Celebrating a Century: Camp Echo 100th Anniversary Weekend Recap

Camp Echo 100th Anniversary Weekend

Camp Echo celebrated its 100th Anniversary September 20-22 with a momentous gathering of over 230 attendees at the camp’s scenic grounds in Fremont, Michigan. The celebration brought together current and former campers, staff, donors, volunteers, and Echo enthusiasts to commemorate a century of the McGaw YMCA’s overnight camp.

The celebration featured a range of activities that honored Camp Echo’s history while showcasing its continued commitment to providing meaningful experiences for future campers. Attendees enjoyed traditional camp activities such as paddlesports, fishing, archery, Echo history discussions, and a campfire.

“The 100th anniversary weekend captured the essence of camp in so many ways: the joy, the laughter, and the time spent doing activities but also the time spent simply connecting with each other,” said Bernard Rocca, Executive Director of Camp Echo.

Rocca noted that the weekend's success was driven by the unique contributions of all who attended, whether preparing meals or helping with cleanup. Attendees also led special experiences, including yoga, a writing workshop, a storytelling session, and birding walks. Saturday night's campfire brought the full spirit and energy of Camp Echo to life, with songs, skits, stories, and moments of reflection, culminating in a magical shout of “ECHO!” that echoed across Ryerson Lake under a star-filled sky.

Two people standing, one with a microphone and the other smiling
John Mosser (right) presenting flowers of appreciation to Katie Tucker Trippi, a long-time camper, staff member, and beloved Camp Echo historian who recently retired from McGaw YMCA.

John Mosser, a camper in the ‘60s and ‘70s and a staff member in the early ‘80s, reflected on his reunion experience:

“I'm still smiling from ear to ear because I had such a good time at the reunion. Camp is truly a sacred space! Being able to walk the grounds, walk thru Outpost, go out to Pioneer Village, making an early morning bird walk, swimming in the lake, hearing the bell ring, eating in the new dining hall, restocking my Camp Echo wear at the Trading Post, flag raising in the morning and the closing campfire filled me with Echo Spirit!"

A family smiling and standing in front of a cabin.
The Zulkey-Delahoyde family posing for a traditional cabin photo at Camp Echo’s 100th Anniversary Celebration.

Camp Echo enthusiast and writer Claire Zulkey, who was a camper, Adventure Tripper, and camp counselor in the late ’80s through mid-’90s, shared a special reflection about camp and the centennial weekend:

A Reflection on Camp, Connection, and the Magic of Echo

The year-long 100th Anniversary celebration was made possible by the support of generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and the Camp Echo community. “I’m deeply grateful to the amazing community that has supported Camp Echo for generations, and to everyone who contributed to our anniversary weekend and year-long centennial celebration with their service, kindness, energy, and spirit,” Rocca added.

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