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Camp Echo will open its early registration lottery for the 2026 season from December 2 to December 9 at noon. The lottery allows both new and returning campers to apply for Youth and Family Camp programs without the pressure of first-come, first-served registration.
The process is designed so that all applicants have an equal opportunity. "The Early Registration Lottery gives all campers—new and returning—an equal chance to apply for Youth and Family Camp programs without the stress of first-come, first-served. Submit your applications anytime during the 8-day window!" according to information provided by Camp Echo.
To prepare for registration, families are encouraged to review program details and pricing on the camp’s website. Tips provided by organizers include ranking up to six youth camp programs or three family camp sessions in order of preference, specifying whether a camper should be enrolled in one or two programs, and noting any sibling alignments or special requests using the application’s “Other Considerations” field. However, a preference for specific dates does not count as a special consideration.
For teen program and adventure trip applicants, it is recommended to rank multiple sessions or prioritize either session timing or program type depending on what is most important for the applicant. Applicants may not enroll in two trips or two leadership sessions during early registration but can enroll in one of each if space allows.
After the lottery closes, staff sort applications into three priority groups: returning 2025 campers with their younger siblings; current McGaw YMCA members; and all other applicants. Within these groups, applications are randomly ordered and assigned based on availability of preferred programs. If a camper's top choice is full, staff will move down their ranked list.
For those who miss the lottery period, open enrollment will begin January 6 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Further details about registration can be found on the Camp Echo website.
