Camp Echo

McGaw YMCA

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Camp Echo Home / Camp Activities

Camp Activities

Camp Echo offers a wide variety of camp activities! Some have designated areas like the archery range or swimming area and some like nature, explore all over our property. Check out a list of some of our activities below!

This summer on-site campers will still have the opportunity to participate in traditional camp activities. Cabin groups will rotate through different activities every day so each camper will have the opportunity to try everything, including horseback riding! This includes Voyagers campers who will have the opportunity to participate in camp activities during the first week of their session.

HORSEBACK RIDING (Updated for 2021)

We know that skill-building is an important part of camp and in the barn it is especially meaningful to spend multiple days learning and growing skills around horses. We will continue to offer Horseback Riding Lessons for campers that are interested in spending additional time in the barn. Horseback Riding Lessons will be available to Traditional Campers during 2-weeks sessions, Sessions 2-5.

We are not offering Ranch Camp this summer. This plan aligned better with the interest of our campers and creates more opportunities for all cabins to experience the horseback riding program. 

Horseback Riding Lessons
Campers enrolled in Horseback Riding Lessons will attend three 1.5-hour activity blocks in the barn. Each block of lessons will be split up by age and experience level to give everyone an opportunity to build skills in horse care and riding. Based on initial interest from currently enrolled campers, we plan to offer lessons at a fairly reduced capacity compared to previous years. We will adjust the capacity based on enrollment in horseback riding lessons if necessary.

It’s important to note that cabins will be navigating the most of their activity schedule as a group.  Horseback Riding Lessons are an exception and campers will attend lessons independent of their cabin. This means campers will miss an opportunity to attend other camp activities with their group in favor of horseback riding lessons.

Additional Horse Experiences
Campers who are not enrolled in Horseback Riding Lessons will have the opportunity to visit the barn and do ring rides, a trail ride, or just visit with the horses depending on age and interest of the entire cabin group.

ALL CAMP ACTIVITIES

Please note, Horseback Riding Lessons are the only activity that require pre-sign up and cost an additional fee. All other camp activities are included in the general camp fee.

Archery
Challenge yourself to learn a new skill. Archery gives you the chance to set and achieve new goals as you learn about different bows, increase the target distance, or aim at a moving target
Arts and Crafts
Get in touch with your creative side in the craft shop! Learn new crafting techniques and bring something handmade home to show your friends and family.
Biking
Adventure to the 4 corners of camp and explore new places on a bicycle. You’ll travel in a group and learn about basic bike care and maintenance.
Challenge
Push the limits of your comfort zone on the bouldering wall, the slackline, and the ninja-line. Learn about goal setting and supporting others to meet their goals. Achieve new ranks and accomplish something new every day at Challenge.
Dance
Learn about communicating through movement and work with a group of other dancers to learn and perform a dance routine for the rest of camp.
Drama
Improv, musical theater, set design, and costumes! Learn all of the aspects of drama and pull them all together for an end-of-session performance of a musical number or a camper-created skit.
High Ropes
Push yourself into the “Challenge Zone” at the high ropes course. Whether it’s a new level of the course or adding a blindfold to an element you’ve already accomplished, there is always a new way to challenge yourself at High Ropes.
Horseback Riding
Get to know our team of horses at the barn. You’ll learn about riding, grooming, and tacking. Explore the trails around camp on horseback and refine your skills in the arena.
Low Ropes
Work together with a team to support one another as you test your balance and flexibility on the low ropes course.
Music
Play a variety of instruments and create music with a group. Camp Echo has ukuleles, drums, a keyboard, boomwhackers, and more!
Nature
Explore the environment at Camp Echo. Hunt for salamanders, play new games in new areas of camp and learn life skills. Build a stronger appreciation for life outside!
Paddlesports
With a variety of watercraft options, you’ll never be bored at Paddlesports! Head out on Ryerson Lake in a Corcl, in a kayak, on a paddleboard, or with your whole cabin in a war canoe!
Sailing
Harness the power of the wind in sailing! With a wide range of boat options, you can choose your own adventure at the sailing area.
Sports
Whether you are trying a new sport or refining your skills in an old favorite, sports at Camp Echo are where you can go to be surrounded by healthy competition and learn the value of sportsmanship.
Swimming
Take advantage of all of the water activities at camp by first finding comfort at the waterfront. Whether it’s for your swim evaluation or participating in swimming lessons, the waterfront is where all water adventures start at Camp Echo.
Team Elements
Work together to overcome challenges at the team elements course. Groups will leave the course with improved problem solving and communication skills!
Water-Skiing
Experience the thrill of gliding across the open water either on skis or on a tube.  One of Camp Echo’s most popular activities, water skiing is a chance for campers to feel a sense of growth and accomplishment as each new skill is learned and perfected.

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Contact Us

Evanston (Oct-May):
1000 Grove St,
Evanston, IL 60201
(P) 231-924-7076
(F) 847-475-1764
 
Fremont (June-Sept):
3782 S Triangle Tr,
Fremont, MI 49412
(P) 231-924-7076
(F) 847-475-1764

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