Berkeley Echo Lake Camp Summer 2015 End of Season Report

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1 Berkeley Echo Lake Camp Summer 2015 End of Season Report October 21, 2015 Introduction We had a wonderful summer at Echo Lake Camp! This program summary is intended to offer a glimpse into the programs, events, and activities offered at Echo Lake Camp this summer, the populations served, and provide an update on important capital and facility projects and improvements. Echo Lake Camp has experienced several notable changes in the past two years, in part due to the loss of Berkeley Tuolumne Camp in August This loss required the Parks Recreation and Waterfront Department to evaluate Echo Lake Camp both programmatically and financially. In summer 2014, extensive program changes were offered and provided by a new staff that had limited or no experience working at the Echo Lake Camp facility. A 90%+ staff turnover rate occurred from 2013 to 2014, and brand new on-site leadership was introduced, including a new camp manager and all new staff supervisors. The program calendar was modified to accommodate displaced Tuolumne Family campers, offering five weeks of Family Camp programs, and a revised Youth Camp program with three sessions (instead of six) was introduced. Summer 2015 saw a similar program model that expanded upon those changes and continued to increase program efficiencies and quality and improve aspects of the camp programs and facility. 1 P a g e

2 The changes over the past two years have been an important part of the overall Camps Fund goal to ensure Echo Lake Camp remains a healthy component of the Recreation Division, and that campers may enjoy the facility for years to come. There are three areas of improvement that will be covered in this report: o Facility Improvements o Programs and Program Attendance o Staff and Community Engagement Facility Improvements We have continued several important projects started in 2014, including wrapping up work on the Dining Hall and Recreation Lodge Deck structural remediation projects. This work was required following severe snow loading in 2011, and included reinforcing the Lodge Deck, and replacing key components of the Dining Hall roof. In addition, new Winter Walls were installed in the Dining Hall to reinforce the structure over the winter months. New Bottom Chords of Trusses and Winter Walls Photo: Fall 2014 Construction 2 P a g e

3 New Board and Batten Siding and Paint on the Dining Hall. Photo winter 2014 New Steel structural support beams and cables underneath the Recreation Lodge deck. In addition to these important projects, we are currently working on the following facility improvements: 3 P a g e

4 The installation of a new Make-Up Air unit in our commercial kitchen is underway. This work is being completed in conjunction with the installation of two new gas convection ovens and associated hoods and fire suppression systems. This project will greatly improve food service operations and comply with important health and safety codes. Construction is underway on the new Make-Up Air System. Shown: New Gas Convection Ovens Ready for Installation. Our Surface Water Treatment facility is now operational and has been officially permitted by El Dorado County. This is a critical improvement over the previous water system. During summer 2015, more than 40 water truck deliveries were required to meet the demand of the camp operation. This new system should eliminate the need for future water deliveries, reducing operating expenses and our environmental impact. Components of our new Surface Water Treatment facility. The system has been permitted and is now operational. 4 P a g e

5 The Camp Septic System requires several improvements, including new lift station pump and alarm systems and an evaluation of the South Bath House septic connections. Consultation and design work should be completed by spring that will help us evaluate current conditions and install adequate systems. Based on survey results and suggestions received at camp, Campers have stated that the restroom facilities at Echo Lake Camp were a poor part of their experience. This fall, we began renovating the Ridge Restrooms, including the installation of new board and batten siding, new sinks and mirrors, a new door, the installation of a hot water heater, and associated trim and detail work. We will continue to make improvements to restroom facilities throughout camp to ensure our guests have a more pleasing experience. Left: weathered siding and trim on Women s Ridge Restroom Facility. Right: Fall 2015 interior and exterior renovations completed. New board & batten siding, doors, windows, and interior fixtures. Other notable facility projects include: Obtained necessary approvals for Swimming Pool, which was fully operational Summer Two new Bear Food Storage Lockers Installed. Extensive Clean-Up of facility, including removal of three 20yd. dumpsters worth of debris. New directional signs throughout camp. Removal of 15 hazard trees. Pruning and trimming of Alders through main path areas. 5 P a g e

6 Placement of more than 10yds of wood chips in high traffic areas. Improvements to camp stage, new costume closet installed. Painted observation deck, Recreation Lodge Deck, Office porch, several cabins. A new high capacity coffee maker was installed this season. A new ceramics area and kiln are scheduled for installation, spring 2016 Cabin #35 construction, spring Plans permitted and approved. Replacement Tent Tarps spring 2016 Replace worn mattresses, spring 2016 Summer 2015 Echo Lake Camp Programs and Program Attendance Echo Lake Camp provided several unique types of programming in summer 2015, serving a total of 2,100 campers. Work Weekend Fish Camp Family Camp Private Group Rentals o Runner s Workshop o BLUES Weekend Youth Residential Camp o Three Sessions Counselor In Training (CIT) Program City of Berkeley Weekends o Teen Weekend o Pre-K Weekend 50+ Camp o Two Sessions Labor Day Weekend Program Review Overall, each of our programs were very successful and well received. There were several factors that contributed to the success, including a positive, enthusiastic summer staff and excellent support from Denise Brown (Recreation and Youth Services Manager), and the City of Berkeley Parks Recreation and Waterfront Department. Summer 2015 saw the return of Work Weekend, which was attended by 28 campers and is an important way for campers to build investment in the facility and the space. We saw the addition of a new Fish Camp program, which offers a laid back, more self-directed camp experience, a new BLUES weekend, where a professional blues band (the Tamsen Donner Blues Band) offers nightly entertainment and jam sessions, and a well attended Friends of Berkeley Tuolumne Camp (FOBTC) Labor Day Weekend. 6 P a g e

7 We added a new Artist-In-Residence program to our Family Camp Sessions, which improved our offering of adult arts and crafts. In addition, we extended our Counselor In Training (CIT) program to our Family Camp program sessions, and tried a new Guest Chef pilot program. Our first guest chef was Bake Sale Betty, who guided our food service staff through the creation of two unique dinners during her stay. This program was very well received. Also occurring during our family camp program, notable guest speaker Dierdre Wolownick presented a slideshow on her experiences climbing in the Sierra Nevada and around the world with her son, Alex Honnold. Alex is a world-renowned professional rock climber who visited Echo Lake Camp in April 2015 for a Discovery Channel film shoot. Like Summer 2014, we had many first time campers at Echo Lake Camp this summer. Campers were very excited to experience all Echo Lake Camp had to offer. Popular activities included archery, canoeing, hiking into Desolation Wilderness, and our adult social hours on the observation deck. During our 50+ Camp and FOBTC Labor Day Weekend, Echo Lake Chalet offered private boat tours of Echo Lake for our campers. Labor Day Weekend saw a group of more than 40 campers touring the lake together, which was a memorable event. Program Attendance Program changes have increased overall camp attendance significantly. o Many Family Camp nights, all three Youth Camp Sessions, both 50+ Camp sessions, and our Labor Day Weekend Program reached 100% capacity. Echo Lake Camp Attendance Percent Change Summer Summer % Summer , % Summer ,100 +7% (122% increase from 2012) The chart below shows our actual program attendance during the Summer 2015 program season. Several of our programs filled to capacity, however, our first two weeks of Family Camp showed low attendance. We believe this is predominantly explained by a poor start-up experience in Summer 2014, including major water issues and poor weather. Campers were hesitant to return due to those problems. Several changes were made to the CIT program, including an increase in the minimum age of participation, and the addition of a dedicated CIT Coordinator*. *The CIT age limit was increased from year olds, to year olds. This change is designed to provide a program opportunity for campers who are too young to be on staff, but were too old to be CIT s. In addition, the Youth Camp age limit was increased from 13, to 14 years of age. A total of 28 campers age 14+ enrolled in youth camp sessions during summer Low CIT enrollment can be explained in 7 P a g e

8 part due to this change in age requirements shifting participation to the Youth Camp program. We anticipate an increase in CIT participation as these campers catch up with the age requirement. Berkeley Echo Lake Camp Summer 2015 Attendance By Program Program Youth Adult Total Campers Work Weekend Youth Camp Counselor In Training* Teen Weekend Pre-K Weekend Family Camp (includes Fish Camp and Labor Day Weekend) 50+ Camp Runner's Workshop Blues Weekend Totals 912 1,188 2,094 8 P a g e

9 Staff And Community Engagement For Summer 2015, Echo Lake Camp was managed administratively by Denise Brown, Youth and Recreation Services Manager for the City of Berkeley. Craig Veramay, Recreation Program Supervisor, was the on-site manager and handled day-to-day operations. The city employed a total of 38 seasonal camp staff, 29 of whom lived on-site throughout the summer. The staff community remained very positive throughout the summer. This was in part due to a solid returning staff, and better facility understanding over Summer BELC 2015 Staff at end of season West Shore Café celebration Some notable Summer 2015 accomplishments include: A positive, healthy relationship has been maintained with the US Forest Service, El Dorado County, and other agencies. A healthy relationship with neighbors and surrounding establishments, including the Echo Lake Chalet. During summer 2015, 96% of our staff had previous work experience with the City of Berkeley Camps (Echo Lake or Tuolumne Camps). 74% had worked at Echo Lake Camp the previous year, and many had worked at BTC in Reinforced or re-established several important Echo Lake Camp traditions, including the Pinecone ceremony, daily youth camp cabin inspections, dining hall songs and chants, and several important staff celebrations - Dinner-In-The Lodge, and the end of season West Shore Café celebration. 9 P a g e

10 Reinforced strong connections with nature through the Echo Lake Pioneer program, artistin-residence programs, and guest speakers. Offered several special public workshop sessions and meetings regarding the Tuolumne Camp rebuild process. Several special events have offered opportunities for City of Berkeley Camp attendees and Camp Staff to stay in touch during the off-season, including: o A December 2014 special staff show hosted by FOBTC and attended by ~200 campers. o An April, 2015 Tuolumne Camp update hosted by FOBTC at Berkeley s Freight & Salvage attended by more than 200 campers. o An October 11, 2015 Campfire Night at Codonices Park attended by more than 60 campers. o A scheduled December 21, 2015 Staff Show hosted by FOBTC at El Cerrito High School Auditorium. Summer 2016 Program Planning In summer 2016, the City of Berkeley hopes to accomplish the following goals: Maintain positive, healthy relationships with the USFS, BELCA, El Dorado County, and Echo Lake neighbors. Offer valuable recreation opportunities for City of Berkeley residents and non-residents, providing opportunities for diverse audiences to appreciate outdoor recreation environments. Maintain a focal point on youth and family programming. Continue to address the changing landscape in the Camps Fund after the loss of Tuolumne Camp. Continue important camp traditions and communities. o Continue to build enthusiasm and investment in the Echo Lake Camp community. o Maintenance of displaced Tuolumne Camp community. 10 P a g e

11 Maintenance and Facility improvements to Echo Lake Camp Looking Ahead Our summer 2016 program calendar has been finalized: Family Camp All Ages Registration Dates: Berkeley Resident priority registration begins Monday, November 9, Non-Berkeley resident registration begins Monday, November 16, Summer 2016 Program Dates: Saturday, June 18 (Lunch) Sunday, July 17 (Breakfast) Friday, July 22 (Dinner) Sunday, July 31 (Lunch) Youth Camp Age 7-14 Registration Dates: Registration will begin Monday, January 11, 2016, and will be available on a first-come first-served basis online. Echo Lake Youth Camp is open to residents and non-residents alike. Ages: 7-14 Summer 2016 Program Dates: Session #1 Youth Camp: August 1-5 Session #2 Youth Camp: August 8-12 Session #3: Youth Camp: August Counselor-In-Training (C.I.T.) Age Registration will begin Monday, January 11, 2016, and will be available online on a first-come first-served basis. Echo Lake Camp CIT Programs are open to both residents and non-residents. Dates: Session #1 Family: June Session #2 Family: June 25 - July 2 Session #3 Family: July 2 9 Session #4 Family: July 9-16 Session #5 Family: July Session #6 Youth: August 1-5 Session #7 Youth: August 8-12 Session #8 Youth: August Fish Camp All Ages Registration Dates: Berkeley Resident priority registration begins Monday, November 9, Non-Berkeley resident registration begins Monday, November 16, Dates: Thursday, June 16 (Lunch) Saturday, June 18 (Breakfast) Monday, August 29 (Lunch) Tuesday, September 6 (Breakfast) Work Weekend Age 13+ Applications accepted on Monday, November 9, Dates: Friday, June 10 (Lunch) Sunday, June 13 (Lunch) 50+ Camp Age 50+ Registration begins Monday, December 14, 2015 for Berkeley residents and non-residents. Dates: Weekend Program: August 19 (Lunch)-August 22 (Breakfast) 4-Day Program: August 22 (Lunch) August 26 (Breakfast) Artist-In-Residence (AIR) and Guest Chef Programs Ages: 18+ Applications accepted on Monday, October 26, 2015 Berkeley Echo Lake Camp Association (BELCA) For the summer of 2015, the City gratefully accepted assistance from the Berkeley Echo Lake Camp Association for providing scholarships for the Teen Weekend, and scholarships for Youth Campers. BELCA also assisted in providing a donation which covered some costs for the Pre-K Camping Trip, allowing families with young children and limited resources to enjoy the return of this valuable program. The City and Echo Lake Camp appreciate the continued generosity of such funding and look forward to helping more underprivileged youth enjoy the special experience of camp. 11 P a g e

12 Friends of Berkeley Tuolumne Camp (FOBTC) The City gratefully accepted assistance from FOBTC supporting the program and operations of the Family Camp and Labor Day programs, including financial assistance that supported the purchase of materials and supplies for camp, and the end of season West Shore Café staff celebration. We appreciate the generosity of FOBTC as they helped make our Family Camp program a success in its second year. Conclusion Echo Lake Camp has had a successful program year. The return of seasoned camp staff, addition of new programs and activities, and improved youth camp program have all been supported by major facility improvements over the past year. Looking ahead to summer 2016, our focus on youth and family programming will remain strong. The loss of Tuolumne Camp revenue continues to present unique challenges to the Camps Fund, and Echo Lake Camp will need to remain nimble in coming years to adapt to this changing landscape. We will continue to seek ways to cut costs and increase revenue. Berkeley Echo Lake Camp is continuing to improve in its facility, programs, staff, and hospitality. The increase in organization and expansion of program offerings in 2015 will be our model for moving into the summer of The continued advancement of camp will be evidenced by physical improvement, further enrichment of staff and camp culture, the development of current and new relationships, and a strong commitment to provide the best possible service to all of our campers. We look forward to many future seasons of success, following in the footsteps of Echo Lake Camp s strong 93 year tradition of offering incredible outdoor recreation in a beautiful, alpine setting. 12 P a g e