Diversity & Inclusion at Camp Echo

Every camper at Camp Echo should feel a sense of belonging at camp, where they can be proud of who they are.

As a part of the McGaw YMCA, Camp Echo shares in the mission to strengthen community for all. The Y’s efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, and global engagement (DIG) in our programs and services is central to achieving this mission and supporting all young people in achieving Camp Echo’s goals of safety, community, personal growth, and FUN! Our expectation is that all members of the Camp Echo community will join us in our DIG efforts.

INCLUSION AT CAMP ECHO

We often use the analogy at Camp Echo that “diversity is being invited to the dance and inclusion is being asked to dance.” We also want those asked to dance to help plan the dance! More directly, inclusion is the full engagement of all Camp Echo community members (campers, parents, alumni, staff, volunteers, etc.).

We are fortunate to have a rich history of being a welcoming community centered on our core values. However, we also know that many families have not always had access to camp or felt included once they experience camp. Our priority is to increase access to Camp Echo for historically underrepresented groups at camp and to ensure that all young people feel a sense of belonging at camp.

Below are a few of the strategies Camp Echo has in place to strengthen our culture of inclusion.

DIVERSITY AT CAMP ECHO

Diversity is the presence of differences that make each person unique and that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another.

Families and campers often want to know who Camp Echo serves. In addition to which of their friends will be coming to camp (which we don’t share – check with them directly!), families want to know the extent to which campers will be similar and/or different from them. Are there campers from the same school? How many campers are from outside Evanston? Will there be campers that look like me? How many campers my age will be there? And so on.

There are infinite elements of identity and we recognize campers however they identify themselves. The data below is collected by Camp Echo during the registration process, which allows us to accurately report who comes to camp and to track how our population evolves over time. Our goal is for the Camp Echo community to reflect the Evanston community, as our primary service area.

BLM AT CAMP ECHO

Camp Echo stands with camps all over the country in affirming that Black Lives Matter. We are committed to the on-going work of eliminating structural racism within camping and Camp Echo. We commit to advancing on this journey through action. We welcome and need the help of our community in our journey. Below are a few steps we are currently taking to do better as we prepare for Summer 2021.

• Segmenting survey data to better understand how Black families, campers, and staff experience camp.
• Continuous review of traditions and rituals at camp, adjusting programs and operations to create a more racially-aware culture.
• Staff and alumni collaboration to develop and implement strategies that more strongly support Camp Echo campers, families, and staff of color for Summer 2021.