Volunteer At Echo

Every spring, a hearty crew of volunteers help ready camp for the summer by painting buildings, installing piers, cleaning cabins, and much much more. Every fall, many of the same volunteers return to remove the piers, move boats into storage, and close up building for the winter. These weekends are a classic example of the adage “many hands make light work” and camp would not be able to open without these mighty crew!

Adult Work Weekends are open to any and all interested, so long as they are 21 years or older. Volunteers are welcome to stay on camp Friday and Saturday nights, with most of the work occurring on the Saturday and a few projects carrying over to Sunday morning.

Fall Work Weekend 2020 dates are October 2-4. Participants must register in advance using the form below. Our capacity for volunteers is reduced for 2020 due to COVID safety protocols and your volunteer spot will be confirmed via email once your form is reviewed.

Fall Work Weekend 2020 Volunteer Form

Work Weekend First Timer Info

In late-April, 50 high school volunteers from the Chicago area take a bus to camp and spend the weekend raking leaves, placing woodchips on Camp Echo’s nature trails, and readying boats for the summer. This is a wonderful chance to see Camp Echo in a whole new way and give back to camp.

High School Work Weekend is open to any current high school student. Adult volunteers are also needed to serve as Crew Chiefs.

High School Work Weekend can be counted as community service hours.

The 2020 High School Work Weekend dates are April 24-26. Full details and forms can be found in the packet below, and registration will be open March 1st on your CampInTouch account.

Since space is limited, signing up early will help your chances of being a part of the weekend. This year we are using your CampInTouch account to sign up on March 1st.

How to Sign Up through CampInTouch:

1. Log into your CampInTouch Account. If you have forgotten your password, you may request a new one.
2. Click Camper Application on the Dashboard.
3. Choose your camper’s name.
4. Select “High School Work Weekend” under “Off Season Programs,” this will not appear until March 1st at 5:30 PM.
5. Complete Application – please note that payment will be processed upon submission.

First timers please follow this link to register for a CampInTouch account.

If you have any questions or run into any issues please call the Echo Office. We can be reached at (847) 475-7400 ext 259 / echoinfo@mcgawymca.org.

2019 HSWW Packet  (2020 Packet will be posted in the spring)

The Camp Echo Advisory Group meets monthly from September to April, and once during July at camp, to discuss current issues with the Camp Director. Camp Echo Commmitte members are former staff, parents of current and former campers, community members, and friends of Echo.

Camp Echo alumni are invited to join the Echo Spirit Team, adults who help with bus departures and arrivals at the McGaw YMCA in Evanston. A couple hours on a Friday or Saturday afternoon or a Sunday morning will help make a stressful time more pleasant for parents and campers.