
Monique Parsons, McGaw YMCA President/CEO (left) and Bernard Rocca, Camp Echo Executive Director, proudly kicked off the camp’s centennial on October 12. A year-long celebration of special events and activities are planned to honor a century of adventure, growth, and community.
EVANSTON, IL. – Camp Echo, the McGaw YMCA’s beloved overnight camp in Fremont MI, kicked off its year-long centennial celebration with an unforgettable event at Double Clutch Brewing Company in Evanston. Titled "Same Spirit, New Century," the evening was a resounding success, leaving attendees with new memories and a renewed sense of camaraderie.
The event, held on October 12, brought together Camp Echo supporters, alumni, staff, and friends for a night of celebration and reflection. The camp’s timeless spirit was on display as attendees wore their favorite Camp Echo-branded attire.
McGaw YMCA President/CEO Monique Parsons welcomed guests and thanked them for commemorating the launch of the camp’s centennial year. “I am so honored to be able to serve in this capacity during this time, and to be able to say ‘Happy 100th year anniversary Camp Echo!’,” Parsons shared. “It is absolutely because of all of you that we are here to celebrate a hundred years. There’s legacy in this room. There’s generational support in this room. There’s history in this room. There’s a first-time experience in this room, and we stand on the shoulders of those who dared enough to imagine Camp Echo,” Parsons added.
Camp Echo's Executive Director, Bernard Rocca, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the Echo community. “Everyone in this room has a connection to camp. Whether it’s a personal experience that has directly impacted us, or have felt the joy through a friend or family member who benefited from camp, we truly are the lucky ones to have such an amazing unity here,” he said.
Rocca stressed that the centennial milestone is a chance to design the path forward towards becoming a camp where everyone belongs. “As we look ahead to our next 100 years, it is our collective responsibility to expand the reach of Camp Echo in our community so more people share this sense of belonging,” he emphasized.
Highlights of the event included:
Heartfelt Reunions: Camp Echo supporters had the chance to reconnect with old friends, reminisce about camp adventures, and share stories that have been passed down through generations.
Supporting the Legacy: The event was not just a celebration; it was also an opportunity to support the continued legacy of Camp Echo. Ticket sales and event donations directly contribute to the camp's future and help shape its long-term vision of providing transformative, inclusive, outdoor experiences for new generations of campers.
Creating Memories: Camp supporters Tracy Alden, Kiersten Rippeteau, Candy Falcon, and Adam Chiss shared testimonials about the impact Camp Echo had on their lives. Attendees also captured memories in photos and on “Dear Camp Echo” postcards, creating a record of the night's festivities.
As the 100th anniversary celebrations continue throughout the year, the McGaw YMCA invites all campers, alumni, friends, and supporters to join in the festivities. For updates on events, initiatives, and ways to get involved, please visit ymcacampecho.org/celebrate or contact Bernard Rocca at [email protected].