November 2025

Early Registration Lottery for Camp Echo Opens December 2

Camp Echo, News /

Get ready—Camp Echo’s 2026 registration season is almost here! Mark your calendars with the upcoming dates to register for all Youth and Family Camp programs: Early Registration Lottery: December 2–9 at noon Open Enrollment: Begins January 6 Early Registration Lottery (Dec. 2-9 at noon) The Early Registration Lottery gives all campers—new and returning—an equal chance to apply for Youth and Family Camp programs without the stress of first-come, first-served. Submit your applications anytime during the 8-day window! To prepare, visit the Dates & Rates page for Youth Camp program details, and the Family Camp page for dates and pricing. Tips to Maximize Your Lottery Success: Youth Camp: Rank up to six programs in order of preference. Indicate if the camper should be enrolled in one or two programs; Staff will prioritize enrolling all applicants in one program before processing requests for the second program. Family Camp: Rank up to 3 sessions and 3 cabin sizes. Popular Sessions: Youth Camp Sessions 4 […]

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Miles That Matter: 4,100 Miles of Purpose Completed

Miles that Matter, News /
This is a side by side view of Mark and Noreen starting their trip in Oregon and completing the Trail in Virgina.

Mark Metz and Noreen Edwards started the TransAmerica Trail in Oregon (left) and celebrated in Virginia (right), after completing 4,100 miles for the McGaw YMCA Men’s Residence and its upcoming renovations. (Photo credit: Metz and Edwards) EVANSTON, IL — After more than two months on the road, McGaw YMCA Board Chair Mark Metz and his wife Noreen Edwards have successfully completed their 4,100-mile bike ride along the TransAmerica Trail to raise awareness and support for the McGaw YMCA Men’s Residence. They reached the Eastern shore on November 23, and are making their way home to Evanston. “It is deeply satisfying to have completed the long and physically challenging TransAmerica Trail, especially because of our mission to raise funds and awareness for the McGaw Y’s capital campaign to renovate the men’s residence,” said Metz. “As we drive toward home today, my thoughts are scrolling through all the places we have been

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McGaw YMCA Celebrates 140 Years of Community Connection

News /
President/CEO Monique Parsons is standing on the upper level track of the Sebring-Lewis Center holding a piece of cake with "Happy Birthday" and "Celebrating 140 years in Evanston" decoration. She is wearing a black shirt and with a black puffy vest with a YMCA logo on the chest. She is smiling.

Evanston, IL – The McGaw YMCA celebrated its 140th anniversary with a weeklong series of events, including the first-ever YMCA Day in Evanston on November 17, bringing together members, staff, supporters, families, and community friends to honor this milestone. On YMCA Day, festivities filled the historic building at 1000 Grove Street and the Children’s Center, where guests enjoyed vibrant decorations, signed a giant birthday card, and picked up special YMCA giveaways. The celebration continued into the evening with a community gathering hosted by McGaw Y President & CEO Monique Parsons, featuring an author talk by Morris (Dino) Robinson, founder of the Shorefront Legacy Center who shared reflections about the Emerson Street Branch YMCA from his revised book, Gatherings: The History and Activities of the Emerson Street Branch YMCA. Attendees had the chance to have books signed, view the official YMCA Day Proclamation, and enjoy birthday cake. Parsons reflected on the

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