You are receiving this email because you are a member of the Camp Echo community: current or former parent, alumni, staff, volunteer, or you just really like Camp Echo!
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There is much to be hopeful for as we consider how to safely operate Camp Echo in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Vaccines are being approved and distributed within the United States. Rapid testing options are improving. More is being learned about how COVID spreads and how the spread can be prevented. Still, the high number of new daily cases in the United States is a great concern to our community. The Camp Echo team will continue to follow scientific advances and expert guidance for our programs.
While we will work hard to prevent any participants or staff from bringing COVID into our programs next summer, we cannot promise a perfect bubble or the complete absence of COVID at camp next summer. Please visit the COVID page of our website to learn more about what we know, expect, and are still figuring out for Summer 2021.
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The support of our donors, grantors, and government funding, the Camp Echo team has remained mostly intact over the last nine months. This is an incredible gift that gives us the further confidence that we will be back with an incredible, life-changing, Summer 2021. But we face more complexities and challenges than ever as we plan for summer and strive to do so in an inclusive and equitable manner.
The complexity starts with our registration process. The following key points will guide us through registration for Summer 2021 youth programs:
OUR COMMITMENT remains with our campers who were enrolled in Summer 2020 this past spring.
REDUCED CAPACITY for most Summer 2021 programs to decrease group sizes may prevent us from giving every camper the exact program and session they were planning on last summer.
ONE PROGRAM LIMITS during the initial registration process will help us honor our commitment to as many campers as possible.
CAMPERS HAVE CHOICE of staying in the program they were enrolled in for Summer 2020 or moving up to programs traditionally offered to campers in their current grade.
PRIORITY for each program and session will be given to those who were enrolled in it for Summer 2020. If demand exceeds our initial capacity, older campers will have priority because they have less future summer opportunities as a camper at Camp Echo.
PRICING OPTIONS are being finalized and will be shared prior to opening registration. We will provide multiple pricing options to best meet members of our community where they are, giving greater autonomy. Every family will have the opportunity to select the same program pricing they planned to pay in Summer 2020 on our sliding scale.
PATIENCE IS APPRECIATED as we navigate so many new challenges. We know our community has high expectations for our programs and processes, which drives us to continuously improve and be a leader in camping. Still, we are far from perfect and appreciate your constructive support as we implement so much new this year.
TOGETHER, WE ARE SO MUCH MORE!
Bernard Rocca
Executive Director
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Youth Camp Dates
Session 1: Sunday, June 6 - Friday, June 11
Session 2: Sunday, June 13 - Friday, June 25
Session 3: Sunday, June 27 - Thursday, July 8
Session 4: Sunday, July 11 - Friday, July 23
Session 5: Sunday, July 25 - Friday, August 6
Session 6: Sunday, August 8 - Friday, August 13
Family Camp Dates
Friday, May 28 - Monday, May 31 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Monday, August 16 - Saturday, August 21
Monday, August 23 - Saturday, August 28
Friday, September 3 - Monday, September 6 (Labor Day Weekend)
Friday, September 10 - Monday, September 13
Adventure Trip Updates
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Summer 2021: Registration Dates |
We are excited to open registration for Summer 2021 in January! Similar to recent years, our registration process will happen in phases, and applications submitted during the initial phases are considered equally. During Open Enrollment registration will shift to first come, first serve for any remaining spaces.
We will be sending out additional direct communication to families with more detailed information regarding registration in the coming weeks. All times listed are in Central Time.
Youth Camp Registration
Phase 1: Tuesday, January 19 at NOON CT – Friday, January 22 at NOON CT
- Phase 1 will include all campers who were enrolled in Summer 2020 as of March 15.
Phase 2: Monday, February 15 at NOON CT – Wednesday, February 17 at NOON CT
- Phase 2 will be open to all with priority given to current McGaw YMCA members, 2020 waitlisted campers and 2019 campers (who were not enrolled in 2020).
Open Enrollment: Begins Friday, February 26 at NOON CT
Family Camp Registration
Phase 1: Monday, February 15 at NOON CT – Wednesday, February 17 at NOON CT
- Phase 1 will be open to all families with priority given to families who were enrolled in Family Camp for Summer 2020 as of March 15.
Open Enrollment: Begins Wednesday, February 17 at NOON CT
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We’ve got answers! We know that this is a lot of new information, and our team is here to walk you through the process.
Registration FAQs
What if my camper was enrolled in multiple programs in Summer 2020? What if I don’t remember my camper’s 2020 program? What if my camper was on the wait list as of March 15? We have answers to these questions and more! Check out the 2021 Registration FAQ’s on our website.
Zoom Office Hours: Monday, December 28 1-3 PM Central Time
Want to stop by the office to ask us a question? Since our team is working remotely, we’ll be hosting office hours next week on Zoom, where you can drop in to ask us a question face-to-face (virtually). This opportunity is primarily for campers, parents/guardians, and staff.
Passcode: campecho
More Questions?
The best way to share your questions and thoughts with us is through this Google Form! We will be notified when you fill it out and get back to you as soon as possible. Please be patient as we respond to many questions.
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Summer 2021: Staff Update |
In addition to planning for registration, we are working on recruiting an amazing staff team for summer 2021. In the coming weeks we will open the staff application, release the pay scale and share dates for staff training. Direct communication about this information will go to our recent staff, applicants, and campers who have recently aged into possible staff roles. In the meantime, please review our Job Descriptions and the 2021 Staff Letter.
If you have questions or are interested in learning more about job opportunities at Camp Echo feel free to drop by our Zoom Office Hours on Monday, December 28 between 1:00 and 3:00 PM Central Time or email us at [email protected].
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As we wrap up a very challenging year, we cannot help but be grateful for all of the people in the Echo community that have supported us every step of the way. From our campers who were understanding as we protected our community, to our families who trusted us with their safety and our donors who made it all possible- we want to say THANK YOU for helping the Echo spirit thrive despite it all. We are so excited to see what 2021 holds! |
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McGaw YMCA Camp Echo
3782 S. Triangle Trail, Fremont, MI 49412
P 231.924.7076
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Tax Incentives to Donate to Camp Echo in the Time of COVID-19
Did you know? The CARES Act encourages donations to nonprofits by increasing federal tax deductions for the 2020 tax year. For those of you who itemize, you can now deduct up to 100% of your adjusted gross income (formerly there was a 60% cap on these deductions). For those who take the standard deduction, you can now deduct an additional $300 for nonprofit donations in addition to your standard deduction.
Can you make it a match? A reminder to check with your employer about matching charitable gifts. McGaw YMCA is registered with many corporate matching gift programs and your contribution can go even farther. Ask your HR/Benefits team about your company’s matching gift program. We really appreciate your generous support.
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