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Physical Preparedness
Caring ... Honesty ... Respect ... Responsibility
Adventure trips rely on endurance and strength so it is important to be in good health and physical condition.
Conditioning is important for the participant's safety and the safety of others, and will enhance every participants pesonal enjoyment and ability to be a contributing member of the group.
As soon as possible, begin now to get in shape. Participants can contact Miriam Haak Barnett at 847.475.7400 x235 about specific trip preparation classes at the Y.
Otherwise, here are a couple tips for physical preparation:
- Select activities you enjoy (swimming, biking, jogging, weight training). The YMCA is a great place to work out.
- Schedule regular fitness activities. Make a commitment to improving, and try not to miss a day.
- Choose activities that help build both strength (lifting, carrying) and stamina (long days on the trail or in boats).
- Exercise at least 3 times a week (at least 1/2 hour). If you are just starting, start slow and build up to these levels.
- Get "psyched!" Mentally prepare for a fun trip with occasional stress. You'll grow by meeting the challenge.
Your feet are your most important mode of transportation while in the wilderness.
Therefore, we recommend bringing sturdy shoes and breaking them in before coming to camp.
Brand new boots and shoes can cause blisters and therefore create unnecessary pain.
To break shoes in, wear them a lot for about a month prior to camp and wear them with the same type of socks you are bringing on your trip.
Hiking boots should only be worn with wool socks and with two pairs of socks on your feet (polypropylene or wool socks next to your feet and wool over those).
Water shoes (canoe and kayaking trips) MUST be closed toed and we highly discourage Aquasocks.
These shoes will be wet every day, and we recommend an older or cheap pair of gym shoes (that can be junked after the trip).
Another combination that has worked for some campers is a combination of a pair of Tevas or Chacos and thick Neoprene waterproof socks.
Sandals alone may not be worn because they leave your toes exposed to possible injury.
Swim Ability Requirements for Adventure Trips
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Upon arrival at Camp Echo, all participants have a swim evaluation.
To qualify as a Blue (advanced) swimmer, one must swim six lengths of the swim area (about 200 yards) and tread water for ten minutes.
White (intermediate) swimmers must swim four lengths of the swim area (about 120 yards) and tread water for five minutes.
Red is our beginner swimmer classification.
At times, participants in teen programs swim in lakes and rivers away from camp and any teen unable to pass the White level
test must understand that their swimming activities will be restricted in those locations,
based on the judgment of the staff who serve as lifeguards.
Additionally, all participants wear a PFD (lifejacket) while boating or while swimming in a river.
All participants on the Minnesota Canoe Trip and Georgian Bay Sea Kayak Adventure need to qualify as Blue swimmers.
Call the Camp Director if you have questions or concerns.
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