Echo Grove Camp and Retreat Center Turns 100 Years Old
Two former campers, Marcarius Coakley and Jamiah Lynn (center) will head to the College for Officer Training this year.
Hundreds gathered to Echo Grove Camp and Retreat Center to celebrate the camp’s 100th Anniversary on September 19th. From seniors who cherish memories from decades past to children experiencing camp for the first time, everyone celebrated camp on a Sunday afternoon filled with pontoon rides, archery, s’mores, an animal magic show, and more.
The event featured a farewell prayer for former campers become camp staff Marcarius Coakley and Jamiah Lynn as they prepare to head off for training to become Salvation Army officers.
Young and old alike enjoy a pontoon ride on Lakeville Lake.
Echo Grove has been described as beautiful, enchanting, and a chance to immerse yourself in nature. Even more important is the miraculous way that camp has changed people’s lives in a multitude of ways.
From Ruth Rowland: “I made friends for life through camp, and I gave my life to Christ here, too. I remember kneeling at the altar with my camp counselor. After that, I was on music staff here for 40 years – and I only stopped when my own children went on staff!”
From Andy McDougall: “Camp is why I’m a teacher today. Once I saw how being a counselor impacted kids, I realized just how important it is for them to have good role models.”
From Joel Smith: “I’m a Christian because of Echo Grove. I wanted other kids to have the experience that I did, so I worked as a counselor here once I was able to.”
True to its century-long legacy, Echo Grove continues to offer a wide range of services and activities. Among them are summer camps, day camps, team building, men’s and women’s retreats, fishing and boating, and much more. A caring, well-trained staff provide programming to thousands of children and adults annually who feel safe as they experience God’s beauty. We are blessed in the Eastern Michigan Division to have one of the finest Salvation Army camps right in our back yard.
