Camp Echo Lake Reviews

Everywhere will always have its ups and downs and for many Camp echo lake will be an amazing fit. The camp ran an amazing program but there are major issues at hand that for some like me make it sure to not return .

The camp takes great pride in giving your child the best summer of their life the activities were a greats experience for many and your child will be grateful for it. They had many staff members who truly do care for you kids and i will always recommend it to send your kids to, but not work at. The non head staff were treated poorly most the summer going as far as to be accused of things true or not if they did not like your personality. But in the end the staff is only as good as they are willing to pay and unfortunately it wasn't very much as only 2 of the 12 lifeguards had valid certifications before coming to camp as were rushed and were given certifications without passing the full testing need to meet the certification they were given. Two of them didnt work half the summer because of injuries one of which was caused from getting drunk at a party from breaking a radiator off the wall. the other from not wearing sunscreen. ! was fired for falling asleep on the job another should have been for giving a senior village girl his phone to take pictures on snap chat.. The roeps staff was cut in half in about two weeks time to a point they were using the areas without the minimum required number of people. Thank god no campers were hurt because having sometimes only 1 person running the whole sky village was asking for something to go wrong. . Other staff were walking around camp hung over, even one who was openly hitting of a LIT who is a camper to the other staff while they were at open swim. Other minor issues were lack of quality food. close to half the camp came down with food poisoning leading to the health center over flowing with sick campers and Councillors so the campers stayed in the center while the staff were sent on their marry way back to the cabins or off to an empty cabin. There was a lack of fresh fruit and veggies to eat for those of us who choose not to eat meat some were severed days in a row till it was eaten leading to food become mushy and bad.

IF your child has any dietary issues this is not the camp for you, unless you more or less send their whole summers worth of protein bars and food to eat separate from the actual food it will not be met.

if your child has any metal issues or are easily upset please dont send them here, Lauri had on multiple times said just to let a child cry because they are only doing it for attention. The one trans camper we had was more or less treated as a sparkling unicorn who was given special attention because the camp was ill equip as of yet to accommodate such a camper. While tony was so far out of the loop on most of what happened at camp being more atuned to be talking to new parents or walking around with the film crew making new promo videos for the camp.

If your child has neither of those two isuues they will love the camp but if they do or if you are looking to work here i would look else where

and yes i changed my name to write this, after the witch hunt the was given for joeseph when you thought he wrote one was indication enough then i have good reason for doing so. The fact that i know as much as i do should be sign enough i worked there.

As a former camper, counselor, and current camp parent I say with confidence: CEL has created the most positive, enriching summer environment for campers and staff alike. Safe, meticulously managed, guided by love, mutual respect and integrity, I challenge anyone to find a better place to spend their summers!

Our 2 children both attend Camp Echo Lake. The camp is both beautiful and beautifully run. We were so impressed by the professionalism, we sent our daughter 1 year earlier than typical after 1st grade! While trusting a camp to send your children to is an important decision, we have never questioned the running of this place. We are 100% confident in our children's safety, development and summer filled with fun. This is a special place with incredible balance true to their mission of human development.

On a scale of 1-5, Camp Echo Lake is 1 MILLION!!

I worked at Camp Echo Lake for 7 years and they were 7 of the best summers of my life. I made life long friends and grew so much from my experiences here as the Dance Head Specialist, to Group Leader and then to Head Counselor. Tony, Laurie, and everyone at camp create a truly magical world that you never want to leave. This is a place that not only gives campers a summer of friendships and fun, but it is truly dedicated to human development. Campers learn valuable life lessons in a safe nurturing environment and leave camp with real skills to navigate the world. Whether it's experiencing being away from home for the first time, signing up for an art class, doing a early morning "polar bear" swim in the lake, joining a soccer team, caving, water skiing, or joining the theatre production it encourages campers to try new things creating a safe place to fail. It instills principals like trying your best, caring about others and being helpful by rewarding campers for these good deeds with "fuzzies". I wish that everyone could experience camp because it genuinely creates wonderful people both campers and staff. If only the outside world could be more like Camp Echo Lake, the world would truly be a better place.

The only down side is that i'm not Peter Pan and I couldn't stay at camp forever. I eventually had to grow up!

I don't know about other people, but camp is the best place on earth to me. I have made lots of friends, and done tons of new activities. All of the staff are nice, and I can't wait for my 3rd year

Camp echo lake is the best place on earth. The best memories come from camp. I love camp and wish it was all year long. Camp is amazing because you spend seven weeks with your best friends!!!

If there were 10 stars, I would give Echo Lake 10! This camp truly is the best gift you can give your children. What sets it apart from all the beautiful summer camps is the dedication of the directors to the development of the campers. Tony and Laurie have been taking care of my 3 children for 8 years- they are nothing short of true professionals. They ensure that all campers have what they need- including the best staff, facilities, and opportunities to grow. My husband and I made the best decision by choosing Echo Lake for our family.

5 Stars is truly the review of Echo Lake- It's directors, Tony and Laurie personify the camp experience and are two of the most smart, loving and caring individuals that I've ever met. The facility is impeccable, the program extraordinary, but it's the people that count- and the full time staff at Echo Lake are a model for all summer camps which aspire to be "5 Stars"

Echo Lake has truly shaped our child into a well-rounded, divergent thinking, and empathetic person. Camp instills these qualities in everything they do. Never once, in six years, have I had any reason to question or doubt the judgement of anything done at camp. All things at Echo Lake have enhanced my child's life.

Our relationship with CEL started in 2005 when our son at 8 years old headed off for his first summer. Our relationship has sadly come to a close now that our daughter just finished her last year as an a LIT after also spending 8 years at camp. Words cannot begin to express our gratitude for all that CEL has given our two children. Confidence, love, passion, friendships, experiences and memories that will absolutely last a lifetime. On every level CEL exceeded our expectations clearly making it one of the best decisions we have made on behalf of our children s growth and development. Thank you to everyone at CEL for giving so much to our family over the past 11 years! We love all of you!

I spent 6 truly AMAZING SUMMERS working at Camp Echo Lake. Throughout that time I became enchanted with the special magic that ECHO offered each and every Summer! I was lucky enough to work along some phenomenal role models during my time there. I would like to especially highlight the tremendous job Directors Tony Stein and Laurie Rinke do every single summer! Without their PASSION, DRIVE and most importantly ATTITUDE, Echo Lake wouldn't be the same.

I could honestly write a thesis on how my time at Echo Lake has impacted my life!

It will forever hold a special place in my heart.....

Summers 2005-2010

GOODTIMES

Aka Princess

Not only did my two children attend camp for a combined 19 years, but I also ran the office for 9 summers and therefore was in the best position possible in witnessing and understanding the uniqueness of CEL: the healthy and intelligent choices they make for the entire population - campers, staff, parents. The creativity, sportsmanship, and life-long lessons that everyone takes home with them at the end of every season... Not only do the majority of the kids come back summer after summer, but so does a lot of the staff. Truly a great influence on my kids, and truly a fabulous place to work. Though I hear the pop tarts were taken off the menu in recent years...oh well.

I had the pleasure to work at Camp Echo Lake for five years and I can honestly say the environment that the directors have created has shaped me as a professional in my own career. There is such an attention to detail, and such a care that they take with every single decision they make for the staff and the kids. The directors are incredibly invested in making every summer better than the next and over time I've seen the camp become the gold standard for human development.

I feel very lucky to have been a part of the Echo Lake family and I hope one day I can continue to be either as a staff or a parent of a future camper.

As a camper, I'm very disappointed how this camp turned out. I used to enjoy it but it so annoying. They give us terrible food everyday, rotten apples and bananas, take everything away from us. They also taken Cornbread away from us. He was the coolest Land Sports specialist. He made it fun and exciting. We all love cornbread and now they not goin to return him back to us. But all the others staff who doesn't care about us return. I will not come back summer 17 until they bring back cornbread and get better head staffs.

It is difficult to comprehend, or put into words the impact that this place can have on an individual. To bring together close to eight hundred people everyone summer and give each person a sense of belonging is true testament to the ethos of Echo Lake. Campers and Staff are brought together from all over the world but leave knowing that they will always have somewhere else to call home.

Personally Echo Lake has given me so much and for that I will be forever grateful. The leadership team are dedicated to improving year on year and the first question asked at the end of every summer is 'how can we raise the bar?'. To believe it, you have to experience it and if you do you will come away knowing just how special a place this is.

As a former camper and counselor I feel lucky to have a child who loves camp as much as I do. Tony and Laurie continue to make CEL the best 7 weeks of the year!!

My kids have been campers at CEL for the past 5 summers and I would recommend this camp to anyone looking for a wonderful summer experience for their child. The camp is very nurturing. There is an excellent balance between fun and personal development. The activities and facilities are excellent. The directors and staff are amazing. Laurie Rinke especially has always gone above and beyond to make sure I had 2 very happy campers. My kids look forward to returning to their "summer home" every year.

Picking a sleep away camp to entrust your children to is a daunting task and we know we made the right decision. We have had a relationship with Camp Echo Lake going on our 6th year now and every year our daughter and son go back to camp to spend time with their camp family, and every year they have the most wonderful time. Our children have formed relationships that will last a life time.

Camp Echo Lake is the last of the true family camps that have a relationship with and values each and every child, and the parents for that matter! Tony and Laurie are wonderful people and amazing camp directors and our children adore them. From the top down the camps philosophy is instilled in every decision, they value personal growth and inclusivity and every part of the camp from the staff hierarchy to all camp activities support this goal.

The staff has always been impressive, our children learn, have fun with, and we hope emulate as they get older. CEL has exceeded expectations and we are so happy and proud to know our children lives have been enriched by the Camp Echo Lake experience.

My kids have attended Camp Echo Lake since 2008, and we can't say enough good things about it! It's a wonderful, warm and truly special place. We could not have picked a better camp for our family.

We sent both our daughters to Camp Echo Lake from the time they were very young. CEL is a part of their lives 365 days a year. The friendships, the culture, and the experiences have absolutely influenced the young women they have become. The owners (who are third generation) and head staff live the values of this 70-year-old camp every day. We cherish their lessons of inclusiveness and independence and cannot imagine a better partner in raising our children.

I arrived at Camp Echo Lake for the first time in 1981 as a camper. My experience as a camper was truly spectacular and led me to choose camp for my own children 34 years later.

Has camp changed?!? Certainly not their dedication to human developent. Certainly not their commitment to the whole child. Certainly not their focus on excellent instruction.

What has changed at camp is the physics plant. Arriving for our "tour" of camp, I was struck by the beauty that camp has become...first rare cabins, gorgeous views, and as always pine trees (tall). I returned home and new it was the place for my own children.

Having spent a few years working in the camp consulting business, I had the opportunity to work and meet with many camping professionals and directors. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Tony Stein and Laurie Rinke are at the very top of their game. They are the best of the best and I recommend their camp without reservation.

I went to Camp Echo lake back in the 70's, and I send both my children there now. This is their favourite place in the world. They learn wholesome values, are very active, and have made the best friends. I can't say enough good things about the staff, especially Tony and Laurie. They run a tight ship and run an excellent camp. The facilities are beautiful, and Tony and Laurie always aim for the stars in everything they do.

My daughter attended Camp Echo Lake the summer after 2nd grade. I couldn't be more thrilled that this is the camp that we chose. The staff and adminsitration are amazing. They focus on the importance of the individuality of the child. They really knew who my daughter, they made sure that she was always well looked after and most importantly happy. My daughter had such a good time that she wasn't off the bus an hour before she started counting down the days until she could go back!

Camp Echo Lake is run by world class people with decades and generations of camp experience. This family owned camp has one singular focus each and every summer - provide a beautiful, safe, healthy, and positive environment so every camper can have fun and grow. Tremendous thought and planning goes in to everything they do. My daughters absolutely love every aspect of the CEL experience - the people, the activities, the culture, and the friendships. It has truly become a home away from home - which is exactly what every parent who sends their child to camp hopes for. I couldn't recommend Echo Lake more highly.

Absolutely beautiful! My daughters wedding was so very romantic! Gorgeous scenery!

I worked in this camp for 2 months and I really enjoyed it. There is a lot to do in the camp, and if you feel like going out, Lake George is only a few minutes away, and there is always something to do there

5 stars is simply not enough! Echo Lake is a truly wonderful place with an incredible staff and community of people and campers. For decades, this coed traditional sleepaway camp continually delivers life changing summers and growth experiences for not only each camper but the families who entrust their children to their dedicated team and all star camp directors/owners Tony and Laurie.

"Priceless" as the commercial says, my son spent 7 summers at Echo Lake and I know that the experiences he had and the friends he made have been what he will forever consider, some of the most special and incredible people and memories of his life. The staff, the administration, the campers and the bucolic setting all became seamlessly integrated into my sons life for those 7 extraordinary weeks and extending into the "10 for 2" There really are no words to express our gratitude as parents for creating an environment which has been so positively impactful on our son.

The counselors and campers do not like Laurie because she is not a good director and they pay the counselors low pay. DO NOT WATE YOUR SUMMER HERE

I was a camper for four years at Camp Echo Lake. It has been an entire 16 years since my last summer and the enduring damage that these irresponsible and insensitive camp runners inflicted on me has affected my life. I was not only bullied, by both campers and staff, but was a picky eater who starved due to lack of any edible food options, losing over 10 lbs in 7 weeks and establishing an eating disorder that lasted years. It is very dangerous for a 12 year old girl to learn how to cope with eating two pieces of fruit for dinner, and the fact that no one cared or helped, and that my counselors went so far as to deny me options available to children with documented dietary restrictions baffles me still. I remember once being yelled at for asking the kitchen staff for a piece of American cheese. My parents paid thousands of dollars for me to attend this camp. I'm pretty sure they could've spared it. I'd like my money back. Also, my adult counselors showered naked with us...so yeah.

My two kids have absolutely loved their summers at Camp Echo Lake. There are a lot of reasons to love this camp. As a parent, I have felt really connected to the camp despite spending only one day there each summer for visiting day. Laurie and Tony do a fantastic job of taking care of our kids and making the parents feel good about sending them away for 7 weeks. Most importantly, I know the camp is showing them how to be kind, caring and brave, and how to engage in a community. My kids tell me they love it because they have incredible fun every day, because they love their counselors, because they make strong friendships, and because they are surrounded by beauty and nature. I couldn't really ask for anything more.

The Summer of 2016 was our son's first summer at Camp Echo Lake. As Owners and Directors of a day camp ourselves making the decision to send our child to a resident camp was a tough one. However, allowing him to leave the comfort of our summer home and sending him to Camp Echo Lake was a no-brainer after touring the camp and meeting the loving and caring staff. As a CEL alumni, my husband always had the fondest memories of his summers spent in the Adirondacks and only wanted the same experiences for our son. From that first tour of camp, to sending our son off on the bus, to Visiting Day and, finally, returning home our experience and our son's interactions with CEL staff has always been warm, comforting, professional and dedicated to the well being of their campers and families. My husband and I continue to be impressed with Tony, Laurie, Brenda and the entire CEL staff and our son continues to speak of the bond he has formed with his bunk staff and Camp friends. If you are looking for a resident camp that will leave a positive impression on your child then look no further.

The Leiser Family

As a former camper and counselor at CEL, I am so thrilled that my daughters love Camp Echo Lake as much as I do! I am still very close with my camp friends and our 10 years of summer memories are priceless. My daughters, 16 and 13, who have been campers for 9 and 5 years, love CEL! As a parent I never even looked at another sleepaway camp, confident in the culture, traditions, supervision, programming and camp spirit. CEL is home away from home.

I was lucky enough it be apart of this camp for a week. Back when I was younger I was in a program that allowed me to go away to camp echo lake for free. First time ever being away from my parents. My time there was so amazing I m almost 30 years old, and I still remember this place and how much fun I had and , the workers were loving and made me feel very safe. I still have my yellow echo lake shirt! I still remember the songs we all sang green and gold GREEN AND GOLD!! friends friends friends we will allwaysssss be! I even won an award the last day, I was so shocked , I didn t see that coming. I look back at the website now and see how lucky I was to experience that place. I ll be forever grateful for the experience and opportunity Lauire and Tony gave me.

-Ashley Rivera

I was a camper and counselor at Echo Lake in the 80's and 90's. Those summers were the best of my life. My dearest friends are still the friends I made at Echo Lake. I sent both my daughters to CEL and they both had wonderful experiences. My youngest really struggled at the beginning because she was homesick (normal at 8 years old) and the staff and owners worked with her (and me) to make sure she got through. She stayed at camp all the way thru LIT and is talking about possibly being a counselor! Her camp friends are still so close and I love the friendships we have made over the years. My life wouldn't have been so complete without my CEL Family! THE BEST!

I am so glad i did not work here last summer and found a better camp. This place needs work, all of my friends that worked here before said they would never come back

Camp Echo Lake (CEL) is the greatest gift we could ever give to our children. Our kids refer to it as "home" and count the days all year long until they are back there again in June. As a parent, sending your child away for 7 weeks is hard. The only thing that makes it easier is knowing how well they are cared for and loved by their CEL family. That love is real, and special, and I know that wherever my kids go in life and whatever they do, CEL will always be a part of them.

Camp Echo Lake has been a source of joy for our whole family. From our very first encounter with the camp owner and director, we knew our son would be in incredibly loving and supportive hands. Our son has had two of the happiest summers of his life at CEL. It is everything that you hope for in a camp and more. The children are encouraged to try their best and to try new things. It is an incredibly warm and nurturing environment, and from every photo and video they post each evening, as well as reports from our son and his friends, it is clearly a very fun place too. It is incredibly well run, and the staff is professional. I wish I could go back to camp and attend CEL!

Our 8 year old daughter and 10 year old son both go to Echo Lake. We chose Echo Lake after visiting five different camps over the summer of 2014. Every camp we looked at was very good, and we would be happy if our kids went to any of those camps. But we found Echo Lake to be a cut above them all.

By far, out of the five, Echo Lake was to us the most values forward camp. Everywhere you look you get a sense that there is a Reason Why They Do Things This Way, and that the reason traces back to a desire to help our children become the best version of themselves. You feel that thoughtfulness all the way down to the LITs (Leaders In Training), and all the way up to Tony and Lori, who are the co-directors of the camp.

Our children are very happy at the camp. They have both formed strong friendships there, they have both tried and learned new things there, and most important for them they just have a great time when they are there. I think that sending them to this camp will go down as one of the best things we did for our children.

As my 6th Summer at camp echo lake I have made memories that I will cherish forever and never forget. If I could I would love to be at camp 24/7. The staff and head staff are so caring and supportive and help you through everything. I am a picky eater, and there has never been any moment where I can't get a bowl of pasta or an alternative. Jay the kitchen manager is so friendly and accommodating to me and all my friends. I would be nowhere in life without Tony and Laurie. They help make the camp the best it can. Before going into my first summer of camp I thought I would make friends, but it turns out I have a camp family.

Camp Echo Lake is a truly special place. Our 2 daughters have spent the past 8 summers there building lifelong friendships and challenging themselves to try new activities. We could not have asked for a better experience for our kids and we remain thankful for the commitment Tony and Laurie bring to making Echo Lake such a truly special place.

Camp Echo Lake was my summer home many many years ago. I spent five of the greatest summers of my life there. I will never forget the memories that I made there and how they shaped who I am today. When we started looking at sleep away camp for my son three summers ago, I told him we were going to check it out more for selfish reasons. I was desperate to see it again and secretly hoped he would fall in love with it. However we put no pressure on him and took him to other camps as well so that he could see a wide variety. He instantly felt a connection to Echo Lake and decided on his own that it was most definitely the right place for him. Two summers later and he doesn't call it camp anymore, he calls it home. He's made amazing friends who he keeps in touch with throughout the year. He has bonded with his counselors who have all proved to be wonderful role models and for two summers have provided him a safe environment and a home away from home. He's tried new activities that have blown us away like auditioning and getting a part in the group show last summer. And attempting two summers in a row to water ski - still not getting up but not giving up. That's what Echo Lake teaches their campers. To never give up and to be good people. He's learned kindness and compassion, how to be a team player, and to believe in himself and his abilities. Kids these days need camp for so many of these very reasons and Echo Lake is among the best out there.

I loved all my campers!!! I love camp echo lake!!! unfortunately, I was not invited back next summer and it hurts my heart that I cannot spend another summer at camp echo lake. It's pretty sad how the head staff treats employees and this is why they have a hard time keeping employees to stay all summer long. I've heard that a lot of former employees have left camp echo lake and went to other camps like Adirondack or Chateaugay because they offer more for the employees and those are BETTER camps. I hate to say it but camp echo lake is going down the drain because of poor management.

I spent 7 summers of my childhood as a camper at Echo Lake and, so far, I ve had the pleasure of returning on staff for an additional 5 summers. My fondest summer memories are those spent with friends that I made at camp, because CEL is a place where anyone is given the opportunity to wave their own flag, be who they want to be, and feel accepted and loved by those around them.

My summers as a camper were spent exploring a wide breadth of activities, while my time on staff brought offered the opportunity of working with campers of all ages. As a kid, I did all the classic camp activities: soccer, canoeing, and music. Nevertheless, CEL gave me the opportunity to try things I had never even dreamed of doing before, like lacrosse, archery, and even a few theater productions! I tried new, healthy foods and learned how to resolve conflicts on my own! Over my summers as a staff member, camp has given me the chance to work with campers as young as 9 and as old as 15. I gained skills working on a team in a fun, enjoyable work environment surrounded by others who share my love of camp.

The hallmark of the Echo Lake experience is the core values of human development that transcend time and age. Anyone who has ever spent time at camp learns that everything is about Attitude, Attitude, Attitude, and the way how you approach a situation. CEL does a terrific job of crafting children into competent, independent, and responsible young adults. I highly recommend sending your children to CEL or coming to work here yourself, you truly will have the summer of a lifetime!

It's honestly really hard to even begin to describe Camp Echo Lake in words, since it's been such a huge part of my life since I was 9 years old. I remember touring Echo Lake in 2003, the Steins showing us around and showing us how much fun More

Our two boys went to another well known sleep away camp, one for 3 years another for 1 year. We grew increasingly unimpressed with how the camp handled interactions between the children, bunk situations, etc. Now, as they approach their 4th summer at CEL, we can honestly say we have had the complete opposite experience. CEL made sure our boys had no issue with the transition. Laurie R went out of her way to connect them and us with other families leading up to camp. She checks in on them/us in the off season to see what new activities they would want (nothing "we love everything")/what they think could be improved ("thanks for updating the shower houses"). The counselors have been great influences....checking in on them throughout the year, speaking to them during winter sleep overs, being apart of Fantasy football leagues, etc. During the winter, when you ask your kids what happened at school that day and they say "Nothing....but I was thinking about XYZ at camp and it was so funny" you know you made the right choice sending them to CEL.

We truly feel fortunate to have Echo Lake in our lives. Over the last seven summers, our children have formed lifelong bonds and experienced so many new things--each summer has been better than the last. All at a place where the Directors are extremely thoughtful and incredibly responsive, the facilities are continuously being improved, and the program evolves as the kids gets older. We really couldn't ask for anything more! The way that Tony and Laurie listen to and thoughtfully respond (in our experience even with concrete changes) to feedback is truly remarkable and a rarity.

Camp Echo Lake has been such a positive experience for our family! My son went this year for his first summer and came back full of excitement, independence and energized to go back again!! He has met wonderful friends and loved everything about camp! CEL makes you feel like part of a family!

Camp Echo Lake has been the single best part of my life for the past 10 years. Starting as an upper inter girl, I was looking for positive role models who took time to understand me and help me develop meaningful relationships, and that's exactly what I got. Each summer after only proved to be better than the one before. I recognize that much of who I am today is all thanks to the incredible people who took time to invest in me and wanted the best summer experience for me. After patiently waiting for my gap summer to apply to be on staff, I was luckily asked to be a cabin specialist. Having the ability to see the magic of camp from the perspective of a staff person was incredible. The amount of thought and attention that go into each and every decision for each and every camper is awfully unique for summer camps to do. I was so proud of the work I was able to do with my campers to help them to feel 10 feet tall by the time the summer was over. This feeling continued as a group leader as well. As a camper, my dream was to be on "Head Staff". Getting to come full circle at the place I actually consider a second home was simply the best. After having more of an inside look I can absolutely say that camp echo lake successfully strives for excellence each and every day. I have never written any kind of review before and I would only do so for a place that has given me more than I ever thought possible. Camp Echo Lake is such a special place. So, parents: send your kids here. Potential staff: Trust me when I say you would be lucky to let this place be your summer home. And campers: I hope you can find a place that makes you feel like the best version of yourself like I did.

Echo Lake was my first sleepaway camp experience. I'm from Northern Michigan and my parents were both teachers, so I spent my summers traveling with my family as a kid. When I first came to camp, I didn't understand how a parent could send their child away for 2 months. After the first week the campers were at Echo Lake, my opinion was totally flipped. These campers come here and are allowed to pursue excellence in whatever they choose. It could be artistic, athletic, musical, social, etc. Typically they find excellence in many categories. I had never seen a place offer so much at such high quality. The staff as a whole, top down, works together to create a place where everyone is loved and successful. Seriously, I don't know how else to say it. Echo Lake does everything it possibly can to create a place where everyone, Directors to staff to campers, can have some pure, unbridled joy in their lives. I found it here. 6 years later, it only keeps getting better. I honestly couldn't say enough. I could write a book about it. Ok, now I'm rambling.... but I'm not done:

To people considering applying to be staff, I can only offer my personal opinion. Echo Lake is the single greatest community of people, and most joyful place, I have ever been a part of. Working at Echo Lake is the single most impactful decision I've ever made. Camp Echo Lake allowed me to become a person I'm proud of being and it drove me to succeed in the rest of my life. That was possible because I am loved and supported by those above me, but held to very high expectations. I am able to make kids laugh and smile everyday, but also occasionally deal with kids who act downright mean. I make friendships, lasting and fierce, with almost everyone I meet, but inevitably not with everyone. The job is not all sunshine and rainbows. It can be demanding and emotional. You will not be happy if you're just here to have a summer job or get to America and travel after. Staff here do something meaningful and lasting. To be successful, that's where you need to get your joy. Having an amazing time is inevitable after that. If that sounds good to you, come join the family :)

Ok, I should really be done now... must stop gushing... this is the 5th time I've added more.... It's just that good

Sending my children to CEL was one of the best decisions I have made as a mother. The love and care my kids received from Tony, Laurie and the rest of the staff was unbelievable. My son can't wait for the day when he can return as a counselor. I believe my kids are the wonderful people they are today partly from the experiences that had at Echo Lake.

This camp is truly dedicated to human development. As an alumni and parent of a successful camper, I call this camp my home away from home. Laurie and Tony run a stellar experience for kids of all ages.

This past summer was my first summer with Camp Echo Lake, and there is no single word to describe this incredible experience. The campus is breathtaking, the staff is well trained and the direction is top notch.

As a staff member myself, I can say with confidence that the administration of this camp recognizes the value of knowing each and every camper and staff on a personal level. The amount of time spent on training their staff to find connection with the numerous individuals at camp is relentless, and evident when you see what an amazing time the campers are having. The camp is clean, organized, and the safety and best interest of the campers is always put as first priority. These are especially important qualities in my opinion, because I was also sending my 10 year old son as a CEL camper for the very first time.

My son had an incredible summer. He was able to bond with 14 bunk mates, all of whom had attended camp in years past together. He was able to participate in activities he would have never dreamed of, and would have never had the opportunity to do in an 115 degree Arizona summer. He had the ability to completely unplug from ANY electronic device, and totally charge his brain by being creative, physically active, challenged, engaged and motivated by all that Camp Echo Lake had to offer. The growth and development that my child experienced in two months was irreplaceable.

Once we returned from camp, numerous friends asked me about my summer. I got to the point that I couldn't tell them because there was no way to come close to describing what a fulfilling experience it was for both myself and my son. From either the perspective of a staff member or a camper, Camp Echo Lake makes you feel like part of a HUGE family, and that feeling is phenomenal. A CEL Family that we both will look forward to being a part of for many, many summers to come.

I honestly do not know where I would be without Camp Echo Lake. Camp Echo Lake is the best part of my life and every year I countdown the days until I go back. The food is amazing, and i too am a picky eater and never once was i starved or yelled at for my food choices. The people are amazing, they are always there for you no matter what. All campers should be very grateful for the staff because they take time out of their own life to care and love us!! Everything about this camp is amazing and I would give anything to be their 24/7 365 days a year. Camp echo lake is the best thing that has ever happened and i feel sorry for people who feel differently.

-Molly Langer

Our family is heading into its fourth summer at CEL, and we couldn't be happier with our experiences over the past few years. The staff, the programming and the overall care that is taken with each and every detail is exceptional. We have two children who have had thoroughly wonderful summers at CEL - the camp's able staff finds a way to reach out to every child and truly encourage their interests, help them conquer fears and establish a strong sense of self. As a parent, there's nothing more comforting than knowing your child is being well cared for while away from home, and CEL does just that. We are big fans!

Been part of the CEL family for over 5 years. BOTH my kids are there and I have no doubt their kids will be there. Place is world class run by dedicated camp professionals who take pride in their responsibilities. CEL is a warm and loving place where all campers are accepted and loved for who they are. One of the best decisions my wife and I have made as parents. My kids count down the days to head back.

I am a camper here going onto 4n4 next summer and have stayed here since my first year. This place is great! I have so many memories and treasures made that can t be forgotten. I have made friends for life here and this has changed my life for the better.

My children (9 and 12) have attended CEL for the last 3 summers. My daughter for all 3 years and my son for this past summer. I cannot say enough wonderful things about their experience at Camp Echo Lake. At camp, there is such positive spirit that can be seen and felt all over the camp. My children have met some of their closest friends in this amazing environment. They are constantly asking about camp, their friends, and the staff. Through their experience at CEL, they have matured in the best ways possible. When and if there is any concerns during the summer, the staff (especially Laurie Rinke and Tony Stein) are there to provide the children with extra support or simply a hug. We love Camp Echo Lake!!

Wonderful camp-- talented staff-- committed to providing children with the best experiences possible!

Having been both a camper and the parent of 2 boys going there now, I unequivocally can say that CEL is first rate and the best at what they do. It is an incredible place for children to spend their summers, with dedicated staff and directors. Tony, Laurie and Brenda simply are the best in the business and ensure your children's safety as well as tirelessly work to provide an all around outstanding program for human development. Their program has done wonders for my children by teaching them to be more confident through developing social skills and their willingness to participate in activities in which they might not otherwise been exposed. Camp is talked about all year round and the smiles on their faces show just how much of a positive experience CEL provides. I don't think any camp does it better.

I was fortunate enough to spend 14 summers at Camp Echo Lake. I was a camper for many years and then worked on staff and ended up being a Group Leader for the oldest girls. Camp Echo Lake is a loving, nurturing summer camp that provides fun filled days and creative nights. Every child feels special at CEL and that is the beauty of this place. I can honestly say there is a special feeling walking the grounds, feeling the spirit and the love. I am so lucky that my 3 children went to CEL and I currently have one still there. Camp Echo Lake is an absolute gift and is run so brilliantly by the Stein family, Laurie Rinke, Brenda Levine and so many others. Thank you Camp Echo Lake for all the friends that you gave me, the memories that were created, the safety for my children and the love of green and gold xx

My daughter has been a camper at CEL for the past 6 summers, and it is truly her happiest place on earth. She has grown from a shy and somewhat fearful little girl to a bold, confident camper who tackles everything CEL has to offer. This is absolutely because of the safety she feels to make mistakes, fall down and get herself back up. She has made incredibly close friendships and truly counts down the days until she can return to her summer home. As parents, we are amazingly impressed with the management and individualized attention afforded to every camper. Trusting your kids to someone else for 7 weeks seems daunting, but Tony, Laurie, Amy and the rest of the staff make it easy. It is the tightest run ship and the happiest place on earth. We will always be grateful to Camp Echo Lake.

We're all doomed If Tony makes Laurie the head director :(

This place is totally magical. So many activities here - sports, lake bouncy castles, canoeing, kayaking, swimming pools, climbing, hiking, obstacle courses...too many to mention. The place is recently remodeled and the cafeteria food is delicious. Really hope to bring my kiddo here when hes old enough.

Camp Echo Lake is truly the best camp in the world with the most amazing, warm, professional, loving, nurturing directors/owners at the helm. Tony and Laurie are the best of the best. I was fortunate enough to spend 10 years here as a camper and counselor growing up myself, and will send my own children next summer. Camp Echo Lake brings out the best in every individual and nurtures the human development of every individual. It is the best gift in the world to send your children to Camp Echo Lake for the best 2 months of each year. Thanks for all that you do to make it an amazing experience for everyone!!!

We have been a part of the CEL family since 2007, when our eldest son became a new camper. We have since sent our other two children (another son and a daughter) to CEL and we could not be more pleased. When we were first looking for a summer home for our eldest, a sports-loving boy, we recall how he wanted to attend an all-boys sports camp. However, we knew that we wanted him to have a more well-rounded experience, and were especially concerned about summer camp "unwinding" all the hard work we had done to instill good values in our son. We felt that Camp Echo Lake was the place for us, and every year we are so grateful that we made the decision to be a part of the CEL community. CEL is so much more than just a camp - it is a special place where children not only get to have a ton of fun and learn new skills, but also have the opportunity to gain independence, encouraged to try new things, and learn how to interact and negotiate social situations face-to-face with people - all with the help of staff that are committed to making sure each child has a meaningful summer. We knew we had made the right decision for our son when we received our very first phone call home. When we heard, "Guess what? I'm Captain Hook in the play, Peter Pan!" - from a boy who only wanted to play sports 24/7 - we could not have been more proud and pleased. We look at our that boy today, who spent 7 summers at CEL, and we truly believe that so much of who he has become - a young man who is independent and self-confident and comfortable in about any situation - is because of his summer experiences at CEL. We are so grateful to be a part of this wonderful family!

Camp Echo Lake is the most incredible gift we have given to our children. The owners, directors and all staff members have beyond impressed us year after year with their warmth and professionalism. Each summer we see such incredible growth, maturity and confidence in our children after their time at camp. Besides all of the amazing activities camp offers my children, the emphasis that the owners and directors instill upon the campers, as well as all staff members, to treat each other with respect and kindness, always teaching those to include and not exclude, always giving the children a place to feel safe emotionally, is unreal. We entrust our children to Tony Stein and Laurie Rinke for 7 weeks every summer, only wishing camp could be even longer after we see our children are so incredibly sad to leave. Ten months is too long to wait for the next amazing summer to be had.

CEL is without a doubt the best place not only for children to experience but for staff as well! I spent 10 summers here as a staff member. Each summer experience there changed who I am for the better. As a former head staff member I got to see the behind the scenes preparations and dedication to making each summer a little better than the next. Tony and the leadership staff there never settle for anything less than the best experience for children and staff. Even the off season is spent touching on every small detail. Very few staff struggle and they do a great job at giving every opportunity for young adults to succeed and learn what working hard for the better of others is all about. I would highly recommend CEL to parents, children, and prospective staff members :)

I worked at camp echo lake summer 16. Known as Cornbread, I had great memories there. Meeting new people around the world, teaching kids about life and also learning from them. Everyday I think about what my campers up to or how they doing in school. Some of them still contact me and ask me for advice. Camp echo lake showed me a different world. No matter what background we are. We are all one big happy family. But unfortunately I wasn't invited back this summer. But I miss my Camp echo lake families.

Great place, warm and receptive crew, beautiful views. Not much else to ask for.

I cannot put into words what Camp Echo Lake has given me. I was not lucky enough to go to this camp as a child, but I so wish that when I have my own family that I am able to send my children here. As an adult, Camp Echo Lake showed me what it was to truly be happy and to be surrounded by some of the best people in the world. This camp is the epitome of "you get out what you put in". It is a place where you can be yourself and be celebrated for who you are. I am simply overwhelmed with all the great things I can say about this place, I just do not know where to start. All I can say is go to Camp Echo Lake. Take a tour, talk to someone who works there, you will understand what I am trying to convey. It is my happy place.

Second home is how our daughters refer to Camp Echo Lake, the staff, the directors and their friends. We will be sending them to CEL for a combined total of 10 years. The directors, Tony and Laurie, watch over the campers as their own family. Their doors are always open to both campers and parents. They encourage the campers to try everything and to expand their horizons. They campers can be who they want to be in a safe, protected, spirited, warm and fuzzy environment. As parents, we know our daughters truly live 10 for 2 and count the days until they return to their summer home.

I have been at CEL for the past 6 years. it is the greatest place on earth. very welcoming