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Join the Summer 2008 Staff!
Caring ... Honesty ... Respect ... Responsibility
Camp Echo is a coed, residential YMCA camp on a Long Ryerson 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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2008 Staff Hiring Process
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Click here for an overview (in PDF format) of the staff hiring process.
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You must download and print these forms, then mail, fax, or scan them.
We are not set up for online application at this time.
Please do not attempt to cut & paste these PDFs into a Word document.
The application fits on exactly two pages. If your printout appears
all jumbled and spread over four or five pages, don't use it. Click
on the link below to have the pre-printed version snail mailed to you.
If you need forms mailed out contact the Camp Director.
Note the link to the Job Descriptions page (below).
There is also an Organizational Chart on that page.
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 ICCP 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 Camp Director to discuss the options before you apply.
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Click here for the Job Description page.
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2008 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 Echo experience, 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 |
$ 55.00 |
| Finished 4 years high school |
$125.00 |
| 1 year out of high school |
$150.00 |
| 2 years out of high school |
$160.00 |
| 3 years out of high school |
$170.00 |
| 4 or more years out of high school |
$180.00 |
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.
Second Year ACs must attend staff training from June 9 through 13 inclusive to qualify.
Senior Counselors must attend staff training from June 6 through 13 inclusive to qualify.
Trip Guides must attend staff training from June 2 through 20 inclusive to qualify.
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Salary Incentives for Returning Echo Staff
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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 |
| Returning Echo Staff (8 weeks or more) |
$10.00 |
| Maximum Allowed |
$10.00 |
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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.
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Salary Incentives for Area and Program Heads
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| Category |
Weekly Amount |
| Main Camp Area Head 1 |
$5.00 |
| Drama, Dance, Nature, Music, Fishing |
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| Main Camp Area Head 2 |
$10.00 |
| B&C, Archery, Photography, Sports, CIT/LIT |
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| Main Camp Area Head 3 |
$20.00 |
| A&C, Skiing, Sailing, Biking, Swimming, Horses, ABC |
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| Trip/Wilderness Staff |
$10.00 |
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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 |
$20.00 |
| YMCA Swim Instructor |
$35.00 |
| 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 |
$ 35.00 |
| EMT-B |
$ 45.00 |
| EMT+W |
$ 55.00 |
| 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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2008 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 |
$ 85.00 |
| AC |
HS grad, new to Echo, no certification |
$130.00 |
| AC |
HS grad, Echo Trip/Trip, LG |
$160.00 |
| SC |
2 yrs out of HS, new to Echo, no certification |
$170.00 |
| SC |
1 yr out of HS, returning Echo staff, LG |
$190.00 |
| Area Head |
2 yrs out of HS, returning Echo staff, Area Head2, LG |
$210.00 |
| Rangers |
2 yrs out of HS, returning Echo staff, LG/WFA |
$220.00 |
| Trip Guide |
3 yrs out of HS, new to Echo, LG/WFR, trip level 1 |
$245.00 |
| Trip Guide |
6 yrs out of HS, returning Echo staff, LG/WFR, trip level 3 |
$285.00 |
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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)
- "I just wanted to thank you guys for another wonderful session at camp. It seems to me that camp is doing extremely well, and that's because of all the hard work that the Leadership Staff puts into it. I'm just glad I got to be a part of it for two weeks. I wish it could have been more. Enjoy the rest of the summer." Meredith Stevens, Adventure Trip Manager (8/15/07)
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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 so much for helping to make my sentimental return to Echo so wonderful! All the changes that have been made are sooooo great! You have done a good job. I know everyone appreciated all the Echo staff and what an intregal part of Women's Adventure Camp they are! Katie and I are already planning next year. Thank you so very much!" Liz Heller, Women's Adventure Camp Director (9/12/06)
- "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)
- "I am so thankful I had the opportinity to work as the Aquatic Director this summer - my only wish is that I could stay longer. You have done so much for Echo in the past four years. One of the most important in my opinion is that you have built not just a staff, but a family that loves and respects one another, which makes us want to come back year after year. Thank you for everything." Julie Evans, Aquatic Director (8/1/05)
- "Thank you for another amazing summer! I am counting down the days until Echo 2006. It's been unforgettable." Alli Hoover, Assistant Counselor (7/29/05)
- "Sadly, I think this is my last full summer at Echo. I just want you to know how much Echo has meant to me these last four summers. It has changed my life in so many ways. I am eternally grateful to you for hiring me and giving me the chance to experience Echo and all its wonder. Thank you so much." Janine Hamilton, ICCP Counselor from Ireland (7/29/05)
- "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've been gone for almost one week and have just completed my third day of law school. While I am excited about my upcoming academic and legal career, I feel a loss of an important part of me. Reality has begun to set in and I wish completely that I were still at camp. By no stretch of the imagination, this has been the best summer at Echo that I have been a part of. I want to send you a big THANK YOU for this summer and for what Echo has become. We really do impressive things. Your hard work the last three years is really paying off." Jordan Shea, Main Camp Director (9/9/04)
- "Thanks again for another wonderful summer. I'm always amazed that, regardless of how many summers I've spent at Echo, I walk away in absolute awe of what a wonderful program it is. The learning never stops and that is what I love! Thank you for doing your job so flawlessly; it makes our job a pleasure." Emily Kritzler, Trip Guide (9/8/04)
- "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)
- "In each cabin that I visited, I heard something that campers felt was more important than new sports gear or more ski boat time. It was camp being a place where many different kinds of people are accepted for who they are. Clearly, this spirit of an inclusive community at camp is special. Kids are saying that camp is the one place that they can be fully themselves. That communtity is your and the staff's doing. Nurture it. Facilitate it. But never let the staff think they own it. They must continue to be in its midst ... an active part of it and a model for it." Greg Bliss, Camp Committee Member (7/26/04)
- "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 just wanted to thank you for the absolutely wonderful summer that I had at Echo. Each year just gets better and better." Julie Evans, Assistant Counselor (11/6/03)
- "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 hope that you know how much fun both the kids and I had this summer!" Nancy Schaffer Lodding, Health Officer (10/8/03)
- "Thanks for a great Summer 2003!" Kitt Healy, Assistant Counselor (9/17/03)
- "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)
- "Thank you so much for this summer. I had a great time at camp, in fact, it was the best summer I've had there even through all the years I've been a camper there! It was so great; I can't stop talking about it. I think I may have even sold camp to one of my new friends up here at school ... hopefully she'll apply for a job next summer!" Rebecca Solomon, Assistant Counselor (9/16/03)
- "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 am looking forward to next summer already." Josh Newman, Trading Post Manager (9/26/02)
- "I had a wonderful summer and hope to have many more with you guys." Laura Gageby, Wrangler (9/20/02)
- "I'm really excited about next summer, I've decided to get WFA certified mainly for my own personal knowledge, but you never know when it may come in handy at camp." Graham Golbuff, Junior Counselor (9/19/02)
- "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)
- "Thanks for a great summer. I look forward to coming back next year." Neil Walther, Junior Counselor (9/4/02)
- "Thanks one last time for a great couple of weeks in a place we're rather fond of." Terry Brenner, Family Camp Director (9/3/02)
- "I wanted to tell you again what a great time my sister and I had at Echo in Session F." Bobby Schaefer, Senior Counselor (9/2/02)
- "Thanks again for an amazing summer." Meredith Stevens, Trip Guide (8/28/02)
- "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 miss camp very much, more than I thought I could." Lisa Koerner, Assistant Counselor (8/16/02)
- "Once again I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to work for you this summer I really enjoyed myself and it was a great learning experience for me" Sarah Christmas, Assistant Counselor (8/13/02)
- "I had an amazing summer and am very enthusiastic about the future of Camp Echo. I am excited to find out when we can apply for new positions next summer. Thank you again for a wonderful summer." Lindsay Thompson, Senior Counselor (8/11/02)
- "I have had the most amazing summer." Nate Baumgart, Assistant Wrangler (8/7/02)
- "I wouldn't have missed this summer for anything!" Dawn Summers, Teen Camp Director (8/7/02)
- "What an amazing Echo summer!" Lauren Teichner, Senior Counselor (8/7/02)
- "Thanks for getting me to come back this summer. It's been a blast. Camp Echo is in good hands. Thanks again!" Joe Geni, Support Staff (8/7/02)
- "Thanks for a great summer ... I am really glad I came. I've learned a lot!" Bob Ettinger, Aquatic Director (8/7/02)
- "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)
- "It was great to be up there and I really appreciate you giving me the opportunity to come back and help out for a short amount of time." Noah Mickey-Colman, Alumni Visitor (8/4/02)
- "Thank you for inviting me to camp this summer. I'm really glad that I'm here and can work with you." Bartosz Bartoszcwicz, ICCP Counselor from Poland (7/24/02)
- "Thank you for the awesome job you're doing this summer. I've been so happy to be a part of the staff. Thank you." Jessica Anderson, Senior Counselor (7/24/02)
- "Thanks for an amazing summer." David Plotkin, Assistant Counselor (7/24/02)
- "Thanks for having me up at Echo for the teen staff training. It was truly a wonderful experience for me and it felt great to be involved and welcomed once again." Todd Israelite, Teen Staff Training Director (6/19/02)
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