CAMP ECHO FAMILY CAMP GUIDE SUMMER 2022 - THE MCGAW ...
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CAMP ECHO FAMILY CAMP GUIDE
SUMMER 2022
Whether this is your 1st or your 31st Family Camp, please read this guide well in advance of camp
to understand our current plans. We will update families promptly if there are any changes prior
to a specific Family Camp session. (These protocols are for Family Camp ONLY. Youth camp protocols
will be communicated separately based on the unique factors of those programs.)
Family Camp is an opportunity for families to enjoy the Camp Echo experience together. Families can
participate in traditional camp activities, enjoy eating meals as a community, and spend quality time in
the great outdoors. Camp Echo’s goals for campers of all ages and programs are Safety, Community,
Personal Growth, and FUN!
For Summer 2022, we are implementing the best of our new practices from 2020 and 2021 while
bringing back some of our favorite pre-pandemic practices that we missed. For instance:
Health & Safety: We are asking families to ensure they are healthy for arrival at camp and to be pro-
active about addressing illness should arise while at camp, for the health of the whole community.
Dining: We will continue assigning meals to tables during meals, while also making open seating available
for those that want to eat more freely with other groups. Food will be served family style. Families will be
asked how much they need of particular entrees, to limit food waste, but will not pre-order.
Activity choice: We are designated an activity round each day to focus on doing activities as a family
unit, while allowing campers to move freely amongst activities for much of the day.
Summer 2022 is shaping up to be a MAGICAL summer. Thank you for your understanding and support as
we continue to navigate evolving norms and practices resulting from COVID-19.
McGaw YMCA Camp Echo
3782 S. Triangle Trail, Fremont, MI 49412
231-924-7076
echoinfo@mcgawymca.org
1 Camp Echo Family Camp Guide As of April 12, 2022
SUMMER 2022 SOCIAL CONTRACT
Camp Echo continues to focus on health and safety. We have worked to create the safest environment
possible for all participants, volunteers, and staff members in accordance with mandates and guidelines
set forth by the CDC, American Camp Association, and our local health departments.
At Family Camp, each family/group has its own cabin for their time at camp. We recognize that there is
not a single definition of family and allow participants to define family however they would like.
As a way to keep your family/group and the Family Camp community healthy, we ask that you agree to
the following policies and procedures that make up our Social Contract:
• I will monitor the health of all members of my family prior to arriving and complete a rapid antigen
or PCR test of all Camp Echo attendees in the two days prior to arrival. Anyone with a positive
COVID test, or any other contagious illness, within five days of camp will not attend. (Camp Echo
is planning to have rapid antigen tests available for any enrolled participants who need them.
More information about camp-provided tests will be shared in the weeks prior to your program.)
• Note: Anyone with a positive COVID test more than 5 days, but less than 90 days, prior to
arriving at camp and fully recovered from COVID is not required to complete a pre-arrival test.
• I will monitor the health of the others and myself in my family while at camp. If there is a change, I
will inform a staff member immediately. If symptoms are consistent with COVID, a rapid antigen
test will be completed.
• Anyone who tests positive for COVID while at camp will depart. Other members of the cabin will
need to test, regardless of symptoms, and may need to isolate from other campers and staff.
• I will be respectful of the varied comfort levels of different families at Camp Echo, seeking
permission to join individuals in close contact activities or in communal gathering spaces.
• I will wash my hands often and help Camp Echo clean and disinfect high-touch spaces and
program equipment when possible.
• I agree to report all COVID-19 cases for myself and/or family members should they present within
14 days following departure.
Even though we are asking that everyone at camp practice physical distancing and increased safety
protocols, this does not mean we are discouraging socializing! Say hello to each other and BE KIND.
These continue to be stressful times and we all want camp to be a safe place to relax and play.
2 Camp Echo Family Camp Guide As of April 12, 2022GETTING TO CAMP
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Families are responsible for transportation to Camp Echo in Fremont, MI. It takes approximately 4.5
hours to get to Camp Echo from Evanston with no traffic and brief rest stop. Heavy (rush hour or holiday)
traffic or frequent stops can make for a longer drive. REMINDER: Camp Echo is in the Eastern Time Zone!
Please plan to arrive after 3 PM ET on the first day of your program. (Leaving Evanston at 9:30 AM
CT on a light traffic day should get you to camp right around 3 PM ET.) We encourage families to arrive
as early as possible in order to be able to complete their swim evaluations on the first day. If you arrive
before 6 PM ET, you will have time to get settled before dinner at 6:30 PM ET. We will hold dinner for
anyone who arrives by 7:30 PM.
When you arrive at Echo, look for a large wooden sign. Our staff will greet you at the gate and give you
directions about where to park and how to unload. At this time, you will be asked to confirm who is
arriving with you and that everyone has tested negative for COVID within the previous two days (per the
social contract above).
After 7:30 PM ET, our welcome team will shift to outside of our Office Yurts and we ask that you
drive to that area of camp to check-in.
The program will end after breakfast on the final day. Please plan to depart no later than 11 AM ET so
that our team has adequate time to clean the facility before their time off begins!
LEAVING CAMP
Families and staff will not be allowed to leave camp property to go into town during the Family Camp
session. Camp Echo is closest to the small town of Fremont, Michigan and is also about 45 minutes away
from Muskegon and about an hour from Grand Rapids. We want to reduce any potential spread of the
virus between the residents of Fremont and Camp Echo campers and staff.
We strongly recommend packing everything you may need for the week, and if necessary stopping in
town before arriving to camp. There is a Meijer and a WalMart in Fremont if you need any supplies. There
is also a hospital and urgent care facility in Fremont.
If you need to leave the property for any reason during your stay at Camp Echo, please inform a full-time
staff member first. We might have what you need and be able to save you a trip to town! Should you go
into town, please do so responsibly based on the public health guidelines in place at that time.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
MEDICATIONS & HEALTH CARE
There is no designated health care provider during Family Camp. Parents are responsible for their family
members’ health and should bring over the counter medications and first aid supplies. If a camper has a
serious injury or illness, we have relationships with doctors and dentists in town.
3 Camp Echo Family Camp Guide As of April 12, 2022ARRIVAL COVID TEST CONFIRMATION
Upon arrival at camp, the Echo staff will ask families to verify that they have all taken COVID tests, and
received negative results, in the two days prior to arriving at Camp Echo. For instance, if arriving on a
Friday, we ask that you test on Wednesday or Thursday. To maximize the accuracy and safety of
everyone at camp, please consider waiting until the morning of departure if taking at-home rapid antigen
tests.
HEALTH PRACTICES AT CAMP FOR PREVENTION
We continue to update our camp health protocols to be in accordance with the guidelines from the ACA
and CDC to reduce risk of exposure. These updates will depend on the level of COVID cases in our
communities at the time programs occur. As of early April, case rates are relatively low and we expect
the following practices to be in place. We will update families the week of program if anything changes.
• Face masks WILL NOT be required to be worn at Camp Echo unless deemed necessary by staff
based on identified risks (positive cases at camp, for instance).
• Families WILL be assigned a table for eating their meals – more info further along in this guide!
• Families and staff WILL be reminded to wash their hands before and after every meal! Stay clean!
• Added handwashing stations can be found around camp for participants and for facilities.
PRESENTING COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
It is imperative that you monitor your health and the health of your family.
Any staff or participant that exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 at camp will be provided with a rapid
antigen test to utilize immediately. If the test result is positive, the participant (or staff) will need to
isolate while making plans to leave camp as soon as possible. Any unvaccinated participants in shared
housing with the individual who tests positive will also need to depart.
FAMILY CAMP SCHEDULE & SUPERVISION
YOUTH CAMPER SUPERVISION AT CAMP ECHO
Campers must be at least 8 years old, or entering 3rd grade, to participate in activities without being
accompanied by a designated adult (18 years or older) or move freely from one activity to another.
Though parents can ask other parents to watch their children, please be mindful of their capacity to
adequately support several children. This expectation is in place to ensure the safety of all the children
at camp and ensure that there is adequate adult support to help little children participate in activities.
There are also designated times when parents can leave their potty-trained children under 8 years old
with Camp Echo staff for the always popular LITTLES activities.
Camp Echo asks families to refrain from any loud activities after 10 PM, Camp Echo’s quiet hour. In line
with our expectations during Youth Camp, we expect pre-teen campers to be in their cabin or with adults
by 10 PM and teenage campers (under 18 years old) must be in their cabins or with adults by 11 PM.
4 Camp Echo Family Camp Guide As of April 12, 2022DAILY SCHEDULE
The family camp daily schedule is broken up into activity blocks, during which families can select from
several different offerings without any advanced sign-up. Some specialty activities, such as pontoon boat
rides or war canoes, may require advanced sign-up and will be announced at camp.
For Summer 2022, based on the positive feedback of having some pre-assigned family activities the last
two summers, we are encouraging families to do an activity together during Round 1 (at a minimum). This
may be programmed slightly differently during the weekend and weeklong programs, as we try some
different programs and receive feedback from families of what works best!
8:00* Wake Up Bell
8:30* Flag Raising and Morning Reflection
9:00 Breakfast
9:45 Service Task
10:15*-11:15* Round 1 – Cabin Group (Participants encouraged to do activities as family!)
11:30*-12:30* Round 2 Activities
1:00* Lunch
2:00 Saska (Rest Period)
3:30*-4:30* Round 3 Activities
4:45*-5:45* Round 4 Activities
6:00* Flag Lowering
6:15* Dinner
7:15* Twilight Fun
8:10* End of Twilight Fun Warning Bell (5 Minutes Until Evening Program!)
8:15* Start Evening Program
9:30-10:00 Snacks in Dining Hall
10:00 Quiet Hour and Curfew for Pre-Teens (must be in cabin or with adults)
11:00 Curfew for Teens (must be in cabin or with adults)
WATER ACTIVITIES, SWIM EVALUATION, & AQUATIC SAFETY
Many Camp Echo activities are in, or on, the water. In accordance with licensing and accreditation
standards, campers must display varying levels of swimming proficiency to safely participate in various
activities. Participants are required to do the swim evaluation each summer.
Campers who attend multiple sessions of camp in the same summer can carryover their swim level from
one session to the next (for instance, Memorial Day Family Camp to any Youth Camp session, or Youth
Camp to end of summer Family Camp sessions). The swim evaluation is often one of the first things
campers do upon arrival and is a great way to, quite literally, dive into the camp action.
Camp Echo’s swim levels are red, white, and blue. They are determined as follows:
Red: Default swim level for campers and for those who do not complete white or blue standards
White: Swim 4 lengths of a recognizable stroke; jump into deep water; tread water for 1 minute; and
then float or tread for 9 minutes.
Blue: Same as white level, except swimming 6 lengths instead of 4.
5 Camp Echo Family Camp Guide As of April 12, 2022WATER ACTIVITY OPTIONS & SWIM LEVELS Campers can participate in aquatic activities as follows, based on swim levels: Canoeing: All campers may participate in canoeing, regardless of swim color. Youth campers who are red swimmers must be joined by an adult in the canoe. Paddleboarding, Kayaking, and Corcling: Campers must be white or blue swimmers to do these activities. Sailing: Campers must be white or blue swimmers to sail. Adults who are white or blue swimmers may take a youth camper who is a red swimmer out in a sailboat with them. Swimming: Our swimming area is divided into three swimming areas: red is the shallowest (0-3 feet deep), white is the intermediate (4-6 feet deep), and blue is the deepest, (6-12+ feet deep). Red swimmers may use the red area without a personal floatation device (PFD) or the white and blue areas with a PFD. White and blue swimmers may swim in any of the swim areas without a PFD (though it can also be fun to wear one!). Tubing: Campers must be white or blue swimmers to tube. Adults who are white or blue swimmers may tube with a youth camper who is a red swimmer. Watersking and Wakeboarding: Campers must be white or blue swimmers to do these activities. ACROSS THE LAKE SWIM (AND BACK!) If there is camper interest, there will be an opportunity to swim across Ryerson Long Lake, and back, from our swimming area. Campers must be blue swimmers to participate in this activity. Swimmers do not need to wear PFDs for this, but must swim with a group that is accompanied by staff lifeguards and support boats. PERSONAL FLOATION DEVICES (PFDs, aka Lifejackets) All campers and staff must wear appropriately fitting personal floatation devices (PFDs) when participating in any of our watersports outside of our swimming area: canoeing, corcling, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, tubing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. Additionally, PFDs must be worn when on aboard any of ski boats or pontoon boats. Camp Echo has a limited supply of PFDs for pre-school participants. If you have a preschool that would like to play in the water beyond the red area, you are encouraged to bring a PFD for them if you have one. CHECKING IN & OUT OF AQUATIC AREAS To ensure that all campers are safe and accounted for, campers are required to check-in and check-out of aquatic areas. Checking in and out means waiting for a staff member to verbally tell you that you are checked in or out. At the Swimming Area, every camper has a magnetic swim tag (also known as a buddy tag) that is the same color as their swim level. They move the tag, as a staff member observes, from one side of the buddy board when they check in and then back to the other side when they check out. This practice allows staff to quickly check that all swimmers in the area are accounted for. At other aquatic areas, staff will keep a list of campers checked into the area at any given time. 6 Camp Echo Family Camp Guide As of April 12, 2022
LAND ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY OFFERINGS
Camp Echo offers a wide range of activities, both those within our specialty program areas and many
other creative offerings that our staff come with during the summer.
Specialty Activities Other Activities
- Arts & Crafts - Nature Hikes
- Archery - Fire building
- Biking - Sports (Softball, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball)
- Fishing - Camp games (Gaga, Carpetball, 9-Square)
- High Ropes and Climbing Wall - AND MORE!
- Horseback Riding (Ring Rides & Open Barn)*
*There will be no horses, and therefore no horseback riding at Memorial Day Weekend or Weekend 3 Family Camps.
AGE GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES
There are some age and size guidelines for certain activities based on accreditation standards and
equipment limitations:
Archery: you must be at least 8 years old, or entering 3rd grade, to participate
Biking & Waterskiing: We have child size equipment, but they are fit based on height and might not be
suitable for younger children (under 8 for waterskiing and under 10 for biking)
High Ropes & Climbing Wall: Must be 12 years old to participate in high ropes or climbing wall
activities. (Note: there is a traversing/bouldering wall available for campers of all ages)
HOUSING & PREPARING FOR CAMP
HOUSING
Camp Echo houses all of our family campers in cabins, and all of these buildings have electricity. “Camper
cabins,” each have 12 beds and “Peak Cabins” have 4, or sometime 8, beds. Each bed has two shelves and
a hanging rod. There is a front deck on all cabins. Camper Cabins have a fireplace and rear porch too.
PACKING FOR CAMP
There is a packing list at the end of this document but, more importantly, bring whatever will make your
family comfortable!
Weather is often quite varied at Family Camp, with cool evening and mornings giving way to hot
afternoons, so plan to bring several layers and change clothes once or twice over the course of a single
day. Rain is quite common and morning dew usually keeps the grass wet in the morning, so rain boots
and other rain gear is often helpful.
We recommend that you NOT bring valuables or clothes that you would mind getting dirty, because you
probably will get them dirty.
7 Camp Echo Family Camp Guide As of April 12, 2022SLEEPING BAGS, BEDDING, and PILLOWS
Each bed at Echo has a 74” long, 5” thick, 30-36” wide foam mattress. Camp Echo does NOT provide any
additional bedding or pillows. Most campers find it most comfortable to bring fitted sheets to put over
each mattress, followed by a sleeping bag or top sheet and blanket.
In camper cabins, there is space in the center of the cabin or on the rear porch for an inflatable air
mattress, which some families bring to Family Camp to use instead of a mattress. Camp Echo does NOT
have cribs or pack-and-plays available for pre-schoolers.
FOOTWEAR
Good footwear is important at camp as we are up and on our feet all day long! Most people like one pair
of good closed-toed shoes, like gym/ running/ tennis shoes. There are several activities at camp that
require these shoes (like horseback riding and high ropes). In addition, most campers like to have a pair
of water shoes such as Chacos, Keens, Crocs or other sandals.
Many also like to have flip-flops for showering. There are many other activities at camp that don’t
require special footwear, but you want to make sure that you will be comfortable and supported in
whatever you are doing. Campers are expected to always wear shoes except in the aquatic areas.
LAUNDRY
Laundry service is not available at camp for campers. If there is an urgent need, please ask a full-time
staff member and they will advise you on how to best proceed.
BATHHOUSES (we call them KYBOs at Camp Echo)
None of the cabins occupied by campers have internal bathrooms. Instead, there are several KYBOs
around camp, a short walk from any cabin. The KYBOs are open for general use by all families, with both
single gender and all gender options.
To minimize possible spread of illness in KYBOs, we encourage all participants to consider utilizing
outdoor sinks (added in 2021!) and open-air showers at KYBOs East & West as much as possible and
limit the length of time in KYBO North for showering or toothbrushing.
FOOD SERVICE
MEALS
In an effort to minimize gathering in interior spaces, all meals were eaten outside during Summers 2020
and 2021. Families LOVED it! AND… we missed some of the community of eating in the Dining Hall. For
Summer 2022, we are offering families the opportunity to eat outside if they would like OR eat in the
Dining Hall if they prefer.
Just as we have for the last two years, we will continue to assign families/cabins to a specific table for
the session. When completing the Family Camp form, families will be able to indicate if they would prefer
to have their assigned table inside the Dining Hall or on one of the covered outdoor porches. Open
seating in our 2020-2021 dining area, Café Echo, will also be available at every meal if families want a
change of scenery!
8 Camp Echo Family Camp Guide As of April 12, 2022A few other notes:
- Based on family size and table capacity, some families might be assigned to share a table with
another family.
- If there are open seats at a family’s assigned table, they are welcome to invite others to join them for
a meal.
- We intend to have several community tables, both inside and outside, at which people can choose to
eat if they would like to join other families for a meal or switch between inside and outside dining.
We received a lot of great feedback about having assigned tables the last two years, so we thank you in
advance for your continued feedback as we try to incorporate the positives of assigned tables (having a
home base, knowing what to expect, eating more family meals) with the fun of open seating (eating with
new friends, meeting new people, and so much more).
DIETARY NEEDS
Camp Echo can provide gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian alternatives. We ask families to share any
dietary restrictions before arriving to camp. We will communicate common allergens in all meal offerings.
SNACKS
Families are welcome to bring snacks to keep in their cabins. We will also do our best to safely provide
snacks between meals
MISCELLANEOUS
TRADING POST
The camp store, known as the Trading Post or TP will be open for clothing, treats and/or various
supplies. We cannot accept cash payments for the Trading Post. If you have questions about items
available or payment methods, email echoinfo@mcgawymca.org.
WAGONS
Camp Echo has a fleet of wagons for families to use at Family Camp. These wagons are perfect for taking
beach chairs down to the swimming area or some personal belongings from your car to your cabin.
Families are welcome to keep one by their cabin for use throughout their time at camp.
PERSONAL BIKES
Bikes are a fun item to bring to Camp Echo, especially for little campers who don’t fit Camp Echo bikes.
When riding your own bike at Camp Echo, we expect campers to still follow our safety procedures for
biking: wear closed-toe shoes, wear a well-fitting helmet, ride on defined trails or roads, and do not ride
your bike on the peninsula to avoid damaging the grass or falling on the sandy and uneven ground.
ELECTRONICS & WIFI
Camp Echo WiFi is available in various common areas, such as around the Dining Hall, but not guaranteed
in all cabins. If you have a specific internet need, please let us know and we will do our best to
accommodate. The best place to get strong cell signals is typically on the peninsula.
9 Camp Echo Family Camp Guide As of April 12, 2022SECURITY
Please keep your cars locked throughout your time at camp. As we do not lock our cabins at camp, we
recommend any valuables be stored out of site in locked vehicles. Though rare, we have had incidents of
theft and/or vehicle damage scattered over the years. If you ever notice anything missing, damaged, or
out of place, please report it to Camp Echo staff immediately. Thank you for helping keep our community
safe!
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
PUBLIC HEALTH CANCELLATIONS
We will notify families immediately if public health restrictions change Camp Echo’s program in any way.
If we have to cancel any programs for this reason, families will be given the options of a full refund of
program fees, a program fee credit for future programs, or donating their program fees to Camp Echo.
FORMS
There are several forms families will need to complete prior to their session so we can best prepare for
your arrival. In addition to waivers, families will complete a “Family Fun Form” where they will share their
activity preferences as well as any dietary restrictions or medical information that will impact their
experience. Children coming with adults who are not their parents/guardians need a separate waiver
filled out by their parent/guardian.
ALCOHOL
Family Camp campers of legal drinking age may consume alcohol in their cabins with discretion, not
disturbing any of their neighboring cabins. Alcohol is not permitted anywhere else on the camp property.
We remind all campers who choose to bring alcohol to camp that they are responsible for the legal and
safe consumption of anything they bring on camp property.
While we allow families to have alcohol at camp, we encourage them to consider abstaining for their time
at camp so that they are not confined to their cabin and can more fully participate in all programs, both
during the day and throughout the evening. Please note that staff are not allowed to drink alcohol.
SMOKING
Camp Echo is a smoke-free, tobacco-free, nicotine-free, and drug-free facility, including cigarettes,
cigars, and vaping. Any participants that use banned substances at camp will be asked to dispose of the
substances immediately and may be asked to leave camp.
FAMILY CAMP RULES REMINDERS
- Adults are responsible for know where their youth campers are at all times.
- Don’t enter any program area until a Camp Echo staff member is present and allows you to enter.
- Don’t go near the lake except at the designated aquatic areas.
- No bare feet, except on the sand in the aquatic areas.
- If you hear a simultaneous bell and siren, come to the Dining Hall.
- Saska is quiet time – please no ball playing or noisy outdoor games.
- Put garbage, wrappers, etc. in the garbage can
10 Camp Echo Family Camp Guide As of April 12, 2022FAMILY CAMP PACKING LIST
Pack what will make you comfortable while at camp. Each family has different needs, wants, and
desires while at camp, but this list should give you a good starting point. Most of these items
reflect what is needed for each individual attending camp, except the Cabin Fun section!
CLOTHING (Layers for all weather!) • Water Bottle
• Shirts or T-shirts • Flashlight(s)
• Long Pants • Bug Repellent
• Shorts • Sunscreen
• Underclothes • Medications
• Socks • Day pack
• Swimsuit(s) • Swimming Goggles
• Sun Shirt or Rash Guard • Face Masks
• Beach Towel
FOR THE LITTLE ONES...
• Light Jacket
• All-Terrain Stroller
• Sweater or Sweatshirt
• Snugli
• Jacket or Fleece
• X-Small Life Jacket
• Poncho or Raincoat
• Diaper Disposal Bags
• Pajamas
• Warm Hat and Sun Hat/Cap
• Sunglasses CABIN FUN (OPTIONAL)
• Gym Shoes • Camping Chairs
• Secure Sandals • Coffee Mug
• Flip-Flops (for shower use) • Coffee Maker
• Rain Boots • Cooler
• Games and Playing Cards
• Books
BEDDING
• Air Mattress
• Sleeping Bag
• Water Filter
• Blankets
• Decorative string lights
• Sheets
• Small Speaker for Music in Cabin
• Pillow & Pillowcases
• Inflatable water toys for swimming area
• (optional) Air Mattress
DO NOT BRING
OTHER ITEMS
• Glass Containers
• Soap
• Toothbrush • Guns, Knives, Weapons of any sort
• Shampoo • Non prescribed drugs or paraphenalia
• Washcloth • Valuables, such as Jewelry
• Bath Towels • Pets
• Comb or Brush
Email us with questions: echoinfo@mcgawymca.org
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