YMCA Camp Echo: The Early Years

The Early Years

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1899: Evanston YMCA Camping Begins at Phantom Lake, Wisconsin

From the Evanston Press, July 15, 1899, "YMCA Notes"

The YMCA juniors, and secretary William Boyd returned this week from a ten days' outing at Mukwonago, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, where they went into camp with the juniors of the Milwaukee YMCA, who had invited them to share with them the pleasures of a sojourn in the beautiful lake region of the Badger state.

Thirteen accepted this invitation, and left Chicago over the Wisconsin Central on the morning of Monday, July 3, arriving at Mukwonago about noon.

the camp is situated on a point of land projecting out in to Phantom Lake, which is near Mukwonago, and is about thirty-five feet above the water. The camp outfit consisted of two log cabins, a mess-hall, with a small board cabin attached, and seven tents.

The boys were divided into squads of five, each squad being under a leader, and assigned to a tent, which they were expected to keep in order. A committee of inspection, composed of some ladies who were staying at the camp, examined the tents every day and awarded a banner to the neatest one.

The program of each day was as follows: At 6:30 am reveille was sounded on the bugle; at 7, mess call for breakfast; at 8, assembly for bible study, which lasted until 9; at 10, assembly for swimming; at 12, mess-call for dinner; at 3:45 pm, assembly for swimming again; at 6, mess-call for supper; at 8, retreat, when the camp-fire was lighted; at 9, tatoo, and at 9:15, taps. The morning from 9 until 10:45 was free as was the afternoon from dinner until 3:45, and the evening from supper until retreat.

Among the amusements were boating, fishing, swimming, baseball, two sham battles and a field day. ON field day the usual races were run, besides some unusual and funny ones. As the roads were poor, there was very little cycling except trips to Mukwonago, a distance of about two and one-half miles.

The duty of gathering wood for the camp-fire for each day was assigned to one squad. At the camp-fire the camp paper, "The Boomerang," was read. In this paper the events of the day were given, besides "gags" on the campers.

The boys enjoyed a very happy ten days, and those from Evanston returned home feeling very grateful to the Milwaukeeans for their kindness.

Click here to see a list of boys who attended camp in 1899.

From the Evanston Index, July 21, 1900, "YMCA Notes"

The second section of the YMCA junior encampment returned to Evanston last Saturday, after spending a delightful ten days at Camp Hope on the shores of Phantom Lake, Wisconsin. The delegation numbered thirty-three boys besides six leaders, all of whom ar enthusiastic in saying what a good time was enjoyed.

Owing to the number of applicants who asked to go to camp this year, the junior committee of the YMCA concluded to send two divisions to camp for ten days each, instead of having all one party as on former occasions. The camp was under the direction and supervision of Mr. M. C. Otto, the junior secretary at the Milwaukee YMCA, who has occupied this position during the five camps of the Milwaukee boys. Although the camp was a joint one between Milwaukee and Evanston the boys of the first ten days were those from this city only, with the exception of five boys from Kaukauna, as the Milwaukee delegation came in one section for the second camp beginning July 4. One of the most gratifying things about the whole twenty days of camp life was that not a single accident occurred.

The bean-bag battles proved a great attraction in each camp, and whenever it was announced that one would be held, enthusiasm ran high. The rules of these novel engagements were simple but strict adherence to them was essential to good sport. If hit by a bean-bad above the waist, except in the arms, the soldier was "killed" and had to retire from the battle. Hits on the arms or legs were termed "wounds" which required the injured one to go to the "hospital" where he remained till a certain number were in, then he could resume fighting. The boys with leaders as officers, were divided into two armies, one to defend and the other to storm and take, if possible, a hill to the south of camp. Each soldier was supplied with three or four bean-bags as ammunition and when in actual fight could pick up the spent bullets thrown by the enemy. The battles were fierce and desperate and many of the boys remarked how much like real fighting they must have been. Scouting expeditions, flank attacks, surprise in the rear and desperate charges were all a part of the unusual warfare.

Click here to see a list of boys who attended Camp Hope in 1900.

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1902: The First Evanston YMCA Camp Echo at Black Lake, Michigan

From the Evanston Index, June 28, 1902, "The YMCA at Camp Echo"

Thirty five junior members [of the Evanston YMCA] accompanied by the camp leader, seven tent leaders, four ladies, and two cooks returned last Saturday. The camp which has formerly been held at Phantom Lake, Wisconsin, was pitched this year at Black Lake Michigan midway between Holland and Ottawa Beach. The lake is almost seven miles long and perhaps two miles wide at its widest part. On the north shore is a large tract of timber known as Waukazoo. It is on the edge of these dense yet beautiful woods that the juniors planted their flag and named the place Camp Echo. The boys were divided into groups of five each under a leader whose special care they became and who, in turn, were under the immediate orders of the camp leader, A. W. Bass.

From 6:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. jolly good times reigned supreme in camp. After the different athletic events of the day had been completed and the effects dissapated by a swim and a hearty supper, everybody gathered at the campfire to hear himself and his neighbor "roasted," along with the news of the day. This was accomplished through the camp paper, the Boomerang. Some very fine records were made by the boys in athletics. On the Fourth of July the Juniors of the Evanston and Hyde Park camps held an athletic meet and two ball games. The score of the meet was 82 to 18 and the games 12-1 and 9-0 all in favor of Evanston.

The camp commenced June 30 and when the boys came home last Saturday, it was with many expressions of a desire to stay longer although a few were anxious to see their mammas.

Click here to see a list of boys who attended Camp Echo in 1902.

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From the Evanston Index, June 13, 1903, "Notes from the YMCA"

Up to last Thursday night twenty-five boys had registered for the boys' camp, which is to be held at Black Lake, Michigan. The camp will be in charge of Physical Director Reithard, and all registrations must be in by the twentieth of the present month. The camp number of "The Echo," giving full details and requirements, can be obtained at the association office. It is planned also this year to run a senior camp for two weeks following that of the juniors.

From the Evanston Press, July 18, 1903, "YMCA Notes"

A very successful boys' camp was conducted this year at Black Lake, Michigan, June 30 to July 11. Forty-three boys together with twelve senior leaders and helpers made up the party. A very enjoyable as well as beneficial outing was given to the boys. The annual camp is looked forward to as the great event of the year. All the boys arrived home safely, no accidents having occured during the two weeks' encampment.

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From the Evanston Index, June 25, 1904, "Plan Annual Camp"

Evanston YMCA boys are preparing for their annual summer camp, which will open Monday, July 4, on the shores of Black Lake, Michigan. Fifty boys have already been enrolled for the camp besides the camp leaders, which will swell the number to sixty-five. Mr. W. Y. Reithard, physical director of the association, will have charge and will be assisted by Graham Stewart, assistant secretary of the association.

Mr. Reithard will take an advance party composed of two leaders, the cook, George Hockley, who has been in the camp for the past two years, and his assistant, Thursday, who will put up the tents and prepare the camp in a general way. The boys will go over on the steamer "Puritan," every precaution being taken for their safety. Parents who wish to visit the camp will be cared for during the day and can find lodging at the Waukazoo Inn which is situated near the grounds.

The camp equipment consists of a sufficient number of 12x14 foot waterproof wall tents for the use of the boys, one kitchen tent and one large dining tent. Each of the sleeping tents is provided with canvas cots. The water supply will come from wells and mineral springs. Each five boys will be in charge of an adult leader, who is responsible for them. Each group will have its own tent and row boat. The boys will enjoy perfect freedom, but there wil be discipline and system enough to make it possible for those in charge to take care of the camp members. The following are two rules which every member of the camp will be compelled to keep:
1. No boy shall enter the water for swimming or bathing or shall go out in a boat except in the presence of a leader.
2. No fire arms or air rifles will be allowed.

The order of the camp will be patterend after the life in a military camp and will be regulated by bugle calls. At 6:30 reveille will be sounded, the morning gun fired and the flag raised for the day. Breakfast will be served at 7:00 after which camp duities will follow. Morning prayers and Bible studies will be held from 8:00 to 8:30. The rest of the morning until 11:00 will be free which is the morning swimming hour. At noon the boys will have dinner after which they are free until 4:00 when they may go in swimming again. After supper, which is at 5:30, the lads will play games, etc. At 7:45 retreat will be sounded, the evening gun fired, the flag lowered and the campers assembled for the camp fire at 8:00. The boys will retire at 8:45.

For recreation the boys will play games and take part in athletics. A baseball league will be formed and a schedule of games will be played. The teams will include the leaders and the boys will play games with neighboring camps and resorts. The annual game between the leaders and the boys will take place as usual.

The entire cost of the camp, including transportation, tent room, cots, food and use fo boats will be $10 for each boy. A rally of campers will be held Monday evening at the YMCA building at which captains of the baseball league will be elected and the teams chosen. Final instructions for the camp will also be given to the boys.

From the Evanston Index, July 23, 1904, "YMCA Summer Camp"

After a ten days' camp on the shores of Black Lake, Michigan, Evanston YMCA boys returned home in a healthy condition and brown from exposure to the sun. With the exception of two sprained ankles, sunburns and a few cuts and bruises, no serious accidents occured. Mr. W. Y. Reithard, who had charge of the camp, acted as doctor and treated such petty ills as sore throats, sore heads, etc.

Note: The above picture appeared with the article. The detail is amazing, given that what you are looking at is a jpeg made from a scan of the printout from a microfiche viewer, which is projecting 35mm film taken of the actual newspaper page, which came from a printing plate made from the actual photograph taken in 1904.

From the Evanston Press, July 23, 1904, "Boys Return from Camp"

Physical Director Reithard and Graman Stewart, boys' secretary of the YMCA, returned Saturday with fifty-one juniors whom they took July 4 on an annual camping trip to Black Lake, Michigan. No accident or sickness marred the pleasure of the outing and the whole party was gone full time.

The boys had a gay time playing ball, racing, boating, swimming, fishing and running through the woods. There were four baseball teams. The leaders' team won three straight games from the Jenson Park team and defeated the crack boys' team by a score of 14 to 3. In the last game J. D. Davis and Rush Hussey comprised the leaders' battery, and Charles Jernegan and John Barker the boys' battery.

John Barker was given a prize as captain of the winning boys' team of the season. Several prizes were distributed among the winners in the track day, field day and water day contests.

The reading of "The Boomerang," a so-called daily paper, issued by the boys, was an interesting feature every evening, when the campers gathered about the camp fire to listen to the "joshes" of the day. Thomas R. Porter was editor-in-chief.

The boys began each day with a half-hour bible study. Sunday morning they took a small steamer and attended church at Holland. Then they held a vesper service on the dock adjoining the camp. Six or seven boatloads of people came over and joined in the service.

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1905: Evanston YMCA Camp Echo Moves to White Lake, Michigan

From the Evanston Index, July 21, 1905, "YMCA Boys' Camp"

The above is a picture of the YMCA boys as they appeared in their summer camp, held at White Lake, Michigan. The camp this summer was the seventh annual outing that the boys have taken and was a pronounced success. While in camp, the lads engaged in all sorts of athletic sports, such as baseball, track events, swimming and boating. The boys are usually in camp for ten days.

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1906: Evanston YMCA Camp Echo Moves to Bear Lake, Michigan

From the Evanston Index, July 23, 1906, "YMCA To Camp"

Graham Stewart of the YMCA and six of the boys left Wednesday for Bear Lake, Michigan, to prepare for the boys' summer camp. The rest of them will go Monday in charge of Mr. Gillesby. For the past seven years the Evanston Young Men's Christian Association has conducted a boys' camp, with an aggregate attendance of over 250 boys. The pleasure and profit the boys have received cannot be estimated; certain it is that many of these lives have been influenced for good in the development of character, as well as from the purely physical standpoint.

This year the camp will be located on the south shore of Bear Lake, in Michigan, about three and one-half files form the city of Muskegan. Bear Lake is about two miles long and from one-half to one mile wide. It lies parallel to and just over a hill from Muskegon Lake, and is connected with it on the north side by a narrow channel about a quarter of a mile in length.

Click here to see a list of boys who attended Camp Echo in 1906.

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From the Evanston Index, June 1, 1907, "Triangle Boosters"

Owing to the cold weather up to date, but little enthusiasm has been aroused concerning the annual camp of the boys' department, but plans have been fully laid and are now being pushed whith vigor by the new boys secretary, Mr. Hedge. The camp will be at the same place as last year, viz. near Bear Lake, Michigan, just outside of Muskegon. Leaders are rapidly being secured, and all arrangements completed to make the camp one of the most successful of the association's history. The date is from July 1 to 13. All boys intending to attend should see Mr. Hedge as soon as possible and get full particulars.

From the Evanston Index, June 8, 1907, "YMCA for Camp"

A neat four-page circular has been issued by the association to give an idea of what Camp Echo is, what it costs and what it will do for the boys. It is so full of good points that it is reprinted herewith.

After a year of shut up school work and study, a winter and unusually cold spring in which the boy, either from choice or necessity, has been cooped up indoors, there is nothing he needs more in a way of recreation than a period of genuine camp life. Here the boy's eyes, tired by study and seeing books and objects at close range, are rested by their long-distance scenes of lake and rural scenery. His mind is diverted from routine work. His muscles and nerves are relaxed. His thoughts are renewed with vigor and his ideals made high. He can enjoy his later vacation more if he goes to camp and can help others enjoy their vacation or travel more. If this is his only vacation it gives him two weeks of rest, fun and change necessary for a year of successful work. The boy needs it, he wants it and the parent will be glad he has it if he goes.

The camp is planned along the same lines as a military camp with bugle calls and military discipline. To every five boys a tent is assigned and they are put in charge of a competent young man, who sleeps with them and looks out for them during the day and is always in the boat if any of the boys are boating. There is a camp store where the boys may buy 'pop', cracker jack, all-day suckers, etc. Mail comes to camp every day by rural mail route.

Ten dollars covers the entire cost for each boy while in camp. This includes transportation from Evanston to the camp and return (except berth on the trip over which will be 50 cents for each of four boys desiring to occupy a stateroom), tentroom, cots, food, use of boats and everything pertaining to the camp. Applications to attend the camp must be made on the blank furnished for that purpose and accompanied by a deposit of $1, balance to be paid on or before June 22, 1907. The number of boys who can be taken will be limited to 55. The nights are usually cold and experience has taught us that double thickness of convering beneath is essential to warmth and comfort. Do not be afraid to bring too many blankets or quilts.

The camp will again be called, "Camp Echo." In order to promote the idea of the camp as one large family instead of several cliques of chums, it has been decided to have the boys draw for postion in the tents.

From the Evanston Press, June 29, 1907, "YMCA Notes"

Mr. Hedge, YMCA boys' secretary, left last Wednesday evening for Bear Lake, Michigan, to prepare the camp for the rest of the party who will leave next Monday evening by boat. Twenty-seven boys have enrolled and all signs point to an unusually good camp, although the number is smaller than heretofore. Competent leaders have been secured, definite daily programs arranged, and the best kind of a time is promised. The camp will be under a semi-military discipline, with something doing all the time.

The Oak Park and Ravenswood boys' camps are situated just across the lake, and a scheme of inter-camp athletic contests has been arranged, reports of which will be made on the return of the boys. Every precaution has been taken to prevent accident, and the comfort and benefit of the boys has been the one aim of the whole plan. They will return Saturday morning, the 13th.

From the Evanston Index, July 6, 1907, "Boys are in Camp"

The annual migration to the boys' camp of the association at Bear Lake, Michigan, occurred last Monday evening at six o'clock, when Mr. Hedge, the boys' secretary, and thirty boys and leaders left via the surface car for the Goodrich docks, from which point they embarked at 7:45. Owing to the continued cold weather and the fact that the camp was a week later than usual, the number of boys attending was considerably smaller than heretofore, but a good camp is assured, and a live time on the part of boys and leaders a certainty.

Preston Beck, the well-known Evanston cook, has charge of the kitchen tent, which assures plenty of good, nourishing food.

From the Evanston Press, July 6, 1907, "Boys Leave for Camp"

Last Monday evening at 6 o'clock the seventh annual boys' camp of the association started for Bear Lake, Michigan under the immediate command of Boys' Secretary Harry M. Hedge. The boys were all in great good humor and made the echoes ring with their cheers as they boarded the car at Davis Street. Their boat left the steamer dock at 7:45 o'clock, arriving in Muskegon the next morning at 7:30 o'clock which placed the boys in camp about an hour later. Preston Beck, the cook, had breakfast ready and waiting for them.

Two features of the present camp are the signal corps, whereby they can communicate with the Wilson Avenue and Oak Park YMCA camps on the opposite shore of the lake, and a life-saving crew comprised of the boys that will patrol the beach during the swimming hour for the safety of the bathers. This service is duly recognized and rewarded at the close of the camp.

Click here to see a list of boys who attended Camp Echo in 1907.

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From the Evanston Index, July 11, 1908, "YMCA Notes"

Forty boys and their respective leaders returned from the tenth annual boys' camp at Bear Lake, Michigan, last Saturday morning. Browned and tousled, they bore every evidence of having had the time of their lives, and one parent expressed himself as highly pleased at his son's experience at the camp, "although," he said, "it will probably take us fully a week to get him real clean again." Barring one or two rather severe cases of sunburn there was no departure from the normal conditions of the lads as to health, and they returned to the bosom of their respective families stronger in every way.

From the Evanston Press, July 11, 1908, "At the YMCA"

Forty sunburned and enthusiastic boys, with their leaders, returned from the annual boys' camp last Saturday morning in time to celebrate the glorious Fourth at home. They report a good, lively time at camp, with no greater accidents that a number of badly sunburned backs and the usual minor ills that beset the path of the ordinary small boy. The Boomerang, the camp literary effort, was reported as being the best of the whole ten years in which the association has conducted a camp. It is said that scarcely a member of the camp escaped being rapped in the aforesaid publication, and as a means of correction and restraint among the boys themselves it was unequalled. Messrs. James Hayes and Nick Edworthy were the responsible editors.

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From the Evanston Index, July 10, 1909, "YMCA Notes"

Boys' Camp, Muskegon Michigan
July 5, 1909
Editor The Index:

The tenth annual Boys' Camp of the Evanston YMCA is now in full swing at Bear Lake, Muskegon, Michigan, under the direction of Mr. Northrup and Mr. Bixby, assisted by the boys' leaders as follows: Earle Bronson, Percy Bradley, Walter Stults, George Gill, Nathaniel Hearth, Joseph Wandrack of Woodstock, Illinois, Carl Widney, and Marcus Hobart. Preston Beck of the cafeteria and John Hopkins are in charge of the most popular feature of the camp this year -- the cook tent.

Forty-two boys left the Association building on Monday evening, June 28. The camp is located two hundred yards further west than was last year's and it is a much better place for such a camp as the rains have no effect upon the grounds. At six o'clock the camp bugler sounds reveille when all who care may take their morning dip in the water; at 6:30 the waiter's call is sounded, when the boys from the tent which has that duty for the day assemble to set the tables and aid in preparing the meal. Promptly at 7 the Mess call sounds and the fun begins for the day.

After the meal the boys retire to their tents to arrange the cots for inspection. Then comes the morning devotional service led by one of the older fellows. The comes inspection, following which the neatest tent is awarded the banner for the day. The camp store is opened for business at this time and the schemes for the day are talked over between nibbles at all-day suckers or bites of chocolate. Up to ten o'clock the boys may go out in boats under the direction of the leaders to row or fish or read.

At eleven o'clock all who wish to go in may swim for 20 to 30 minutes. This year the boys were fortunate enough to rent a life-raft from one of the steamers at Muskegon, which serves as a diving platform, swimming piers and judges' stand all in one. After the swim the waiters again set the table and the would-be fisherman begin to come in to tell how close they came to getting a regular whale, only: the fun comes in listening to the different values of that "only."

After dinner comes the quiet hour when all the boys are supposed to write home answering such letters as may be received at the dinner hour. Then the camp store is again opened and George Gill is busy distributing money from the camp bank, while Walter Stults serves ice cream cones to the waiting line of boys. Then comes a time when the boys are free to follow their own desires as long as that does not take them beyond the limits of the camp law. Four o'clock is the afternoon swimming hour, the time when most of the red arms and shoulders come into being. Following this those who are not anxiously watching the tip of a fishing rod are playing quoits or one of the half dozen other games arranged for the boys.

Supper comes at about six, the time depending on the location of the boys in respect to the dining tent. Two of the most interesting features of the daily life at camp is the "Boomerang" the camp paper, and the camp fire. The Boomerang is in charge of an editor-in-chief, who together with one of the tents puts out a sheet that for the time puts the evening five o'clock out of the minds of all. The camp fire is assigned, as is the share of the Boomerang and the waiting on tables to one tent for one day only.

After the evening frolic the camp fire is lighted and while the whip-poor-wills are winging away in tune with the mosquito, the boys gather out of the shades into the circle of light, around the fire and listen with delight, surprise, and fear while the most interesting manuscript (for the time at least) is being read by the leader of the tent or the editor. The word of the "Boomerang" is a law unto itself and a nick-name given to any one through its oracle sticks to the recipient for the rest of the camp and usually through the year.

The Fourth was properly celebrated by the attendance at church of the entire camp. Those who desired were allowed to go to the church of their choice. The Fifth was observed as the nation's birthday in the way approved by the true spirit of Young America. The camp managers had secured a large assortment of fireworks which was taken out to the life raft and there discharged by some of the leaders, the small boys remaining on shore where they spectacle was in full view.

Jay Northrop
Boys' secretary.

Click here to see the 1909 Camp Echo brochure. (232 KB)

Click here to see a list of boys who attended Camp Echo in 1909.

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From the Evanston Press, June 18, 1910, "At the YMCA"

Preston Beck, the old reliable camp cook, will again be on hand to dispense with his good things. He will be assisted by Prentis Bryson, the gymnasium porter. The camp will be in charge of J. W. Bixby, the physical director, and B. V. Edworthy, assistant secretary, assisted by the following, some of whom have been leaders in the boys' camps of the past: Percy Bradley, George Gill, Rex Trabus, Guy Bedell, Carl Widney, Roy Bagshaw, Henry Kimbark and John Johnson.

One of the changes this year that will make for a greater enjoyment of the camp is that of using the forenoon for the athletics, making the noonday meal at 12:45 instead of 12 o'clock and then having the evening meal earlier and devoting the remainder of the evening to water sports, etc. In the past the afternoon sun has worked havoc with the tender skins of the adventurous boys and this change will help to keep away the terrors of sunburn to some extent.

The number of boys taken to camp in the past has been 40, and in all probability the number will be restricted to that number this year. The applications will be received up to next Monday night, after which time the book will be closed.

A feature of this year's camp will be the assistant leader for each tent; the oldest boy in each case filling that position under the guidance of the leader. In this way there is small chance for any accident of any kind and the boys will be developed into leaders for future camps whenever they may be.

From the Evanston Index, June 25, 1910, "YMCA Notes"

Everything is in readiness for the opening next week:

I love Camp Echo's rocks and rills,
Her woodland vales and templed hills,
Her sweet smelling pines and leafy shade,
Remind me of Him from whom these are made.

"Only two more days left." "Gee, it is hard to wait." "I am just crazy to go." "What time do we start?" "What should we take?" These remarks and questions keep the staff of the YMCA busy.

Eager eyes and light hearts are looking forward with keen anticipation to the eleventh annual outing at Bear Lake. The advance party, including Edworthy, Bagshaw, Widney, Bedell, Williams and H. Kimbark, left Wednesday evening, so that when the boys arrive the camp will be in readiness to recieve them.

Two splendid cooks have been secured, so that the boys will not lack for good food. This, combined with lots of sunshine and air, and the frolic in the water and out of the water, will put brawn and muscle on the boys, so that when they come back they ought to be pictures of health and strength.

From the Evanston Index, June 25, 1910, "YMCA Campers Ready"

The eleventh annual boys' camp of the Evanston YMCA will be held at Bear Lake, near Muskegon, Michigan beginning June 27. The advance party will leave this week to get everything in readiness for the large body of boys that will follow. A fine program of sports has been arranged, and the boys are going to have a fine time from start to finish.

One of the features of the camp will be the swimming class for members not able to swim. This class will meet just before the regular swimming time in the afternoons. Another feature of the camp this year will be the scouting trip that will be arranged for one day. This will be similar to the old hare and hounds that so many boys have played.

There will be ten leaders in charge of the boys, and the two cooks, Preston Beck and Prentis Bryson, who will see that the boys have plenty of good things to eat.

The Fourth of July wil lbe celebrated in style. In the morning there will be boat races, tilting matches, etc. In the afternoon there will be a swimming meet. Mr. Thomas, the swimming instructor, will be on hand to direct the swimming activities and hold life-saving tests.

It means so much in the life of every boy to make a trip to the boys' camp. It gives him an opportunity to mingle wiht a large number under the best of circumstances. The honor system is maintained throughout the camp. Every tent of boys under the supervision of the leader makes an endeavor to keep the best of order. The camp banner is awarded each morning to the tent that is found by inspection to be in the best condition. Honor emblems will be given this season to the boys that pass a certain code of requirements during the first week of camp. The tent securing the highest average during the camp will be known as the prize tent of the camp and a handsome shield has been secured that will be given to that tent, and it will be hung in the association rooms. The names of the boys will be engraved on the shield.

From the Evanston Index, July 9, 1910, "YMCA Notes"

With faces tanned and with arms and necks as brown as a berry the boys from Camp Echo arrived safe and sound this morning from their outing. This year the camp has been particularly successful. The boys themselves have had the time of their lives. The leaders have been strong men who have taken a great interest in the boys. Great credit is due Mr. Edworthy and Mr. Bixby for the way they have handled and conducted the camp. No camp is a success that simply makes it the supreme end to give the boys a good time and neglects to try and help the boys to a better realization of the things worth while. The boys themselves will tell you that the physical part of their lilves was not neglected, for whatever was set before them they ate heartily, since the long hikes and the swimming, boating and many other outdoor activities always furnished them with an excellent appetite.

The spiritual side of the boys' lilfe hs not been neglected. Indeed, it has been the prominent part in the lives of the boys. Short talks on the things that a boy sees every day, such as the trees, the flowers, the rocks, the birds and other things of nature, served to bring him into closer touch with nature's God. Singing played a prominent part of the services. A baby organ was used so that it made it all the more delightful.

The evenings spent around the camp fire will long be remembered by the boys. The weird flames, the strange play of light upon the water, the reading of the Boomerang, the swapping of stories, and best of all, the close touch that each of the boys got with one another, drew all the boys close together.

There can be only one logical outcome of such a splendid outing, and that is that all the boys are determined to go again. The smell of the pines, the long winding trails through the woods, a bite of the mountain air, are wonderful drawing influences to a boy who has been brought up in the city.

Click here to see a list of boys who attended Camp Echo in 1910.

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