CAMP ECHO YOUTH CAMP HANDBOOK
Each summer, we implement the leading practices from the camping industry while continuing to incorporate long-standing practices that align with our mission. As we make decisions about programming to better serve our campers and their families, we always reflect on our values and goals.
CORE VALUES: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
GOALS:
SAFETY (Know the Expectations, Feel Secure, Ask for Help)
The foundation of a positive camp experience starts with feeling safe in the camp environment. We communicate community expectations in advance through the camper code of conduct and upon arrival to help campers understand our expectations. While at camp, campers can seek support from their counselors, unit leaders or camp directors.
COMMUNITY (Inclusion, Make New Friends, Give Back)
Together, campers and staff have the power to support each other in developing a deep sense of belonging for all who come to camp. We ask campers to join our staff in working to include all campers and support each other in making new friends. Everyone at camp has a responsibility to care for the space and does so through cabin clean up and service tasks.
PERSONAL GROWTH (Develop Strong Character, Strengthen Self-Confidence, Build Leadership Skills) Character is built through emphasis on Camp Echo’s core values. Campers become more confident through overcoming challenges with the support of other campers and staff, who will nurture their existing passions while pushing them to try new things. As campers gain confidence and experience, they are given opportunities to explore their own leadership. For many campers, this growth naturally transitions into staff roles at camp!
AND HAVE FUN!
Fun comes in many forms at Camp Echo. Fun can be silly jokes, wacky outfits, and songs at campfires. Fun can also be the product of overcoming challenges, working together, acquiring a new skill, or making a new friend. Fun is all around us at camp and fun is more fun together.
PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES
The pathway to camper success at Camp Echo begins long before campers arrive at Camp Echo and even before they begin packing their bags. Camp Echo staff rely on the families of campers to guide campers along the early stages of preparing for camp to maximize a positive camp experience, especially for campers attending for the first time.
Ensure Camper Readiness
Families often ask how to know if their camper is ready for camp. The most important factor in camper readiness is the desire to attend camp. It is natural for campers to be nervous about leaving home and it is appropriate to push them out of their comfort zone if they are excited about the experience. If a child is adamant they do not want to attend, consider waiting until the following summer Reach out to our team to discuss questions of readiness
Communicate Needs and Support on Forms
Families know their child best and what they need to be successful day to day. Supports and strategies for helping a child thrive at home and at school are essential at camp too. The more information shared the better staff can adapt and plan to meet the needs of the campers.
Collaborate on Challenges at Camp
Camp is a challenging space, by design, to help campers grow. There are expected challenges like missing home or learning new skills. Though relatively infrequent, it is not uncommon for campers to experience homesickness, interpersonal conflict, or difficulty adjusting to camp.
Camp Echo staff will reach out to parents when challenges arise to communicate and seek input if our initial attempts prove to be ineffective.
Feedback from Families
There are many successes to celebrate and sometimes we don’t see the impact until campers get home. We appreciate when families relay camper successes back to our team. Additionally, please share feedback of your child’s experience so we can continue to elevate how we serve our campers.
In other words, we are better together!
PRE-CAMP TIMELINE
MAY 1st: All camper forms are due!
MAY 15th: Program payment is due!
1-2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR CAMPER GOES TO CAMP
- Label all your camper’s clothing, equipment and luggage with first and last name.
- Contact us in case of any significant social emotional events or changes that need extra support while your camper navigates camp.
- Update the Health History Form with any changes to medications since forms were completed and ensure you have enough medications in original packaging for your camper’s entire stay at camp.
- Update Transportation Form if your plans have changed.
THE WEEK BEFORE DEPARTURE
- Check-in medications. Pre-departure medication check-ins are scheduled at the McGaw YMCA. Utilize these check-in opportunities to ensure a smooth process and ease the stress of departure day. Early medication check-in allows our staff enough time to prepare.
o All medications must be in their original labeled container.
o Prescriptions must be in the original bottle with a prescription label that matches the instructions on the health form.
o Over the counter medications must be in original packaging.
o Inhalers and EpiPens must have the prescription label from the box.
o Our health team is unable to administer any medications not in original packaging with label.
o Do not send as needed medications, we stock them.
- Ensure your camper is healthy. Campers are not permitted to start their camp session with a known fever or symptoms of illness. For everyone’s safety, we ask that campers who are sick stay home until their symptoms improve, they are beyond the period of contagiousness, and are fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication.
- Review your expectations with your camper. Remind your camper of your expectations for writing letters home and how they budget their Trading Post account.
- Keep all tech at home. Campers are not permitted to have phones or other electronic devices on the bus or at camp.
WHILE YOUR CAMPER IS AT CAMP
- Utilize CampInTouch for news from camp, to send your camper electronic letters (that we print out), and to see photos from camp.
- Write letters to find out what your camper is doing at camp. Ask them what activities they are doing and what their Miracle Moments (daily highlights) are. Even though campers are sometimes slow to reply, they love hearing from home.
- Call us if you have any concerns. Our team responds to parent concerns as quickly as possible. Note that you should call our camp office in Fremont, not Evanston, with questions or concerns while your camper is at camp: 231-924-7076.
- Check CampInTouch for transportation details at the end of the session. We will post estimated arrival times for our buses as they travel back to Evanston based on evolving traffic patterns or delays.
PREPARING TO PACK FOR CAMP
A complete packing list is in the Forms and Documents Dashboard in CampInTouch.
Pack in a Duffle Bag
You are welcome to pack belongings in anything that works for your camper, most campers pack their belongings in a duffle bag. Bags with wheels are fine, though they don’t help much on camp’s gravel, woodchip, or grassy paths.
Bring Layers for Different Weather
Even in the middle of summer, the weather is often quite varied at camp. There are often cool evenings and mornings and hot afternoons. It is best to pack a variety of layers that can be combined for different weather, including rain.
Sleeping Bags, Bedding, And Pillows
Beds have a 74” long, 5” thick, 30-36” wide foam mattress. Campers should pack a fitted sheet, a sleeping bag, and a pillow with pillowcase. An additional top sheet or blanket is optional.
Wilderness and Adventure Trip campers need sleeping bags made of synthetic materials that are lightweight and compressible for their off-camp adventures (see specific program packing lists for more information).
Footwear
Campers always wear shoes outside of our aquatic areas. Campers must wear closed-toe shoes (such as sneakers/running shoes/boots) when playing sports, hiking, horseback riding or biking. Pack at least one pair of closed-toed shoes. A second pair is recommended in the event that one pair gets wet.
Pack secure sandals or water shoes, such as Chacos, Keens, Crocs, or Tevas for casual wear. For safety reasons, flip-flops and slides are not recommended and should only be used for showering.
Laundry
Laundry service is not available at camp for campers during sessions. Campers who stayover between sessions have their laundry sent to a local laundromat over the weekend.
If there is an urgent need, such as soiled bedding, camp counselors will discreetly wash the items.
Leave at Home
• Telephones or any electronic devices that have screens or connect to the internet
• Money, jewelry, or valuables (camp is not responsible for lost or damaged items)
• Food (except for a peanut and tree nut-free lunch for the bus ride to camp)
• Replica/toy weapons, such as water or Nerf guns
• Sports equipment (camp has plenty and we don’t want personal equipment to get lost)
COMMUNICATION AT CAMP
As part of our partnership with families, we welcome the opportunity to talk with camper parents before and during your child’s experience at camp.
Office Hours
Our phone number at camp is 231-824-7076. Please call this number for anything related to what is happening at camp. The best time to call camp is between 8:30 AM ET to 6:00 PM ET. Calls are promptly answered or returned during that time. Outside of those hours, leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Emails to echoinfo@mcgawymca.org will also be responded to as quickly as possible during the same hours.
Telephone
We do not recommend campers speak with their family at home in most circumstances, as speaking with family can exacerbate feelings of missing home. Exceptions could include an emergency at home, injury, or illness at camp. In this event, camp staff will initiate communication with parents.
Parents are welcome to call the camp office with any concerns while their camper is at camp and staff will check-in with campers about those concerns. If a parent/guardian calls and requests to speak with their camper for a non-emergency situation, or a camper requests to speak with their parent/guardian, camp staff will request to facilitate communication without direct contact first. However, if there is an urgent safety concern or a private matter, camp staff will arrange for a private conversation between the camper and parent/guardian.
Camp Visits
Camp Echo does not facilitate visits during sessions.
Families are welcome to visit camp and get a tour on the last day of session as part of camper check-out. Tour will leave from the meadow after the buses depart. Tours are not available for Session A check-out days.
Camp visits may be arranged during stayovers between sessions only. The stayover schedules are programmed and include a field trip off site. If you would like to visit your child during stayover please contact our team so we can ensure a time that is conducive to programming.
US Postal Letters
Camp Echo goes to the US Postal Office in Fremont, MI every day. Mail from the Evanston area takes 3-4 days to reach camp. For 1-week campers, we recommend that a letter is sent Thursday before the camper arrives to ensure the letter arrives while they are at camp. It can be helpful for campers to have pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes while at camp to write home.
Camp Echo Mailing Address
[Camper First and Last Name]
(for letters and packages)
[Cabin name or program] Not required, but helpful.
McGaw YMCA Camp Echo
3782 S Triangle Trail Fremont, MI 49412
Packages
All packages sent to camp are opened by the camper with a staff present to ensure items sent are allowed. Follow these recommendations when sending a package to camp:
- Limit packages to one per week per camper.
- Consider sending items that can be shared with other campers in the cabin.
- Avoid sending forgotten personal items via Amazon or similar direct shipment services. Camp staff can often provide these items which help build problem-solving in campers.
- Campers are not allowed to receive food, drinks, gum, or candy. Any edible items sent to camp will be disposed of.
- Camp Echo is not responsible for the safe receipt/delivery of packages. Packages are sometimes delivered to the wrong address, and it is the responsibility of the sender to determine what has happened to the package.
- Do not use delivery options like Wal-Mart Plus delivery or Instacart as brings strangers onto camp.
- Send health items directly to the Camp Echo Health Center.
eLetters and Camp Replies via CampInTouch
The easiest way to write to your camper is through CampInTouch. Use CampStamps to send eLetters to your camper and request a handwritten reply by checking the appropriate box when sending a your eLetter.
Every family receives five CampStamps per enrolled camper and program. Each eLetter uses one campstamp and each reply also uses one campstamp.
Set expectations with your camper about how often you expect them to write home. The most common parent phone call during the first week of a session is, “I’ve sent my camper several reply forms and they still haven’t written.” When we follow up with the camper, they tell us they’re too busy having fun!
GETTING TO/FROM CAMP
ARRIVING AT CAMP FOR START OF SESSION
CHECK IN AT THE BUS
Most Camp Echo campers ride the bus to and from camp. The buses depart from the McGaw Y at 1000 Grove St. Evanston, IL 60201.
For Sunday session starts arrive at the Y at 8:00 am CT.
For Saturday session starts arrive at the Y by 11:30 am CT, and check the status of the buses in case there’s any delay.
• Campers are assigned to buses by age. Changes can be requested for siblings to ride together after the initial assignments are sent out with pre-session information. Each bus has Camp Echo staff to supervise the trip.
• It can be very crowded, leave pets at home.
• Campers should locate the check-in station for their assigned bus, check-in with their bus captain, deliver their luggage, and pick up their bus passes.
• Label luggage with the camper’s name on the outside. We have luggage tags available.
• Bring a peanut and tree nut-free sack lunch for the bus ride.
If you have any last-minute errands, bring your camper to the Y and check-in before you leave to pick up their lunch or other forgotten items. Campers board busses by 8:30 on Sunday and 12:30 Saturday.
Buses typically arrive at Camp around 2:30 PM for Sunday session starts and 6:00 PM for Saturday session starts. Arrival is posted on CampInTouch News.
CHECK IN AT CAMP
Some families choose to check-in at camp because it is more convenient for their travel plans and home location
• Sessions Beginning on Sundays: Arrive at camp between 1:45 pm and 2:15 pm ET.
• Sessions Beginning on Saturdays: Arrive at camp between 5:30-6:00 pm ET.
• Use camp address 3782 S. Triangle Trail, Fremont, MI 49412 and follow camp’s gravel road approximately one-half mile to our meadow, where you will park and check-in.
• Camp Echo staff will check in campers and medications.
• Campers who have been checked-in will be joined by a Camp Counselor to play games until the rest of the campers arrive. Once campers are checked-in parents may begin their drive home.
• Should your drop-off time change, please call our office at 231-924-7076.
DEPARTING CAMP AT END OF SESSION
TAKING THE BUS
Campers are assigned to ride buses with their cabin/program and are provided a sack lunch for the trip.
• Sessions Ending on Fridays: Bus departs Camp Echo at 10:15 am ET. Arrive at McGaw between 2:00 and 3:30 PM CT (be prepared for 2:00 PM!).
• Sessions Ending on Saturdays: Bus departs camp at 8:00 am ET. Arrive at McGaw between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM CT (be prepared for 11:30 AM!).
• Bus progress is posted to CampInTouch News so that families can plan their arrival at the McGaw YMCA accordingly.
• Parents/Guardians should arrive at McGaw YMCA 30 minutes prior to scheduled arrival to check-in with Photo ID. Campers will not be released from their bus until parents/guardians have checked in.
• If parents/guardians will not be picking up their campers, the adult picking them up must be authorized to pick them up via advanced email to echoinfo@mcgawymca.org.
• Please take your time to double-check that you have all your luggage before departing check-out.
• Please leave pets at home.
CHECK-OUT AT CAMP
• Sessions Ending on Fridays: Arrive at camp between 9:30 am ET -10:00 am ET.
• Sessions Ending Saturdays: Arrive at camp between 7:30 am ET and 8:00 am ET.
• Camp Tours - Camp tours are available only on Friday check-out days after the buses have departed. Camp Echo staff will lead a tour for interested families, departing from the meadow after bus departure and will last approximately 30 minutes.
• Tours are not available on check-in days or Saturday check-out days as our staff team is preparing for the session.
AT CAMP
CABINMATE REQUESTS & ASSIGNMENTS
To enhance the camp experience for everyone at camp, and in alignment with our goal to help campers form new friendships at all stages of the camp experience, we honor mutual friend requests for groups of 2-3 campers (one camper may request 1-2 other campers).
Cabinmate requests are made via CampInTouch. For groups of more than three campers, it is helpful to set the expectation with campers that they may not be together in the same cabin but there are many opportunities for campers in different cabins to spend time together at camp.
The cabinmate request form also allows for sharing of additional information that might be helpful for our team to consider when assigning cabins. If there are any dis-requests, campers not to be placed with We will take this into consideration, and it may take precedent over the camper’s other requests.
Cabin assignments are not shared in advance, assignments are announced when the campers arrive and are posted to CampInTouch later in the day.
COUNSELOR STAFFING
The assignment of staff and campers to cabins is done with great intention.
In Traditional Camp, boy-identifying and girl-identifying cabins have at least one counselor assigned who has the same gender identity as the campers in that cabin. Additional counselors assigned to gender-specific cabins often, but not always, have the same gender identity as campers in that cabin. All-gender Traditional Camp cabins will have multiple counselors who have different gender identities. Each cabin group will create cabin expectations/norms to ensure everyone feels safe and included.
All cabins have an individual changing tent, and bathhouses (KYBOs) have individual stalls to allow for each child to have privacy.
In Teen & Adventure Trip programs, staff are assigned based on specific required skills and experience, gender alignment with campers is prioritized when staffing from the pool of teen staff and adventure trip guides but is not always possible.
DAILY SCHEDULE
The daily schedule may change during summer to align with camp’s goals.
7:45 AM Wakeup Bell
8:00 AM Flag Raising & Morning Reflection
8:30 AM Breakfast
9:30 AM Cabin Cleanup
10:00 AM Camptivity #1
11:00 AM Camptivity #2
12:00 PM Camptivity #3
1:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM Saska
3:00 PM Service Task
3:15 PM Cabin Group
4:15 PM Snack
4:30 PM Fun Swim
5:30 PM Flag Lowering & Cabin Time
6:00 P Waiter Bell
6:15 PM Dinner
7:15 PM Evening Program
8:00 PM Twilight Fun
9:00 PM Clinic and bedtime Routine
SWIM EVALUATION
Saska is the afternoon rest time when campers have quiet time in the cabin to nap, read, write letters home or do other restful activities.
There are three Camptivity periods every day. Camptivities are skill based time blocks that campers attend 4-5 days.
Cabin Group is a time for campers to experience a part of camp, or program area, with their cabinmates.
Fun Swim is a choice time when campers can choose
Evening Program is an all-camp activity, such as a scavenger hunt, skit night, or campfire.
Twilight Fun is a time for cabin groups to do one more activity together before beginning bedtime routine.
AQUATIC SAFETY
Camp Echo has many aquatic activities. In accordance with licensing and accreditation standards, campers must display varying levels of swimming proficiency to safely participate. Participants complete the swim evaluation each summer and is usually completed on the first day of camp.
Camp Echo’s swim levels that coordinate with swim sections:
Red: Default swim level for campers who do not test or are continuing to strengthen their swimming skills.
White: Swim 4 lengths of a recognizable stroke in our 40-yard swim lane, totaling 160 yards; jump into deep water; tread water for 1 minute; and then float or tread for 9 minutes.
Blue: Swim 6 lengths of a recognizable stroke in our 40-yard swim lane, totaling 240 yards; jump into deep water; tread water for 1 minute; and then float or tread for 9 minutes.
Campers who attend multiple sessions of camp in the same summer can carry over their swim level from one session to the next.
The swim evaluation can be physically or emotionally challenging for some campers because of its rigor, nerves of the first day or because they're swimming in a lake with seaweed and fish! Staff support campers in challenging themselves while making sure they don’t push themselves too far.
WATER ACTIVITY OPTIONS & SWIM LEVELS
Campers can participate in aquatic activities as follows, based on swim levels. Camp Echo regularly reviews aquatic safety protocols in a to provide safe opportunities to enjoy the water.
Swim Level/Area
Red Level Swimmer
Sailing Paddle Sports Waterskiing/ Wakeboarding Tubing Swimming
Can sail with blue level adult.
PFD required.
Can canoe or double kayak with blue level adult.
PFD required.
White Level swimmer
Blue Level Swimmer
Can sail with other blue level and white level sailors. PFD required.
Can canoe, corcl, kayak and paddleboard independently or with blue level and white level paddlers.
PFD required.
Can sail with other blue level and white level sailors. PFD required.
Can canoe, corcl, kayak and paddleboard independently or with blue level and white level paddlers.
PFD required.
Can be the spotter in the boat. May not ski.
PFD required.
Can ski. PFD required.
Can tube with a blue level adult.
PFD required.
Can tube with blue level and white level tubers.
PFD required.
Red area is the shallowest (0-3 feet deep)
Can swim in red. May swim in white and blue with a PFD.
White area is the intermediate (4-6 feet deep)
Can swim in red section and white section. Can swim in blue with a PFD.
Can ski. PFD required.
Can tube with blue level and white level tubers.
PFD required.
Blue area is the deepest, (6-12+ feet deep)
Can swim in all three sections without a PFD.
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFDS, AKA LIFEJACKETS)
All campers and staff must wear appropriately fitting U.S. Coast Guard approved PFDs when participating in any of our aquatics activities including corcling, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, tubing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. Additionally, PFDs must be worn when aboard any ski boats or pontoon boats.
CHECKING IN & OUT OF AQUATIC AREAS
To ensure that all campers are safe and accounted for, campers are required to check-in and check-out of aquatic areas. Checking in and out means waiting for a staff member to verbally tell you that you are checked in or out.
At the Swimming Area, every camper has a magnetic swim tag, also known as a buddy tag, that is the same color as their swim level. That moves from one side of the buddy board when they check in and then back to the other side when they check out. This practice allows staff to check that all swimmers in the area are accounted for. At other aquatic areas, staff will keep a list of campers checked into the area at any given time.
Arts & Crafts
LAND ACTIVITIES
Horseback Riding (Ring Rides & Open Barn)*
Archery Nature Hikes
Biking
Dance & Drama
Fire building
Sports (Softball, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball)
Fishing Camp games (Gaga, Carpetball, 9-Square)
High Ropes and Climbing Wall AND MORE!
LAND ACTIVITY NOTES
High Ropes & Climbing Wall: Must be 12 years old to participate in high ropes or climbing wall activities. (Note: there is a traversing/bouldering wall available for campers of all ages).
Horses: We try to give all cabin groups an equestrian experience, such as paint a pony, grooming, or a ring ride. Additionally, there are opportunities during free choice times for campers to visit the barn to spend time with the horses.
Horseback Riding Lessons are available as an advanced sign-up opportunity for campers in Traditional Camp, Trailblazers, Explorers, and Voyagers at Outpost. Campers who sign up for lessons will spend approximately 4 hours with horses during one week, learning to care for, groom, tack, and ride.
Weather may cause lessons to be altered. In extreme heat or thunderstorms horses cannot be ridden.
HOUSING
Housing varies based on program at Camp Echo.
General cabin notes:
- Cabins at Camp Echo have electricity.
- Cabins at Camp Echo have bathrooms nearby, not attached, we utilize centrally located bathhouses that we call KYBOs.
- All cabins have box fans and operable windows to provide ventilation. 12-bed cabins are also equipped with ceiling attic fans.
- All cabins have shelving between beds for campers to use for storage of personal items.
- All cabins have a private changing tent.
TRADITIONAL CAMP AND SOME TEEN PROGRAMS
12-bed Cabins: The classic Camp Echo cabin, many of these cabins were originally built in the 1960s and have been updated many times since. Cabins have concrete slab floors (which stay nice and cool in the summer), finished interiors with 5 bunk beds (10 total beds), and a small cubby for the two counselors. These cabins have a screened in back porch.
8-bed Cabins: More recently built, these cabins have three bunk beds (6 total beds) for campers and a cubby for the two counselors. These cabins have carpet floors and a screened in front porch.
WILDERNESS HOUSING
Outpost Yurts: The Outpost wilderness site, most commonly home to rising 9th grade Voyagers, has two 12-bed yurts. Yurts are round canvas structures that provide a slightly more rustic experience. There is limited solar electricity for minimal lighting. There are 5 bunk beds (10 total beds), a counselor cubby, and an open center space for community gathering.
Birches Wilderness Cabins: Built in 2025. The Birches wilderness site is home to rising 10th and 11th graders and will have two wilderness cabins to replace the rustic canvas tents. These are primitive and have no electricity. The wilderness cabins will sleep up to 10 campers and 2 counselors each. Campers have beds and mattresses in their cabins with additional storage. The Birches site has an outhouse and a hand-pump for running water.
Backpacking Tents: Adventure Trip participants stay in lightweight backpacking tents while they are away from camp AND while they are on-site for a few days before and after their time in the wilderness. Campers sleep on foam or air-filled pads in their tents.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
MEDICATIONS
Camp Echo’s definition of a medication, based on best practices of the American Camp Association and other industry experts:
Medication is inclusive of all prescription treatments (pills, liquids, lotions, ointments, inhalers, injections, or similar); all over-the-counter pills, liquids, supplements, melatonin, herbal remedies, or vitamins; and any other over-the-counter lotions or ointments that are used as a treatment for an emergent health condition.
Over-the-counter lotions or hygiene products that are part of an individual’s standard cleansing routine are not medications and can be kept with them. Examples: Vaseline, Aquaphor, Eucerin, contact lens solution, or similar
If you plan to send any medication to camp, be sure to answer "Yes" to the question, "Will your camper take medications at McGaw YMCA Camp Echo?" on the Health History form and enter all information for each item.
ALL medication must be listed on the Health History form and in its original packaging.
o All medications must be in their original labeled container.
o Prescriptions must be in the original bottle with a prescription label that matches the instructions on the health form.
o Over the counter medications must be in original packaging.
o Inhalers and EpiPens must have the prescription label from the box.
o Our health team is unable to administer any medications not in original packaging with label.
o Do not send as needed medications, we stock them. Do not send elective vitamins.
Once medications are at Camp Echo, they are stored in a locked medication room. Health Officers distribute the medications at the clinic at scheduled times. Your child will come to the clinic before breakfast, before lunch, before dinner and at bedtime to receive their medication.
Keep camper’s behavioral medications consistent leading up to camp and while your child is at camp. Do not send elective vitamins or medications to camp & do not send over-the-counter medications that are as-needed. The following over-the-counter medications are commonly stocked in the Camp Echo clinic and administered to campers to treat common ailments (in adult and children’s versions, as applicable): Advil, Benadryl, Dayquil, Hydrocortisone, Midol, PeptoBismal, Robitussin, Sudafed, Tums, Tylenol and Zyrtec.
PRE-ARRIVAL HEALTH & FIRST DAY HEALTH SCREENING
If your child is sick on departure day, please do not send them to camp. Contact camp to reschedule arrival or cancel.
It is our responsibility to screen campers upon arrival to make sure they are healthy. This screening includes a temperature check and a lice check.
ILLNESS & INJURY AT CAMP
If your child displays symptoms of a communicable illness any time during their session, they will quarantine in our clinic to prevent the spread to other campers. A fever of 100.4 F or higher requires quarantine. If the fever persists for more than 24 hours, the camper may depart camp early.
If a camper needs advanced medical care, camp staff will notify parents and arrange a visit to the appropriate facility based on the need. Below are the nearest urgent care and hospital, both are a 15-minute drive from Camp Echo:
Corewell Health Gerber Hospital Pediatrics & Walk-In Clinic - Fremont 204 W Main St
Fremont, MI 49412-1181
Phone: 231.924.1800
Fax: 231.924.1810
Corewell Health Gerber Hospital - Fremont 212 S Sullivan Ave Fremont, MI 49412-1181
Phone: 231.924.1800
Fax: 231.924.1810
CAMP ECHO STAFF
The Camp Echo staff team grows significantly during the summer season, with approximately 100 staff working during youth camp sessions.
STAFF AT CAMP WHO WORK MOST DIRECTLY WITH CAMPERS
Junior Staff are rising seniors in high school and support camp operations in the kitchen, work in the barn, lifeguard and help in other program areas.
Traditional Camp Counselors live with campers in their cabins and help with instruction of various activities throughout camp. All counselors are at least 18 years old.
Teen Program Staff provide leadership and direction to our specialized teen leadership and teen wilderness programs.
Adventure Trip Guides spend most of their summer away from camp, leading our wilderness adventures throughout the Midwest and beyond! Adventure Trip Guides are generally 21 years old or above and have their Wilderness First Responder certification.
SEASONAL STAFF ARE RESOURCES TO CAMPERS AND STAFF THROUGHOUT CAMP
These are the staff you are most likely to talk with while your camper is at camp.
Office Staff may answer the phone or call you back if you have questions throughout the summer. They can answer general questions about camp and will connect you with other staff if you have questions about your specific camper.
Unit Leaders are seasonal staff that provide leadership to entire programs (such as Traditional Camp or Adventure Trips). They coach and direct staff to deliver exceptional programming.
MESH Staff provide Mental, Emotional, and Social Health supports at camp.
Health Officers provide physical health care to campers.
FULL-TIME STAFF LIVE AND WORK AT CAMP ECHO FOR THE SUMMER SEASON
They provide overarching support to families and campers.
Program Director: Amiee Woodrow (amieew@mcgawymca.org)
Executive Director: Bernard Rocca (bernardr@mcgawymca.org)
FOOD SERVICE
Meals
Food is an important part of the camp experience, and a well-fed camper ensures they are able to take on the many challenges of the camp day. Campers enjoy balanced, child-friendly meal options prepared by our food service team. Campers sit at their assigned table with their cabin group and counselors and eat family style, either in the Dining Hall or on our covered Dining Hall Deck.
In addition to the main entrees there is a choice bar providing alternate options at each meal. At breakfast, the choice bar features a variety of fruit, yogurt, granola, cereal and oatmeal. At lunch and dinner, the choice bar features a salad bar and various alternative options including Wow butter and jelly sandwiches.
Examples of camp meals and timing:
8:30 Breakfast- French toast sticks and sausage or scones and scrambled eggs.
1:00 Lunch - Chicken sandwiches and tater tots or grilled cheese and tomato soup, with a dessert of ice cream sandwiches or cookies.
4:15 Snacks - Apples, clementines, Goldfish crackers or Chex Mix.
6:15 Dinners- Glazed chicken and mashed potatoes or pasta with red sauce and breadsticks.
8:00 Trading Post snacks (Edible TP)- Campers have the option to purchase items at the camp store including ice cream and candy.
Beverages
Water is served on tables at every meal. Milk, apple juice and orange juice are also available.
Campfire Meals
One evening during the session the cabin group will hike out to a cookout site and cook the famous sizzle burgers over a campfire, with vegan/vegetarian options also available. Additional snacks including apples, granola bars and potato chips are also provided while they wait for the burgers. Sizzle burger night also includes s’mores cooked over the fire.
Bus lunches
Campers who travel on the bus to camp are asked to bring their own peanut and tree nut free lunches. Snacks will be provided for everyone on the first day before dinner (between 3:30 and 6:00 eastern time depending on the cabin and/or program).
On the bus back to Evanston, campers are provided with a bus lunch consisting of a sandwich and snacks of the camper’s choice from a selection of options.
Dietary Accommodations
Though we can never guarantee an allergen-free environment, Camp Echo will work with you to meet your camper’s dietary needs.
List all food allergies or dietary needs on the Health History Form on your CampInTouch account If the allergy is life-threatening or requires special arrangements, please contact our Program Director, amieew@mcgawymca.org.
For our campers requiring dietary accommodations, an alternative meal will be provided that is as similar as possible of the corresponding entree.
A couple examples of how we meet dietary accommodations:
Peanuts and tree nuts - No products are served that contain peanuts or tree nuts as listed ingredients. This peanut and tree nut exclusion includes our trading post.
Celiac – Meal alternatives may include gluten-free mac and cheese and chicken nuggets, which would be cooked and served separately from the main meal, gluten-free muffins as an alternative to scones, or French toast made from gluten free bread. A typical dinner of glazed chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans is already gluten free, and taco day would have corn tortillas available. We also have a salad bar available that offers many gluten free options. Croutons are kept to the side of the salad bar to avoid cross-contamination.
Dairy - A milk alternative is available for all meals, and other dairy-free options will be provided for meals when necessary (e.g. pizza, mac and cheese, etc.).
As it may not always be easy to identify what food items contain allergens from an initial glance, campers with allergies are encouraged to speak with their counselors and our food service team if they have any questions or concerns.
Vegan/Vegetarian – Alternatives will be provided for every meal when meat is served. Examples include vegan burgers and chicken patties or veggie breakfast sausages.
Procedures
Our food service team is trained in ServSafe Allergens and works in leading practices to avoid cross contact while preparing and serving food.
Campers with dietary accommodations can come to the kitchen serving window to receive their meal option at each meal. Campers with dietary restrictions can come to receive their food as soon as they get to the dining hall and do not need to wait in line with everyone else.
TRADING POST
Campers will have opportunities to visit the camp store, known as the Trading Post (TP) for clothing, treats and souvenirs.
Talk to your camper about their budget. Trading Post accounts are managed via CampInTouch and every on-site camper starts the session with $65 in their Trading Post account. Parents/guardians can review transactions in CampInTouch and have the option to add funds to their account.
At the end of the season, we will reconcile all Trading Post accounts and send an email regarding any balance. Balances less than $20 are donated to our scholarship fund. Balances greater than $20 may either be donated or refunded, at the discretion of the parent/guardian. If you don’t reply to the Trading Post email within 5 business days, your balance will be donated to our scholarship fund.
Additionally, clothing and souvenirs are available for purchase online before or after camp via Camp Echo’s online Trading Post store: Camp Echo Trading Post.
LOST & FOUND – LABEL EVERYTHING
LOST AT CAMP
Lost and found at Camp Echo is brought to the Dining Hall for campers to peruse if they are missing something.
If you realize your camper has forgotten something when they get home from camp, please complete the following form to let us know. We will try to locate the item and can send it back to Evanston with the next buses or ship home for the cost of shipping.
Lost and Found Form
LEFT BEHIND WHEN THE BUSES RETURN TO MCGAW
Confirm inventory of your items before heading home with your camper.
If you would like to volunteer to help us reunite abandoned items with their campers, please let us know! Email us with questions: echoinfo@mcgawymca.org
CAMP ECHO GLOSSARY
Camptivities: Camp Activities - archery, swimming, volleyball, arts and crafts, water skiing, biking. (Camp + Activity = Camptivity!)
eLetters: Parents can write to campers with eLetters in CampInTouch and send a reply form for the camper to hand-write a letter home. Camper replies are scanned and sent to parent/guardian email.
KYBO: Bathhouses
Saska: One hour for rest or quiet time after lunch. If your camper struggles with quiet periods or needs to be engaged, develop a plan with them in advance for how they might spend this time. Consider sending books to read, coloring books, or other small projects they can work on during this time by themselves in their bunk.
Taps Talk: End of day reflection done by cabins before bedtime. Often, Taps Talk includes each camper sharing their Miracle Moment (highlight) from the day and answering a question posed by the counselors.
Trading Post (TP): Camp store, with both souvenirs and edible snacks, depending on the time of day.