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Join the Summer 2012 Staff!
Caring ... Honesty ... Respect ... Responsibility
Quick Link to Camp Echo 2012 Staff Application!
2012 Reference Form (New staff will need three.)
International Staff please check the Staff Application section for more
details on how you can apply to work at Camp Echo.
Camp Echo is a coed, residential YMCA camp on Ryerson Long Lake near Fremont, Michigan, amidst 492 acres of woodlands and wetlands.
In the spring and fall we serve schools and adult groups, many from the local communities and surrounding counties.
Each summer we serve about 1,000 different campers age 8 to 17 for one- and two-week sessions, and about 100 different families at our four Family Camps.
Click here for more information about Camp Echo's summer program.
Most our campers come from Evanston, Illinois, the north side neighborhoods of Chicago, and the nearby suburbs north of Chicago ... including Skokie, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Northfield, Northbrook, Glenview, and Glencoe.
A small but growing number of campers come from Michigan communities within a few hours of Fremont.
Camp Echo has always reflected the ideals of the communities we serve.
The Y-USA Diversity Initiative and Y-USA Character Development Mission Strategy are our pledge that persons of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome at Camp Echo,
and that the values we teach cross all boundaries.
Every day we remind ourselves that we must strive to be caring, accept responsibility, show respect to all others, and be honest in all we do.
At Camp Echo, we want to create and maintain an environment where everyone is respected and included.
One of the YMCA's four core values is respect.
Respect means we treat others as we would like to be treated, and as they in fact want to be treated.
Respect means we value ourselves, and others, including those who are different.
We value diversity because diversity is inclusive, not exclusive.
Camp Echo's success is linked to the unique contribution of the many individuals that make up the camp community, representing the various dimensions of diversity.
A diverse community fosters cooperation and innovation, creating a better experience; that's what keeps campers coming back to camp, filling camp year after year -- everyone wins!
As a department of the McGaw YMCA in Evanston, Camp Echo is also committed to participation in YMCA Activate America, a bold approach to directly address the nation's health crisis,
reaching out to engage all those who seek well-being of spirit, mind, and body.
If you like children, hard work, long hours, and the type of rustic setting you'll find at Camp Echo, you should consider sending in a staff application.
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Benefits of Camp Echo Employment
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Camp Echo is a department of the McGaw YMCA.
When you become a Camp Echo staff member, you agree to work for the McGaw YMCA and thereby become part of a worldwide organization with a hundred and fifty year history.
There are numerous benefits associated with Camp Echo employment.
Via staff training delivered in May and June; ongoing observation that provides coaching, encouragement, and necessary correction;
and evaluations written by peers and supervisors at the end of the summer, Camp Echo seeks to instill:
- An understanding of the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility;
- A considerable work ethic that combines long hours, attention to detail, and pride in work well done;
- The ability to think and act with imagination and creativity, often using only limited resources;
- A knowledge of safety procedures and methods of ensuring the well-being of younger children;
- A high degree of independence, resulting in increased self-confidence and a feeling of self-worth;
- Important skills necessary for successfully living and working in a close community;
- An appreciation of diversity as the mosaic of differences that people bring to camp as assets; and
- The ability to collaborate around a shared vision, work towards common goals, and celebrate success.
These skills are all highly transferable to any future career path.
Summers at Camp Echo not only lay the groundwork for personal growth and development during the college years,
but also set the stage for gainful employment after graduation and professional accomplishments later in life.
Staff members also reap the benefits of our L.E.A.D.E.R.S. program (Long-term Echo Advancement, Development, Enrichment, and Rewards System), which includes skill development through observation, peer review, and informal feedback from the Leaders Coordinator.
Returning staff members will engage in new job challenges each summer;
gain connections to a worldwide alumnae network that can offer support with decisions related to college, graduate school, travel, and career;
receive assistance with resume writing and professional development;
and have opportunities to receive financial support for training during the school year.
Camp Echo summer staff are entitled to a free membership in the McGaw YMCA, within one year, for the same number of weeks they worked at camp.
Arrangements for a fee adjustment can be made if the staff member is currently included in a family membership.
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Camp Echo 2012 Staff Application (PDF Fillable)
Camp Echo 2012 Staff Application (PDF Non-Fillable)
2012 Reference Form (Anyone who did not work at Camp Echo in 2011 will need three.)
ATTENTION INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS NEW TO CAMP ECHO:
Camp Echo does not hire any new international staff directly.
We suggest you apply a recognized international placement program;
these programs will do a great job of finding a camp for you.
- Click here for Camp Leaders information.
- Click here for BUNAC/IEP information.
- Click here for Camp America.
- Click here for Camp Counselors USA.
- Click here for InterExchange Camp USA.
ATTENTION U.S. CITIZEN APPLICANTS NEW TO CAMP ECHO:
An in-person interview with a current camp staff member is required.
If you are, or will be, in the Evanston Illinois or Fremont Michigan
area, we can easily schedule an interview. If you are not, or won't be,
email the Program Manager to discuss the options before you apply.
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2012 Staff Hiring Process
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Click here for an overview (in PDF format) of the staff hiring process.
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Click here for the Job Description page.
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2012 Camp Echo Base Pay Scale
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The Camp Echo base rate pay scale is based on years in or out of high school.
There are then additions to the weekly rate based on job responsibility, water certification, and medical certification.
Staff members who attend staff training will earn more per week for the entire summer than staff members who don't attend
staff training or who attend only part of staff training.
Those out of high school typically work 10 weeks -- staff training plus 9 weeks of camp -- so, to determine your
summer salary, multiply the weekly salary by 10.
Since we are a residential (overnight) camp, room and board is provided to those living at camp over and above the salary.
Note: International staff are paid according to their sponsoring agency.
Base Rate Pay Scale:
| Years In or Out of HS |
Weekly Salary |
| Finished 3 years high school |
$ 75.00 |
| Finished 4 years high school |
$170.00 |
| 1 year out of high school |
$180.00 |
| 2 years out of high school |
$190.00 |
| 3 years out of high school |
$200.00 |
| 4 or more years out of high school |
$210.00 |
Required Certifications:
| Level |
Applies To |
| CPR |
All Staff |
| Standard First Aid |
All Staff other than Trip Guides |
| Wilderness First Responder |
Trip Guides |
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Salary Incentives for Attending Staff Training
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| Category |
Weekly Amount |
| Second Year AC
| $ 5.00
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| Senior Counselor
| $10.00
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| Trip Guide
| $15.00
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No compensation, or increase, for First Year ACs attending the required staff trainings.
First Year ACs are expected to attend staff training June 9 through 11 (a chartered bus will take you from/to Evanston.
Second Year ACs must attend staff training from mid-afternoon on June 6 through 11 inclusive to qualify.
Senior Counselors must attend staff training from June 4 through 11 inclusive to qualify.
Trip Guides must attend staff training from May 30 through June 18 inclusive to qualify.
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Salary Incentives for Working All Summer
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Staff members that attend staff training and work at least 10 weeks (must include 5th session) will receive the following:
$100 bonus on their final paycheck (hourly staff are not eligible)
$50 laundry stipend for living on camp
An All-Summer All-Star gift valued at $25
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Salary Incentives for Echo 1st Year Assistant Counselors
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| Echo Experience |
Weekly Amount |
| Echo Trip/LIT/CIT after 9th Grade |
$ 5.00 |
| Echo Trip/LIT/CIT after 10th Grade |
$ 5.00 |
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Salary Incentives for Equestrian Staff
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| Horse Experience |
Weekly Amount |
| Each Level of Horse Experience |
$10.00 |
| Maximum Allowed |
$60.00 |
| CHA Instructor Certification |
Weekly Amount |
| Each Level of Certification |
$10.00 |
| Maximum Allowed |
$80.00 |
Horse Experience Levels and Descriptions:
0 Virtually no experience, may have ridden a horse a few times.
1 Comfortable around horses, has ridden regularly, may have taken lessons.
2 Has been around horses and ridden and/or taken lessons for many years.
3 At least one summer of working with horses and providing riding instruction.
4 Several seasons experience with horses and providing riding instruction to children.
5 Has assisted with the management of a program of riding instruction for children.
6 Has had full responsibility for running a program of riding instruction for children.
NOTE: Assistant Counselors working in the barn as support are not eligible for equestrian staff boosts.
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Salary Incentives for Coordinators, Directors, and Area Heads
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| Category |
Weekly Amount |
| Coordinator |
$40.00 |
Leaders Coordinator, Program Coordinator,
Experiential Learning Coordinator |
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| Main Camp Area Head 1 |
$10.00 |
| Drama, Dance, Nature, Music, Swim Lessons |
|
| Main Camp Area Head 2 |
$20.00 |
| B&C, Archery, Photography, Sports, Fishing |
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| Main Camp Area Head 3 |
$30.00 |
| A&C, Skiing, Sailing, Biking, Aquatic Director, Horses, TP, CIT/LIT |
|
| Trip/Wilderness Staff |
$10.00 |
|
| Scouting Trip Boost |
$50.00 |
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Salary Incentives for Trip Guides
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| Guide Experience |
Weekly Amount |
| Each Level of Trip Experience |
$ 5.00 |
| Maximum Allowed |
$25.00 |
Trip Experience Levels and Descriptions:
0 Virtually no experience, may have gone camping a few times.
1 Comfortable in the outdoors, has been on two Level 2 Echo trips or equivalent.
2 Has worked one summer of outdoor experiences and has led a wilderness trip.
3 Has led at least four two-week or longer wilderness trips.
4 Has led at least seven two-week or longer wilderness trips.
5 Has led at least ten two-week or longer wilderness trips.
6 Has the ability and experience to run a wilderness trip program.
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Salary Incentives for Water Certification
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One Only
| Level |
Weekly Amount |
| Lifeguard |
$25.00 |
| WSI or LGI |
$35.00 |
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Salary Incentives for Medical Certification
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Additions for Health Officers (one only):
| Level |
Weekly Amount |
| WFA |
$ 10.00 |
| WAFA |
$ 20.00 |
| MFR |
$ 25.00 |
| WFR |
$ 40.00 |
| EMT-B |
$ 50.00 |
| EMT+W |
$ 60.00 |
| LPN or EMT-P |
$ 90.00 |
| RN |
$135.00 |
| MD |
$200.00 |
| MD (Michigan) |
$275.00 |
Additions for Social Workers (one only):
| Level |
Weekly Amount |
| MSW |
$50.00 |
| LCSW |
$75.00 |
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2011 Camp Echo Salary Examples
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All examples assume attendance at all of staff training
| Job Title |
Age/Experience/Responsibility/Certification |
Weekly Salary |
| AC |
Finished 3 yrs HS, Echo LIT/CIT, LG |
$110.00 |
| AC |
HS grad, new to Echo, no certification |
$175.00 |
| AC |
HS grad, returning to Echo, LG |
$200.00 |
| SC |
2 yrs out of HS, new to Echo, no certification |
$200.00 |
| SC |
1 yr out of HS, returning Echo staff, LG |
$215.00 |
| Area Head |
2 yrs out of HS, returning Echo staff, Area Head 2, LG |
$245.00 |
| Trip Guide |
4 yrs out of HS, returning Echo staff, LG/WFR, trip level 3 |
$315.00 |
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Want to work out over your holiday break in Evanston? Swim laps? Play some hoops?
Or maybe you want to take a class at the member rate?
You may also take a free CPR class or challenge once a year as long as you register for it while your employee membership is active!
All Camp Echo staff are entitled to a McGaw YMCA Membership for the same number of weeks that you worked at Echo last summer.
Contact the Camp Director for a form you can use to activate your membership.
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Comments From 2009 Staff Members
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- "The knowledge and opportunity you provided me not only as Main Camp Director but from when you first began are experiences I will take with me for the rest of my life." - Eliza Gilford, Main Camp Director
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Comments From 2008 Staff Members
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- "I really did want to commend the staff for the numerous instances of caring, sensitivity, and professionalism I witnessed daily while I was there. Their level of thoughtfulness and willingness to invest additional time and creative energy when it came to addressing camper issues was unparalleled in my opinion." - Kathleen Carey, Social Worker.
- "Thank you for a fantastic experience at Camp Echo. ÊEveryone in the Downie household had an amazing, fun filled time. ÊWe feel very fortunate to spend time at Camp Echo." - Colleen Downie, Health Officer.
- "Working this summer was more rewarding than I ever thought it could be, and was so much fun. I feel lucky every summer to call going to camp and being a counselor my job. Every summer I leave more impressed with Camp, and I can't wait to get back there." - Louis Nelson, Senior Counselor.
- "Camp was an unforgettable experience, and it will always hold a special place in my heart." Ð Kunal Shah, Senior Counselor, from UK.
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Comments From 2007 Staff Members
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- "I had an awesome summer and really want to thank you for doing such a great job at your job. It makes our work such an enjoyable experience. Cheers!" Graham Golbuff, Trip Guide (10/15/07)
- "I miss camp so dearly! I had such a wonderful summer and I wish I could be there right now. I can't wait to plan for next summer. Have a super year and keep in touch! Thank you again for everything, Rob. I will never forget my experiences at camp." Anna Petersen, Senior Barn Staff (8/22/07)
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Comments From 2006 Staff Members
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- "Camp Echo is such an important part of my life. I was just talking to a woman who was doing mock interviews with us and telling her how most of what is going to make me a successful teacher I learned from being at Camp Echo -- not my two years in the education program at UIC. She seemed to think that would resonate with many people with whom I'd be interviewing. Thank you for everything. You've taught me more than you could ever realize about being a leader." Justin Altay, CIT Director (5/15/07)
- "I want to thank you for another awesome summer. I want you to know how much it means to me when you listen to my thoughts and have confidence in me and my decisions. Keep in touch so we can continue to plan and work together." Laura Gageby, Wrangler (9/10/06)
- "I wanted to write to thank you for the amazing experience at Camp Echo. I was pleasantly surprised by the positive energy that was present at Camp Echo. My children had a great time and continue to sing songs and do the morning 'Ugg and Ogg' chant. I appreciate the opportunities that Camp Echo provided my family. Working with the campers and staff was fabulous. I hope I can be a part of the Camp Echo experience again in 2007." Colleen Downie, Health Officer (8/23/06)
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Comments From 2005 Staff Members
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- "I say without hesitation that this is the best summer I have ever had at Echo. I have never seen so caring, responsible, and devoted a staff." Nate Baumgart, Main Camp Director (8/10/05)
- "Thank you so much for the opportunity to work here. This summer has been great and I'm glad I chose Echo. Each morning when I remind myself of the four core values, I'll think of Echo!" Brandy Jager, Senior Counselor (7/29/05)
- "Thank you for another wonderful summer. You make working here such a phenomenal experience. Summer '05 was a smash!" Maggie Stamell, Assistant Counselor (7/13/05)
- "Thank you so much for a great week at Echo! The camp is run so well and you do a great job both with the campers and the counselors! It is a very magical place and you have yourself another salesperson here! Please also extend my thanks to the rest of the staff for making me feel so welcome. If you ever need any help this summer, please let me know. Have a great summer!" Joan Kisthardt, Lifeguard Instructor (6/19/05)
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Comments From 2004 Staff Members
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- "Thank you for last summer. I learned so much and I wouldn't trade my time at Echo for anything. Last summer was amazing and far greater than anything Echo has been, in as long as I have known it. Your leadership and dedication to camp over the last three summers has sparked an incredible spirit of greatness that is readily apparent to all staff and campers. I am proud to call myself a peer with the individuals who make up a group of such powerful attitude and potential." Neil Walther, Senior Counselor (10/21/04)
- "I just wanted to let you know that I probably had the best summer ever and I want to thank you for your trust and support throughout it, especially since I was out on trips the whole time. I always feel so lucky to be able to do the things that I can do at camp and to affect the kids the way we can." Alissa Pywell, Trip Guide (8/30/04)
- "I am happy to hear that this summer at camp is going so well. I also wanted to tell you that I completely regret not coming to camp this summer; it's the first summer in ten years that I haven't been there and it's been the hardest thing to deal with all summer. I guess that just shows you how much of an impact camp really has." Liz LaBoda, Junior Counselor (7/30/04)
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Comments From 2003 Staff Members
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- "I'd like to say thank you for all the wonderful and memorable times I could have at Echo this past summer. Echo just keeps getting better! Right now I'm thinking of what to do with myself for the next 6-7 months until it's Echo time again!" Zoli Nep, ICCP Counselor from Hungary (11/1/03)
- "Thank you again for yet another 'best summer ever.'" David Plotkin, Senior Counselor (10/15/03)
- "Echo is one of my favorite places on earth." Lauren Teichner, Arts Program Manager (10/9/03)
- "I wanted to thank you for a truly amazing summer. The staff this year was such a close group that I miss every minute of it. Thank you for bringing us all together." Ben Roy, Assistant Counselor (9/17/03)
- "I wanted to once again thank you for encouraging me to come to camp this past summer. I am extremely happy that I had the opportunity to spend three weeks up there this summer, and maybe I can stay longer next time." Bobby Schaefer, Senior Counselor (9/4/03)
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Comments From 2002 Staff Members
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- "I just wanted to drop a line, say hi, and thank you for such a fabulous summer. I often find sweet thoughts of Echo helping me through a long run or painfully boring class." Emily Kritzler, Trip Guide (9/14/02)
- "I got back home safe and sound and I am back at work. I just wanted to say I had a wonderful summer and I would love to come back next year." Janine Hamilton, ICCP Counselor from Northern Ireland (9/6/02)
- "Thank you so much for such a wonderful summer! You have made camp a great place to come back to. I will see you next summer." Meghan Gordon, Assistant Wrangler (8/24/02)
- "I just wanted to thank you for an amazing month up at Camp Echo. It really made my summer complete and I had a wonderful time." Sara Fiore, Senior Counselor (8/20/02)
- "Just wanted to write and tell you how glad I was to be a part of the staff at Echo this summer. I feel like everyone did an amazing job and ... I can't wait to return next summer." Justin Altay, Senior Counselor (8/16/02)
- "I had a great visit during those four days and found camp as hospitable a place as I could imagine. It was just what I needed." Mike Barber, Alumni Visitor (8/7/02)
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