Echo Hill takes great pride in its waterfront. A wide variety of aquatic activity is enjoyed where our sandy beach slopes gradually into the Chesapeake Bay. Our waterfront activities include Waterskiing, Wakeboarding, Kneeboarding, Sailing, Tubing, Crabbing, Fishing, Ocean Kayaks, Swimming, Water Basketball, Bellyboarding, Boat Rides, Swamp Mucks and Beach Hikes. The waterfront and all of its activities are run safely under the constant supervision of our Waterfront Directors, Water Safety Instructors, USCG licensed motor boat captains and/or Maryland Safe Boaters License, USA Waterski Members and US Sailing Instructors.
|
Sailing
Our sailing program is a large draw for many campers with or without prior experience on any boats. Campers can expand pre-existing knowledge or get on a boat for the first time and learn how to sail from our experienced staff, many of whom have hundreds of hours of experience on our boats. Campers have a daily choice of sailing on any of the thirteen boats in our sailing fleet, which include Flying Scots, a Catalina 22, Hobie Cats, Lasers, and Sunfish. A staff member accompanies campers on all boats, with the exception of the Sunfish and Lasers where campers who have achieved the rank of “advanced sailor” may take a boat out with another camper under the supervision of two staff members on a patrol boat. Sailing ranks are available to campers who wish to further their knowledge, these ranks range from “crew” to “skipper,” which is the highest rank Echo Hill offers where a camper can learn the intricate details of sailing our fleet. The Chesapeake Bay offers an ideal environment for sailing with consistent wind frequently ranging from seven to twenty knots, and open water between Meeks Point and Howell Point, where we operate our boats. |
|
Water Skiing
Water Skiing is one of the most popular activities here at Echo Hill. A unique experience and often-inaccessible sport outside of camp, the majority of our campers learn how to water ski at camp and many become extremely proficient here. Our Ski Directors are members of the USA Waterski Organization and hold their teaching certificate from this nationally recognized organization. Skiing staff members are extensively trained as well as receive specialized lifeguard training for supervising water skiers. Skiing staff members are usually former campers who themselves learned to ski at camp and pass on a wealth of knowledge to the children they instruct. Similar to the sailing program, our Skiing department offers ranks to campers who want to pursue more advance techniques.
Water Skiing is one of the most popular activities here at Echo Hill. A unique experience and often-inaccessible sport outside of camp, the majority of our campers learn how to water ski at camp and many become extremely proficient here. Our Ski Directors are members of the USA Waterski Organization and hold their teaching certificate from this nationally recognized organization. Skiing staff members are extensively trained as well as receive specialized lifeguard training for supervising water skiers. Skiing staff members are usually former campers who themselves learned to ski at camp and pass on a wealth of knowledge to the children they instruct. Similar to the sailing program, our Skiing department offers ranks to campers who want to pursue more advance techniques.
|
Campers generally start as “beginner” skiers and use two skis. As they accumulate more experience they can progress to using one ski or our “trick” skis. To attain our highest rank of “slalom master,” we require our campers to complete 22 consecutive perfect slalom turns. Children also have the option of wakeboarding and kneeboarding if they prefer that to skiing, and can learn tricks such as jumping the wake as they become more comfortable. Still Pond Creek is only a short boat ride from our waterfront. Even when the Bay is rough, skiing conditions are superb in Still Pond for all levels of skiers! Skiers, wakeboarders and kneeboarders are all pulled behind our McKee Craft ski boats.
|
|
|
Crabbing
Echo Hill is one of the few summer camps in the nation to hold a commercial crabbing/fishing license. Our Crabbing Director is very knowledgeable in commercial fishing. Our trusty workboat, The Athena, sets out with campers to pull up Echo Hill's daily catch. The experience itself is a once in a lifetime opportunity, not only to learn about one of Maryland's staple foods but also a chance to learn about the Chesapeake Bay. On a good day, we'll pull the Old Bay out and steam up our catch for lunch or dinner. |
|
Fishing
Along with crabbing we also support both freshwater and tidal fishing utilizing our great location on the bay for Rockfish (Striped Bass) and Catfish, as well as a few private ponds stocked with Bass and Sunfish. Feel free to bring a rod and some tackle, however, we have all the supplies you’ll need no matter your past fishing experience. |
|
American Red Cross Courses
Lifeguard Training & CPR - Our American Red Cross Lifeguarding course (LGT) teaches campers the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. During the first and second 4 week sessions our American Red Cross certified Lifeguarding Instructors offer 2 courses each summer to eligible campers. It provides a great opportunity for your camper to learn valuable life skills. Passing campers will receive American Red Cross certificates with LGT, CPR/AED & First Aid training.
Lifeguard Training & CPR - Our American Red Cross Lifeguarding course (LGT) teaches campers the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. During the first and second 4 week sessions our American Red Cross certified Lifeguarding Instructors offer 2 courses each summer to eligible campers. It provides a great opportunity for your camper to learn valuable life skills. Passing campers will receive American Red Cross certificates with LGT, CPR/AED & First Aid training.