
We provide a natural and comfortable separation in our Main Camp and Teen Camp Divisions. This is so younger campers are not intimidated by older kids and older campers can feel, well, older! Our youngest Divisions (Explorers and 49ers) comprise the Main Camp, while the Trailblazers are our Teen Camp. The names of all these Divisions reflect the theme of adventure and climbing to new heights. Each Division comprises both boys and girls:
Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders generally have an easy time adjusting to camp life, because it is so natural for them. When children begin going to sleep-away camp at this age, they just assume this progression is the best choice for them (and it is!). They also benefit from having additional years of belonging to their special summer community and gaining skills of independence when they are at a young age. Sherryl Garry is the Division Leader for our youngest girls and Kat Foecking is the Division Leader for the boys.
Our 6th and 7th grade girls and boys are extremely comfortable with their life at camp. They are open-minded, enthusiastic, and eager to learn new skills. They love practicing being on their own in a place where they can’t make a bad choice! The have a “Clean Slate” to make new friends, create a special identity, and feel like they are on their own. Division Leaders are Gail Jordan-Gold (Girls) and Brandon Cloyd (Boys).
Eighth, 9th, and 10th graders are our “senior” campers. They are great role models for younger campers, and act as responsible citizens able to earn privileges in the camp community. They get to be camp sisters and brothers for younger campers, go on multi-day trips, and plan more of their own day. Division Leaders are Lisa and Herb Silkowitz.
We have a special program for our “graduated” campers. Echo alumni entering the 11th and 12th grades can apply to be part of our prestigious program for training campers to become counselors. They gain skills in leadership, while developing self-reliance, independence, and citizenship. These select teens acquire experience in leading younger campers in special events and team-building activities. They also take trips to college campuses and take our college essay-writing workshop at camp! First year LTs also travel to California for one week, so their experience truly expands their life experience and is a definite asset for their college application.
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