Camp Echo Weekly E-Newsletter June 23, 2002 The Camp Echo E-List is now at 438 members. Spread the word! ***** This Week at Camp ----------------- What some Echo alumni might remember as "first session" is now two one-week sessions, called A and B. Session A 2002 ended Saturday, and about 60 main camp 'layovers' were joined by two busloads of Session B campers today. A mini-Olympics, planned by the JCs, helped us fill the 'day between.' Session A saw cool nights and hot days with a bit of rain on Friday morning. We managed to schedule 16 cabin overnights in 4 days. At flag raising, cabin groups are once again standing in triangle formation. Meals, which include a salad bar for campers, have been tasty and well-received. Meaningful chapels, new graces, and heart-felt bedtime 'taps talks' highlight the serious side of camp life and foster the character development that is our mission. Songs, skits, moose-kissing and staff being tossed in the lake on their birthday make mealtime fun for everyone and keep us smiling. Evening programs included the traditional Generals Game led by the Australian staffers; a CIT-led Scavenger Hunt; a Staff Hunt with a "Where's Waldo?" theme; a very clever "Egg Drop"; and of course the opening and closing campfires. Can you remember the first time you yelled "Echo!" and saw the burning triangle appear across the lake? And yes, each cabin still does a log dedication after staff members speak about spirit, mind, and body. Camptivity classes included archery, arts & crafts, B&C, biking, dance, drama, fishing, horseback riding, journalism, nature, sailing, sports, swim lessons, and water skiing; cabin groups competed in sports, participated in low ropes elements and other initiatives, played "The Game", and tried to "escape from Echo." We even have a new Frisbee Golf course. More important than any program or activity is the fact that the staff members -- young and old -- rookie and veteran -- US and international -- came together as a team and worked hard to rekindle the Echo Spirit and provide a safe and fun experience for all who attended. You can meet the Echo 2002 staff on the Camp Echo website . Alumni Notes ------------ Hans Woudman writes, "Thanks for the newsletter and ... congratulations on the US-soccer success against [Mexico] ... next mission should be to sent the German team home! The reason for this US-world-championship success? During Echo-camp 1977, we effectuated authentic pioneer work, organizing a ZOKKER (soccer) tournament at Echo, after some do-it-yourself work constructing/making real soccer goals! The today US-players profit from this famous soccer-workshop 1977 which surely was the basis of today's positive results!! Yeah, feel the zokker-spirit!" Alumni Opportunities -------------------- First Timers Camp (Counselors and Area Heads): August 11-15 Song of the Week ---------------- DO YOUR EARS HANG LOW Do your ears hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? Can you tie 'em in a knot? Can you tie 'em in a bow? Can you throw 'em o'er yer shoulder like a Continental soldier? Do your ears hang low? Do your ears hang high? Do they reach up to the sky? Do they stand when wet? Do they droop when dry? Can you signal to your neighbor without any extra labor? Do your ears hang high? Feel The Spirit! -- Rob Grierson Camp Echo Director rg@mcgawymca.org