Sign Up for Camp

• • The initial registration window (November 22- December 1) is NOT first come, first serve. During this time, all returning and new campers can submit applications. The Echo staff will randomly order and manually process application received during this time in three waves:

1. 1. 1. 1. 2021 Campers & Siblings
         2. McGaw Members
         3. All other campers

Does Camp Echo fill with all returning campers? What are the chances that new campers will be enrolled?

• • No, Camp Echo does not typically fill with returning campers; however, some sessions/programs are more popular than others. We encourage families to apply for as many sessions/programs as work for their camper’s schedule and interests to increase likelihood of enrollment. If you have a flexible schedule and program choices, we usually have availability!

Why is there a two program/one trip limit for the first registration window?

• • Our goal is to offer the Camp Echo experience to all campers who are interested, and this means initially limiting the number of programs campers can register for. This program limit will be lifted during open enrollment in January, when campers can sign up for additional sessions/programs for any remaining spaces.

How will I share my camper’s program/session preference on the application?

• • There is a page on the camper application for you to rank your camper’s preferences. There is also an open box where you can share more details about your preferences.

Will you take friend requests into account during the registration process?

• • Unfortunately no, friend requests will not be considered during the registration process. The bunk request form will be available when Forms & Documents go live in February.

Can you guarantee siblings will be enrolled together?

• • While we can’t guarantee siblings will both get their first choice program/session, we will do our best to honor whichever factor is most critical to your family: program/session or sibling alignment.

What if my camper has siblings who weren’t enrolled in 2021?

• • Applications for new camper siblings for Traditional Camp will be processed with 2021 campers. This does not include new camper siblings applying for teen or adventure trip programs.

What if my camper was on the wait list for summer 2021?

• • Unfortunately campers on the wait list in 2021 are not considered returning campers. They are eligible to submit applications during the initial window, and will be considered like all other new campers and/or McGaw members.

Will I be charged for the full amount listed at the end of my application? 

• • The amount listed on the “Payment Information” page is reflective of ALL of the programs you’ve listed as a preference on the application. You will not necessarily be enrolled in each of those programs and will not be required to pay for programs for which you are not enrolled. At the time of registration you will only be charged the deposit for programs you’ve been enrolled in. If you selected the “Pay in Full” option, you will be charged the full fee for programs you’ve been enrolled in.

• • CampInTouch is the camp management software for Camp Echo where you can register, and after enrollment where you can access camper forms, add-ons, financial information, photos, camper e-mails, and more!

What can I do if I forgot my CampInTouch password?

• • If you have forgotten your password for CampInTouch account please click “Retrieve/Set Password” on the log in screen. If your account is locked out, please contact our office at echoinfo@mcgawymca.org or 847-475-7400 x259.

If I’m a new camper, can I setup a CampInTouch account?

• • Only returning campers have existing CampInTouch accounts. New campers will set up their CampInTouch account as part of the registration process.

Why is my email address not recognized on CampInTouch? 

• • All returning parents have CampInTouch accounts in order to register their campers.  If you are parent of a returning camper and your email address is not recognized when you attempt to log into CampInTouch, this means we have a different email on file. If this is the case, please contact our office at echoinfo@mcgawymca.org or 847-475-7400.

Why does Echo need a photo of my camper? 

• • We strongly encourage you to upload a photo of your camper for our staff to know your children by face before meeting them. Your camper maybe have been to camp for several years but may have counselors that are new to Echo or may not know your camper.

If my camper is on a waitlist, when will I find out if a spot opens up? 

• • If a spots opens up in a program you’re wait-listed for, camp staff will contact you to give you an opportunity to accept enroll your camper. You will have 24 hours to confirm the enrollment. If you do not confirm or if you decline the spot, you will forfeit your spot in the program.

My campers is on a waitlist for a program that I no longer want to be enrolled in, what can I do? 

• • You can remove yourself from a waitlist at any time. In order to remove yourself from the list, please contact the Echo staff.

When will the forms be available to fill out online? 

• • Camper forms will be live in February on your CampInTouch under ‘Forms and Documents.’

How do I fill out the Bunkmate request?

• • The bunkmate request will be a form within your CampInTouch account, available in February.

• • You must already have an active membership at the time of registration in order to receive the discounted member rate. The membership application is separate from the Camp Echo application. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact the Front Desk at 847-475-7400.

Does joining the McGaw YMCA provide an advantage?

• • Yes. During our initial registration phase applications are randomly processed in the following order: returning families, McGaw members, and non-members. A McGaw YMCA youth or family membership provides year-round benefits, too! If you are signing up for at least three weeks of Camp Echo, the member discounts will probably more than offset the cost of a youth membership.

Why do McGaw YMCA members receive priority registration before other new campers? What about other YMCA members?

• • Camp Echo is committed to serving campers from the Evanston community, and priority registration is a benefit of membership at the McGaw YMCA. Members of other YMCAs are not eligible for this priority registration, however they will receive the YMCA discount to the camp fees.

How do I receive a YMCA member discount?

• • Campers must be a current YMCA member to receive the member discount for camp of $150/week.  They can be members at any YMCA (not only McGaw YMCA).  This membership must be active at the time of registration through the time of your camper’s program at Echo. Eligible memberships include youth, teen, or family memberships.  Adult memberships do not qualify campers for discounted member pricing for camp.  If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact the McGaw YMCA membership team at 847-475-7400 for more information.  Additional information can also be found on the McGaw YMCA website. Note: Camp Echo staff cannot adjust pricing if you purchase a membership at a later date (after submitting camper registration).

• • Signing up for horseback riding is not part of the registration process. There will be a form on your CampInTouch account in February where you can sign up. Spaces are limited, but we are hopeful that every campers will have a horse opportunity next summer!

What about layovers?

• • Layovers will be offered between sessions 2&3 and between sessions 4&5 for an additional fee. Signing up for layover is not part of the registration process. Echo staff will reach out to eligible campers to register in February.

What is the backpack rental option? 

• • For Backpacking Adventure Trips you can opt to rent a backpack for an additional fee of $25.

How do I pay the application deposit by cash or check?

• • Deposits are due at the time of registration. If you selected to pay by cash or check, please submit this payment to the Echo office at the McGaw YMCA.

If my family received fee assistance in 2021, will we receive the same assistance in 2022?

• • YES! Your camper is eligible for the same rate of fee assistance for three years,  unless your family’s situation has changed and would like to share updated financial information for our sliding scale. If your financial situation has changed since 2021 and you’d like to apply for further fee assistance, you can indicate so on the application.

What if I have a credit on my camper’s account?

• • Thank you for keeping a credit! This will be applied toward your balance for 2022 programming.

What are the payment options? 

There are three different payment options. You can Pay-As-You go, pay monthly installments or pay in full. Check out a full description of our payment options here. All payments for all sessions are due by May 13.

What if I am sharing a cabin at Family Camp? 

• Only the primary family needs to complete the registration form.  On the form, you can also indicate if other families will be staying in your cabin so that they can establish their own online accounts.  Please note: the primary registered family is responsible for the minimum cabin fee and communicating any roster changes with the Echo staff.