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Caring ... Honesty ... Respect ... Responsibility
FAQ Index

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What happened to Ranch Camp?
The size of our horse barn limits the number of horses we can lease for the summer, and therefore limits us to five Ranchers, who use their horses all morning. Finding separate housing, and creating separate afternoon and evening programs, for just five campers was a real challenge. Therefore, we made the decision to have "Ranchers" be a morning option for eighth grade Explorers and ninth grade Voyagers.

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Why is there no LIT program Session 2?
Historically, we have had difficulty filling the LIT program so early in the summer. We've ended up with only a handful of Session 2 LITs, and it's a challenge to run a quality program with so few participants. For 2008, entering tenth graders who want to attend Camp Echo during Session 2 should choose Teen xTreme.

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Where are the registration forms?
The registration forms are available online as PDF documents. Click on "Sign Up!" on the left-side menu to download and print them. There are no registration forms included in the camp brochure.

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Why do Session 1 and Session 2 start on Saturday?
In order to avoid ending a session on the Fourth of July, while keeping the sessions the same length as previous years, we decided to start camp a day earlier. Session 1 is seven days long as usual, but it runs Saturday to Friday. Session 2 is 13 days long, as usual, but it runs Saturday to Thursday. Sessions 3, 4, and 5 start on Sunday as usual. We decided that avoiding travel on the Fourth of July was more important that starting camp on Sunday every session.

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Why is there no Layover between Sessions 2 and 3?
We want to offer our staff members the opportunity to spend the Fourth of July at home, with their families. We want to give as many staff the time off as possible -- cooks, international staff, everyone. We think our month-long campers will enjoy spending that time at home, with their families, too!

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Why are 9th graders in Main Camp for Session 2?
Historically, we have not had enough 9th grade enrollment in Session 2 to fill a cabin with Voyagers. Yet, we want to offer 9th graders who can only attend Session 2 something other than the Rangers/Devil's Lake program. We hope we have enough 9th graders to fill a cabin, but if we don't, there will be an 8th-9th grade cabin.

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Do you realize that school starts during your Family Camp Weeks?
Historically, since the overwhelming majority of our Family Campers are from Evanston, we have set our Family Camp dates based on the Evanston public school start date, which is after Labor Day this year.

We are sorry that families with children at New Trier (and probably other families) might not be able to attend our Family Camp Weeks this summer.

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Why do you charge more for Voyagers, Explorers, and Rangers?
These programs are staffed by older, more experienced counselors. Campers in these programs have exclusive use of certain camp program areas including our high challenge courses, and take off-camp trips that require the use of rented vans. Rangers staff have additional certification and most go through an additional ten days of wilderness training above and beyond our regular staff training week. If Explorers and Rangers are fully enrolled, there will be three staff members with those groups.

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Why do you charge less for Pathfinders?
Simply put, this is an incentive for parents to send 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders to Camp Echo. The Pathfinders program is, for the most part, identical to the Main Camp program; Pathfinder cabins sometimes have different (age-appropriate) evening programs.

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Why does the same program cost less for some sessions?
Several reasons. Some people prefer a break between school and camp. The lake gets warmer as the summer goes on. The Fourth of July is a family holiday for some folks. For these and probably other reasons, sessions 2 and 4 are the most popular, and we end up with waiting lists. We have found that offering a lower price for certain sessions helps us balance our enrollment through the summer.

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Why does Teen xTreme cost more than other in-camp teen programs?
The higher camp fee for Teen xTreme covers the admission fees for the off-camp field trips. We also contract with outside rock climbing experts from Vertical Ventures for the trip to Rattlesnake Pointe.

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Why does the Ranchers option add so much to the camp fee?
The extra fee for Ranchers covers the rental of the extra horses used by the Ranchers, and the fees associated with the field trip to the Cattle Drive at the Double-JJ Ranch. Comparatively, the additional amount charged for Ranchers is less than the cost of the equivalent -- six sets of horseback riding lessons -- three lessons a day for both weeks.

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Do members of a YMCA other than McGaw pay member rates?
Yes, but unless you are a returning camper or sibling, you must wait until the third, non-member registration period.

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How do you set the fees for Camp Echo?
Our fees are set to cover all direct costs at camp as well as allocated costs from the McGaw YMCA. In addition, Camp Echo's net positive variance helps support other mission-driven McGaw YMCA programs that operate with a subsidy or provide a community service.

The fact is, overnight camp everywhere requires a significant personal investment. Listed below are the 2008 rates from a few other camps. Some are higher than Camp Echo, and some are lower. This list is not intended to be a complete comparison of camp programs and facilities, which also differ and are often correlated with the fee charged.
  • Camp Menominee (Private, WI) - 4 weeks: $4,195
  • Camp Chi (JCC of Chicago) - 4 weeks: $3,596
  • Camp Echo (McGaw YMCA) - 4 weeks: $1,920-2,600

  • Camp Deerhorn (Private, WI) - 2 weeks: $2,000 + $160 bus
  • Camp Manito-wish (Independent YMCA) - 2 weeks: $1,590-$1,730 + $176 bus
  • Camp Jewell (YMCA of Hartford, CT) - 2 weeks: $1,395
  • Camp Echo (McGaw YMCA) - 2 weeks, Session 4: $1,060-$1,330 bus included
  • Camp Jorn (YMCA of Lake County) - 2 weeks: rates not available as of 11/19
  • Camp Pinewood (YMCA of Chicago) - 2 weeks: $925 + $95 bus = $1,020
  • Camp Echo (McGaw YMCA) - 2 weeks, Session 3: $935-$1,180 bus included
  • Camp Storer (YMCA of Toldeo, OH) - 2 weeks (2007): $865 no bus
  • Camp Edwards (YMCA of Elgin, IL) - 2 weeks: $745 no bus

  • Camp Manito-wish (Independent YMCA) - 1 week: $910-$990 + $176 bus
  • Camp Pinewood (YMCA of Chicago) - 1 week: $575 + $95 bus = $670
  • Camp Echo (McGaw YMCA) - 1 week: $525-$660 bus included
  • Camp Jorn (YMCA of Lake County) - 1 week: rates not available as of 11/19
  • Camp Storer (YMCA of Toledo, OH) - 1 week (2007): $497 no bus
  • Camp Edwards (YMCA of Elgin, IL) - 1 week: $465 no bus
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Does Camp Echo offer scholarships?
Yes. Those who qualify may receive from 15% to 75% adjustment. We have made a significant adjustment in our sliding scale from years past. Middle income families who previously did not qualify for a lower camp fee may qualify now. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, for one session only. To apply, check the box on your Registration Form, pay half the deposit, and include a copy of your most recent 1040. If the scholarship amount offered does not meet your needs, your deposit will be refunded. You may apply for a scholarship for Family Camp even if one or more children receive a scholarship for a summer session.

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Is Camp Echo state-licensed?
Camp Echo is licensed by the state of Michigan, the state in which we operate the camp. In order to maintain our license, we must comply with 100% of about 275 standards. To verify that we are in compliance, we undergo a biannual fire inspection, an annual health inspection, and an annual program standards verification.

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When did Camp Echo become ACA accredited?
2005. We had a standards meeting to verify our policies and procedures in March; we had our standards visit in August; and we were notified that we had achieved accreditation in October. We will adhere to the standards every year, but we will not have our next standards visit until 2008.

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How is ACA accreditation different from state licensing?
Accreditation is voluntary and ACA accreditation assures families that camps have made the commitment to a safe, nurturing environment for their children. Licensing is mandatory and requirements vary from state to state. ACA standards are recognized by courts of law and government regulators as the standards of the camp community.

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How do ACA standards exceed state licensing requirements?
ACA goes beyond basic requirements for health, cleanliness, and food service into specific areas of programming, including camp staff from director through counselors, emergency management plans, health care, and management. ACA applies separate standards for activities such as waterfront, horseback riding, and adventure and travel.

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What are some of the ACA standards that camps rely on?
  • Staff to camper ratios are appropriate for different age groups
  • Goals for camp activities are developmentally based
  • Emergency transportation available at all times, day or night
  • First-aid facilities and trained staff available all summer long
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How can I verify that a camp is ACA accredited?
Parents can verify the accreditation status of any camp by visiting ACA's Web site at www.ACAcamps.org or by calling 1-800-428-CAMP.

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Does Camp Echo fill completely up with returning campers?
No. Some of the most popular programs in some of the most popular sessions may fill with returning campers. But there will be plenty of spots (typically about 400!) at Camp Echo, in various sessions and programs, for new campers. We encourage you to start coming to Camp Echo as an entering 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader (these spots will not fill with returning campers), then come back year after year as a returning camper.

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Does joining the McGaw YMCA provide an advantage?
Yes. New campers who are members of the McGaw YMCA may register for Camp Echo one week before non-members and members of other YMCAs. A McGaw YMCA youth or family membership provides year-round benefits, too! If you are signing up for two or more sessions of Camp Echo, the Camp Echo fee discounts will probably more than offset the cost of a youth membership.

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Can I join the McGaw YMCA at the same time I register for Camp Echo?
Yes, if you are willing to pay the annual membership fee, you can check a box on the Camp Echo Youth Registration Form to join the McGaw YMCA. If you prefer a monthly bankdraft plan, you must set that up in person at the McGaw YMCA before you mail in or drop off your camp registration.

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Can friends be together in the same cabin?
Yes -- two or three campers -- if the requests are mutual and the campers are in the same grade or the same age. If campers are in different grades and different ages, we can't guarantee the request. Groups of four friends can often be placed in the same cabin but this simply can't be guaranteed; we need the flexibility to split groups of four up (two and two) so we can balance all the cabins with 11 campers each. Groups of five or more campers who already know each other will almost always be split up.

Cabin requests can't be made at the time of registration, however. The Cabin Request Form is part of the Parent Information Packet mailed in March or April. If you don't get into the same session as your friend, you can transfer from one session to another, subject to availability, at no charge prior to February 16, or for a $25 fee up until three weeks before the camp session begins.

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Do you have online registration?
Yes, but only after February 1, and not for all programs. Click here for the McGaw YMCA website, and click on online registration. You will be able to use the online registration system to pay the balance of your fee for any camp program.

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Can my son/daughter go for one week of a two-week session?
Unfortunately, no, unless you want to pay for the full two weeks. While some camps have gone to having more, mostly, or all one-week sessions, Camp Echo has gone to having mostly two-week sessions. We realize that the placement of our single one-week session is not ideal; some schools, including Wilmette and Glenview, are still in session, and there are youth baseball leagues that run through June. We believe that the two-week camp experience is optimal, and the two-week sessions work best for our staff at the YMCA and our staff at camp.

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Can a 5th grader and a 6th grader be in the same cabin?
Yes, we will have a 5th/6th grade cabin every session. Each person should register for the appropriate program (Pathfinder or Main Camp) for their correct age. (In other words, you do not need to be in the same program to be in the same cabin.) When we send out the Cabin Request Forms in March or April, make sure your request is mutual.

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Can you explain the extra $50 deposit to be wait listed?
This applies mostly to registrations in December and January. In previous years, if you got into your second choice, the knowledge of what your first choice had been was lost. If a spot opened up in your first choice program later on, we were not able to let you know about that. Now, you have the option to be wait-listed for that first choice for just $50 vs. a full $100 program deposit. Check the box on the registration form to invoke this option and include a $150 deposit. If your first choice opens up later on, we'll confirm that you want to transfer, change your registration, and move your deposit. The most this will cost you is a $25 transfer fee, if the transfer occurs after February 15. The other benefit of this change is that you need only put down $50 to be wait listed for any program at any time.

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How far is it to Camp Echo from Evanston?
Camp Echo is 240 miles from Evanston. Check the "Location" section of this website for maps, driving directions, and hotel information.

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How long is the bus ride from the McGaw YMCA?
5 hours. Buses are air-conditioned and restroom equipped. Two Camp Echo staff members ride each bus. The buses stay together unless they get split up in Chicago traffic on the way home. A staff member on the lead bus carries a cell phone and stays in contact with the Camp Director. We announce arrival at camp on our website with a brief message of reassurance. For the return trip to Evanston, we maintain a web log which is updated every half hour.

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Are there any other bus pickup or dropoff stops?
No. Over 95% of our campers live within an hour of Evanston, so the one bus stop makes it simpler for everyone.

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Can campers arrive by train or plane?
No. We are not set up to pick campers up from the airport or train station. Parents are welcome to drop campers off (and pick them up) by car. Often, Evanston-area campers who move out of state make arrangements to stay with a local friend for a few days before and after camp, so they can take the bus to and from camp.

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What is the weather like at camp?
The temperature ranges from about 60 degrees at night to about 80 degrees at noon. We have had some periods of hot weather in recent years. The camp Health Officer keeps an eye on the program and the counselors are instructed to make sure the campers get plenty of water and rest during such weather. If it rains, activities are scheduled indoors, using the Dining Hall, Social Lodge, and other indoor areas. Last summer we had a stretch of chilly nights and cloudy days. Everyone wore their sweatshirts a lot.

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What's the camper-to-staff ratio?
For Main Camp, Pathfinder, and Voyager cabins, 11 campers live with a Senior Counselor with at least a year of college; an Assistant Counselor (an entering High School senior or a High School graduate); and a CIT (entering junior year of High School).

For Adventure Trips, the camper-to-guide ratio is different for each trip, but is always 5:1 or less. Check the trip descriptions on the Programs page of this website for more details.

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Can campers get their laundry done?
Yes, but only campers who stay for more than three weeks. It can be sent out, or done by visiting parents. Sometimes the Health Officer makes special arrangements for items to be laundered.

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Can parents visit camp? What about visits during camp?
Yes, you can visit the camp any time between May 6th and June 9th. Phone first so we know to expect you. We don't have visitors days during the camp sessions. Visitors days are stressful for the campers being visited because they are reminded of home, and visitors days are especially stressful for campers who don't get a visit. Visits are allowed during the layovers between sessions. If you drop your camper off by car, or pick your camper up, you are welcome to tour the camp. There is a form to fill out if you want to visit during a layover, drop off your child, or pick up your child -- it's mailed out in March or April.

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What about mail, packages, faxes, email, and phone calls?
Parents can send letters, flats, packages, one-way email (via the Bunk1/Camp Echo website), and faxes to campers; we request that you don't send food. Campers can write letters, but can't make phone calls or send email (other than Bunk Replies, which are hand-written) or faxes. Parents can call camp at any time and speak with the Head Counselor or Social Worker, who will check on your child as soon as possible. The Head Counselor or Social Worker will help you determine if it's appropriate for your child to talk to you, and a return call will be scheduled. All this will be explained in the Parent Information Packet you will receive after registration, in March or April.

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Is Camp Echo accredited by the ACA?
Yes. We became ACA accredited during the summer of 2005. Camp Echo is also licensed by the state of Michigan. In order to maintain our Michigan license, we must meet 100% of over 275 standards. We have a fire inspection every other year; a scheduled camp inspection every summer; and a surprise health inspection every summer.

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Do you teach Christianity or have Bible study?
No. As a YMCA camp, Echo subscribes to what some would call a "Judeo-Christian" value system. The diverse population that we serve comes from a variety of religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. We emphasize the core values that the YMCA of the USA has adopted -- Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility -- what some might call "human values."

Click here for more information on spirituality at Camp Echo.

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Does Camp Echo value diversity?
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!

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When will we get the forms to fill out?
The Parent Information Booklet, and the required forms, will be mailed in late March or early April. Many people ask for the Health Form early. We typically post that form online in early January. Click here to access the Health Form, and, in April, extra copies of all the camp forms.

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How does the swim evaluation work?
To qualify as a blue (advanced) swimmer, campers must swim 6 lengths of the swimming area and tread water for 10 minutes. To qualify as a white (intermediate) swimmer, campers must swim 4 lengths of the swimming area and tread water for 5 minutes. Red swimmers are beginners or non-swimmers. One length of the swimming area (30 yards) is a little longer than one length of a swimming pool (25 yards). You must be a blue swimmer to participate in water skiing or sailing. Blue and white swimmers may use the boats and canoes. Staff members may take red swimmers out in the boats and canoes. Campers may re-take the swim test after a day's practice. Join the Y and practice swimming before you go!

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Are campers required to take swim lessons?
Yes, but blue swimmers are exempt. Red, white, and blue swimmers who need stroke improvement (blue circle), are required to take swim lessons. Explorers and Voyagers have the option to take swim lessons as one of their camptivity choices if they would like to change their swim classification. When swimming front crawl (freestyle) we look for proper breathing technique and a good flutter kick.

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Why require swim lessons for any blue swimmers at all?
Echo's living space and playing fields are surrounded on three sides by water, and many of our in- and out-of-camp programs involve water-based activities. The YMCA has a long history of advocating that everyone learn to swim; accordingly, Camp Echo's swim instruction program seeks to help every camper become a blue swimmer. Campers who are assigned to swim lessons are re-tested at the start and the end of the week. Many become blue swimmers after a little practice. Why not practice before camp? We encourage less confident swimmers and those who may need additional preparation to enroll in swim lessons or stroke clinics prior to attending camp. Most YMCAs offer classes in swim instruction during the school year.

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What sort of training does your staff have or get?
We hold a week-long leadership institute for all staff up at camp in early June. All counselors have CPR and First Aid certification. Counselors who work on the waterfront have Lifeguard certification. Trip Guides are 21 years old or older, have an additional eleven days of training at Camp Echo, and are certified in Wilderness First Responder.

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How is safety at the waterfront handled?
During free swim, there are 12 lifeguards at the swim area. The buddy system is used. In the event of a missing camper, the alarm is sounded and the entire staff begins a complete search of the swimming area and the camp property. Any time this has ever happened, the missing camper has been found within a few minutes, in the bathroom, a cabin, or another activity area.

During cabin group swims and across-the-lake swims, campers are numbered, watched continuously and counted frequently, and instructed to "count off" out loud every five minutes.

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Can you handle special food needs and allergies?
Yes. Every year we have a few campers with, for example, an allergy to peanuts or wheat/gluten. Notify the Camp Director and provide details on your Health Form and Personal History Form. In some cases parents may offer or be asked to provide ingredients or special foods.

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Are there spiders and snakes at Camp Echo?
Yes. Spiders build webs and keep the mosquito population down. Snakes hide in the woods and avoid noisy campers. There are no poisonous snakes in Michigan. We have a lot of squirrels, skunks, deer, and other small animals on camp property -- but no mountain lions or bears.

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What about Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus, Sunburn, etc?
While we can't guarantee that your child won't get bitten by mosquitoes or get sunburned, we take the recommended precautions. We train our staff members to encourage campers to protect themselves against both. We recommend that you send both bug repellent containing an appropriate percentage of DEET, and sunscreen of an appropriate SPF, for your child.

The counselor's job description requires that they encourage their campers to apply sunscreen prior to exposure to the sun, and to apply bug repellent and put on long pants and shirts prior to outdoor evening programs. We do our best to keep screens in cabins in good repair; campers should report problems to counselors; counselors report them to the Property Manager. The maintenance crew works hard to eliminate standing water and to keep the grass mowed near areas frequented by campers.

Above all, counselors are trained and encouraged to watch out for children who are getting bitten by mosquitoes or who are getting sunburned, and to watch for signs of illness in campers and to send them to see the Health Officer; any camper with signs of serious illness will be taken to the clinic in town and seen by a physician or physician's assistant as soon as possible.

Click here for the CDC's chart of Lyme Disease cases by state.

Click here for the CDC's chart of West Nile Virus by state.

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How close is the nearest hospital?
The staff includes two Health Officers (MD, RN, LPN, or EMT) each session who live at camp full time. There is a medical center and a hospital in Fremont, about 15 minutes away. An ambulance will come out to camp in an emergency.

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Do you use 15-passenger vans? Are they safe?
Yes, we do. The safety of 15-passenger vans was called into question about four or five years ago. In 2002, the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board), urged manufacturers (Ford and GM) of 15-passenger vans to, "evaluate, in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and test as appropriate, the potential of technological systems, particularly electronic stability control systems, to assist drivers in maintaining control of 15-passenger vans."

Echo currently leases brand new 15-passenger Ford E-Series vans from One Fleet Source. The vans are equipped with Ford's "AdvanceTrac" stability enhancement system. The AdvanceTrac system collects data from sensors that read yaw, steering wheel angle, and cornering force to determine if the vehicle is adequately responding to steering input. If the van's actual path does not correspond with the driver's steering commands, AdvanceTrac automatically applies a front brake to help the driver correct and keep the vehicle on course.

Recent research by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) showed that electonic stability control systems like "AdvanceTrac" reduced the risk of rollover in some, but not all (driving speed and tire pressure are also factors) situations. Accordingly, almost all car makers are now using some form of electronic stability control: GMC's is called "StabiliTrak"'; Chrysler's is called "ESP" (Electronic Stability Program); Honda's is called "VSA" (Vehicle Stability Assist); and so on.

We have updated our Transportation Policy and added Additional Information and Training for 15 Passenger Vans. We train our drivers in 15-passenger van safety, require all passengers to wear seat belts, and among other things require that drivers follow all posted speed limits.

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What happens at the Morning Reflection time?
Morning Reflection is a short, ten-minute time when a non-denominational inspirational message is conveyed. This could be through a story told by a staff member or a skit performed by an entire cabin group. The emphasis is on friendship, character development, or care for the environment. Sometimes a song might be a part of the program, or there might be a moment of silence for self-reflection.

Click here for more information on spirituality at Camp Echo.

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What are the meals like?
Meals are served family style. Two campers from each cabin serve as waiters; they set, serve, and clear the tables. Fresh fruit is available at every meal. Typical breakfasts include pancakes, french toast, or eggs. Cereal is always available. Typical lunches include grilled cheese, sloppy joes, or sub sandwiches. Typical dinners include spaghetti, chicken, ham, or turkey. Peanut butter and jelly is always available at lunch and dinner. We have vegetarian options at most meals, and a salad bar for campers at lunch and dinner.

Click here for more information on food and nutrition at Camp Echo.

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Are there bathrooms in the cabins?
No. There are three bathroom buildings, called Kybos, which have the toilets, sinks, and showers that the campers use. They are located near each cluster of cabins -- a short walk. Kybo East and Kybo West have private shower stalls. Kybo North has curtained-off areas that provide some privacy.

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Are the Kybos clean? What do campers think about them?
Every day after breakfast five campers from three different cabins are assigned to work with a Counselor to freshen up Kybos East, West, and North. They sweep the floor, check for problems, and replace toilet paper as needed. Several times a week members of the maintenance staff "sanitize" the Kybos; they are on call any time a problem is reported.

Over the past five years we have significantly increased the attention we give to Kybo cleanliness. In spite of everything we are doing, we still get some complaints.

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Why do campers help clean the bathrooms?
We believe that service is an important value. Campers who learn the value of service at camp will transfer that understanding to home, school, and community. At Camp Echo, campers are assigned to different service tasks each day on a rotating basis. Some campers are waiters. Others help clean the public areas of the cabin they live in. And others help pick up litter, sweep, or tidy up one of twelve areas around camp -- including the bathrooms. Staff members supervise and/or assist with all service tasks.

Click here for more information on service at Camp Echo.

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How are campers scheduled for Camptivities?
Campers sign up for horseback riding lessons at the time of registration; this will become one of the six Camptivities they take during a two week session. Red and white swimmers, and blue swimmers who need stroke improvement (blue circle), are assigned to swim lessons each week. On the first day, and mid-session, campers make selections for the other activity areas, and the camp directors try to assign as many campers as possible to their first and second choices.

Click here for more information on Camptivities at Camp Echo.

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Should I bring a bicycle? May I bring a bicycle?
Camp Echo has a fleet of mountain bikes for campers to use during Camptivities, Cabin Group time, and any other time the Biking Area is open. You should not bring your own bicycle unless you are registered for the Michigan Bike Trip or the California Biking Extravaganza.

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Do cabin groups go on overnight camping trips?
Yes. Typically, younger cabin groups simply cook s'mores, have Taps Talk out under the stars, and sleep in a shelter that fits the entire cabin. Older cabin groups may hike to one of the campsites that is further from Main Camp and cook dinner and breakfast as part of their overnight. Bad weather can sometimes cancel overnights; sometimes they can be rescheduled, sometimes not.

Click here for more information on overnights at Camp Echo.

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What if a camper gets homesick?
The counselors are trained to watch for this, and to help their campers through any problems. There is an experienced Head Counselor (some sessions a Social Worker) who assists campers and staff. We call parents to alert them to the problem. We have found that letting parents talk to a homesick camper on the phone makes things worse, so we rarely do that. We work with the camper to get him or her involved in activities, and after a day or two they learn to overcome their fears. If you think your child may get homesick we urge you to schedule time away from home before coming to camp for the first time. Overnights or a weekend with relatives are good.

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Echo is coed. How do you handle supervision of boys and girls?
Main Camp is situated on a peninsula. The girls' cabins and shower houses are along one side of the peninsula (the "East Side") and the boys' cabins and shower houses are along the other side of the peninsula (the "West Side"). On the first day of camp all cabin groups attend a session with the Camp Director where we go over the Code of Conduct. Nobody is allowed to go into anyone else's cabin. Boys and girls are told that the "other side" of the peninsula is "off limits" unless they are headed somewhere with their counselor.

All cabin groups eat, as cabin groups, together in the Dining Hall. When the Camptivity classes start in the morning, everyone splits up and goes to the classes to which they have been assigned. When you show up at your Camptivity classes, there could be younger boys, older boys, younger girls, and older girls in the same class -- it depends on what your interests are. It's a bit like changing classes in school.

Afternoons are spent as a cabin group, first in Saska (rest hour) and then in an activity called, not surprisingly, "Cabin Group." Campers and counselors are together, doing a favorite activity of their choice, learning to get along with their peers, strengthening friendships with the girls (or boys) in their own cabin.

Before dinner we have a free hour called Fun Swim and after dinner a free hour called Twilight Fun. About half the activity areas are open each of those areas, and campers can choose to go to any open activity. One of the activities that's open for both hours is the Trading Post. Many campers, both boys and girls, go to the Trading Post during one or both of those times. During Twilight Fun, when snacks are sold, there's always a group of campers standing or sitting around outside the Trading Post. There are also a number of staff members assigned to "peninsula duty" at these times to supervise the campers in general.

The bottom line is, we don't have fences or guards to keep the boys and girls separate. We explain the rules at the start of each session; we supervise the common areas at times when problems might occur, and if rules are broken, campers know there will be consequences. There is very little time during the day when campers are not directly supervised, and even then, there is general supervision by numerous counselors.

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Do I have to have been an LIT to enroll in the CIT program?
No. Although we refer to the LIT/CIT sequence as a two-year leadership training program, and you'll learn a lot by doing both programs, you may certainly sign up for CIT without having been an LIT.

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Why do teens have to pay to work or volunteer?
The LIT and CIT programs and the Echo Service Corps fall into the category of Service Learning. Participants learn while they serve, and Echo staff members provide the instruction. The personal rewards of Service Learning are immense. Not only that, upon request we will document the service to help fulfill high school community service program requirements.

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What personal gear is needed for adventure trips?
All of the gear lists are posted online. From the Summer Camp & Teen Trips page, click on the desired adventure trip to locate a link to that trip's gear list. Gear lists include helpful information and purchasing tips.

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How much will we need to spend on personal gear?
It depends. Returning trip participants may only need a few items. First-time trip participants who have not done serious camping outside of Camp Echo may need to invest several hundred dollars in personal gear. For a bike trip, there is the additional cost of a bike, panniers, and helmet. Remember that the gear you invest in will serve you for several years, including additional Echo trips, family camping, and with high school or college outdoor clubs. If you have doubts about future use of personal gear, consider borrowing gear from a friend. You can also save money by looking for bargains on eBay or at resale shops.

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What can I do to prepare for my trip?
We request that you get a passport for the trips that cross into Canada. Hiking boots must be "broken in". Above all, you need to be in good physical shape for any adventure trip. Backpackers should spend some time walking with a fully loaded backpack, and bike trippers should begin a practice routine that increases the miles ridden each week. A terrific way to prepare for your trip is take advantage of a YMCA membership to enroll in physical conditioning classes or to simply "work out" on a regular basis.

Click here for more information on preparing for an adventure trip.

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Why do trips that fly out of Chicago still begin at Echo?
We begin all our summer trips at Echo for several reasons. We have a fully-stocked Trip Center at Echo, with all the food and group gear for each trip; campers and their guides participate in the process of "packing out" for the trip. Most trip groups will use one of Echo's high or low challenge courses to build a cohesive spirit and to come together as a working team. There's also the fun of simply being at Echo, the enjoyment of an opening campfire, the camaraderie of spending some time with the other teen groups, and the excitement of bidding farewell to all the younger campers.

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What if I'm too young or too old for a program? Can I still enroll?
We never let teens "skip ahead" -- the more challenging trips will be available to you when you are a year older. From time to time we have allowed older teens to go on a trip or participate in a program they "missed", depending on circumstances -- but only if there are still openings on the trip after the three registration periods are over (i.e. in February). Contact the Teen Adventure Coordinator for more information.

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Do I have to have been an LIT/CIT to get a job as a counselor?
No. We consider any and all applicants for counselor jobs, and choose those who are the most qualified. Some have been Echo LITs and/or CITs; some have been on Echo Adventure trips; and some have had other jobs or participated in other programs outside of Echo.

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Am I guaranteed a job at Echo if I'm an LIT, CIT, or Tripper?
Nope. To get a job at Echo, you need to fill out an application, get three references, and have a personal interview. If you've attended Echo, we also look at the evaluations your trip guides or teen program leaders have written. It's just like any other job -- we hire based on your merits and our belief that you will be able to contribute to a successful program.

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What is the Camp Echo Trading Post?
The Trading Post is a sort-of "bank account" that parents set up for their child before camp. Campers don't bring money to camp. Instead, we deduct their purchases and charges from their Trading Post account.

Exception: Adventure Trip particpants bring cash because they might visit "real" stores outside of camp. The trip packets mailed out in March or April will have a suggested amount for your trip.

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What kinds of things get charged to the Trading Post account?
  • Afternoon and evening trail rides and ring rides on the horses.
  • Arts & Crafts projects done during free time -- outside of class time.
  • Snacks after dinner, like ice cream and candy.
  • Camp Echo clothing like T-shirts, shorts, and sweatshirts.
  • Supplies like stamps and envelopes.
  • Sundries like toothpaste, flashlights, batteries, and bug spray.
  • Souvenirs like min-stuffed-animals and key chains.
  • Laundry, if you are staying for more than one session in a row.
  • Certain medical supplies like ace bandages and epi-pens.
  • Nights out and dinner in town for teen program participants.
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How do we know how much to deposit in the account?
In March or April we'll send you a Parent Information Booklet that includes numerous forms. One of the forms is a Trading Post Form for setting up your Trading Post account. On that form, we provide a worksheet with suggested amounts for each category.

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How much do most people deposit?
It ranges from $25 to $200. $25 is enough for a T-shirt and one snack each day for a two-week session. Trail rides on the horses cost $11 each, and a hooded sweatshirt costs $40. So, if you are a horse enthusiast, or you plan to buy several clothing items, or you are staying for more than one session, you should deposit more.

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Do campers have to "do" anything at camp to activate their account?
Nope. Campers just tell the staff their name (for example, the Wrangler or the Arts & Crafts Director) and we track everything for you. Any day, when you visit the Trading Post, you can ask how much is left in your account.

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Can you deposit more if your account runs low at camp?
Yes. If your account gets low, the Trading Post Manager will call home and explain the situation. There's usually some discussion of what you've already bought, and how much may be needed for the fun things you want to do before camp ends. Extra money gets sent to the YMCA in Evanston, and they let us know that it's been added to your account.

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Do you get a refund of the money left in the account after camp?
Yes and no. If the amount leftover is less than $10, we do not issue a refund. Instead, that money is automatically rolled over into our scholarship fund -- to help campers who can't afford to pay the full camp fee. There is a also a box to check on the Trading Post Form that indicates you would like any leftover money donated to the scholarship fund. Otherwise, if you have more than $10 left, and you request a refund, we mail out the refund checks at the end of September.

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This page was last updated
Mon Mar 10 06:33:13 2008.

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