual participants or groups practice and advance their Wilderness Skills by acting as the “Leader of the Day.” With the guidance of adult trip guides, young leaders will organize campsites, map out the route for the day, and play a key role in meal preparation. Wilderness setting is more remote, and terrain requires participants to challenge their physical skills. The many opportunities for leadership extend personal growth and enable participants to gain skills similar to those taught in Echo’s L.I.T. and C.I.T. programs.

Backpacking and kayaking trips for four weeks. Practice advanced wilderness skills in physically challenging settings. Participants continue to be Leader of the Day in groups or as an individual, making even more decisions that include choice or routes, meals, and campsites. High ropes challenges and immersion in various teamwork and leadership situations build your confidence and prepare you to be a valuable member of the Echo staff.