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!
Reflecting & Looking Forward
January 1 marks the start of a new year around the world. Much like the feeling when someone asks you on your birthday, “Do you feel different?”, the difference of a New Year is not felt immediately. Intentionality to reflect and reset can bring greater meaning to the New Years celebrations. Inspiration for reflection can come from learning more about how cultures around the world celebrate the new year.

At Camp Echo, reflection is an important part of our culture and daily routine of summer camp. As Camp Echo embarks on a new year, we encourage you to join us in a Morning Reflection from the Chapel. Make time to reflect on your challenges of the past year and your hopes for the year ahead. Among many of our hopes, we remain hopeful for a robust summer of youth programs!
Spirit – Mind – Body,

Bernard Rocca
Executive Director
Summer 2021: Option Pricing
Pricing for Summer 2020 programs will look a bit different for Summer 2021. The following changes are part of our continued effort to meet families where they are while continuing to invest in staff and cover the increased costs associated with implementing COVID mitigation strategies. Learn more about each of these points by visiting our website:

1) Families will have the opportunity to select one of three price options for each program.

2) There will continue to be a sliding scale of financial assistance to increase access to as many families as possible.

3) YMCA members will continue to receive a significant discount for any youth programs.

4) All payments, including deposits, will be refundable. We will continue to ask families to consider donating or keeping payments as credit should they decide to cancel.

For campers that were enrolled in Summer 2020 last spring, we will apply the same Y membership status and financial assistance that was awarded at that time.

Please visit our website to view a full list of 2021 Camp Echo Prices
Summer 2021: Phase 1 Registration Reminders
All 2020 enrolled campers (as of March 15) were sent a direct email yesterday with details about Phase 1 of registration. Please let us know if you didn’t receive this email or if you have any questions about registration.

Phase 1 Registration:
Tuesday, January 19 at NOON central time – Friday, January 22 at NOON central time

Please remember, registration during Phase 1 is NOT first come, first serve so there is no need to rush to submit an application right when it opens on Tuesday, January 19 at noon!

Our team is here to walk you through the steps and will review applications throughout the week to ensure we understand every campers’ preferences for Summer 2021.
Extended Office Hours & Registration Support
The Camp Echo virtual office will be open for extended hours during the week of January 19 for Phase 1 registration.

Our team won't be in the Log Cabin, but we will be offering Registration Support via phone (231-924-7076), e-mail (echoinfo@mcgawymca.org) and on Zoom.

Camp Echo Zoom Registration Support
Don’t have access to a computer for registration? Hop on Zoom on your phone and our staff will help you complete the application virtually.

·       Tuesday, January 19 12:30 – 6:00 PM central time
·       Wednesday, January 20 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM central time
·       Thursday, January 21 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM central time
·       Friday, January 22 8:30 AM – 12:00 NOON central time

passcode: campecho
Zoom Office Hours next Monday 1/11
If you have questions, want to hear more about any changes, or just want to check-in with familiar faces, stop by office hours to chat with members of the Echo full-time team. This is a great time to get all of your questions answered about 2021 programs or the registration process before Phase 1!


Passcode: campecho
Winter Echo Corps
Echo Corps is Camp Echo's school-year high school program. Echo Corps focuses on leadership development, team building and fun!

This winter, Echo Corps will be open to all current high school students (9th-12th grade) and meet virtually via Zoom.

Registration for Echo Corps will open in early February!
Staff Application
Do you know someone that may be interested in working at Camp Echo? We are seeking to build a strong and dynamic team of leaders to help us safely implement a wide range of programs.

For more information about staff positions and how to apply, please visit our website.
Alumni Updates
1960- 1975 Staff Reunion
This summer, we are hosting a reunion of Camp Echo staff who worked during the years between 1960 and 1975. This 4 day, 3 night reunion will happen simultaneously with our fall Family Camp (August 23-26, 2021) with special opportunities for reconnecting and sharing memories.

If you have any questions about the staff reunion, please email KTT.

Remembering Roth Holtz
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Roth Holtz. Roth was a champion for youth in Evanston. Roth grew up at the Evanston YMCA, he attended Camp Echo as a camper and staff member starting in 1935. He chose to attend Springfield College, in Springfield, MA in order to become a YMCA director. He led his first Canadian Canoe trip with Evanston high school boys in 1948.

When Neil Featherstone was hired to be the Camp Echo Director in 1957, Neil was not old enough to hold a camp director’s license in Michigan. (He was only 24 years old and the requirement is 25). Roth went back to camp to serve as Camp Director in name only and helped to mentor Neil through his first of 11 summers as Director. Roth was a generous supporter of Camp Echo and the McGaw YMCA throughout his many years. His family has requested that donations in his memory be directed to Camp Echo scholarships
McGaw YMCA Camp Echo
3782 S. Triangle Trail, Fremont, MI 49412
P 231.924.7076
The Impact of Camp Echo
Camp Echo strives to continue offering the best summer camp experience to all participants, and to make summer camp accessible to every camper and family in the communities we serve. Donations to Camp Echo help with our operating budget and support access to camp for all. Please consider making a donation to help Camp Echo thrive for many years to come. Questions about donating to camp? Contact KTT.

Camp Echo Wish List
Camp Echo has also compiled a specific wish list as we look to rebound from the financial impact of a canceled youth camp summer in 2020. Some items that we were ready to replace or add have been moved down our priority list. This list is an opportunity for friends of Camp Echo to help us in the areas that they are particularly passionate or excited about! Please click here to view the Camp Echo wish list.

To avoid any duplicate purchases, coordinate delivery, and ensure proper recognition, we ask that you let us know if you are purchasing or donating for a specific item by emailing our team!