Berkeley Echo Lake Camp  

• To register for Echo Lake Youth Camp, visit our online registration page for session information, registration dates and fees, and instructions on how to setup a user account. 
• To register for Echo Lake Family Camp programs, please see the information and links below or visit the Family Camp at Echo Lake page.  Registration for this program opens Monday, January 13, 2020 at 9am.
• Echo Lake Camp offers a wide variety of other programs each summer, including adult camp sessions, private group rentals, volunteer work weekends, and off season High Sierra camp experiences. Scroll down for information about all of these programs. 
• Echo Lake Camp program registrations are processed at the City of Berkeley's Main Recreation Administration Office: 

The City of Berkeley Echo Lake Camp has been operated under a Special Use Permit with the U.S. Forest Service since 1922.  Echo Lake Camp is steeped in tradition and has a unique history. Legendary environmentalist, David Brower, was introduced to the Sierra Club at Echo Lake Camp as a young clerk, and Edmund Hillary dined at Echo Lake Camp the summer after the first ascent of Mt. Everest. Generations have marveled at the 40-mile vistas, the dark night sky dome and the sunrise above the mountains to the east. 

Echo Lake is only a fifteen minute walk from camp. Offering a several mile expanse of cool mountain water, swimming, fishing, and canoeing, Echo Lake is a favorite destination for campers. It is also the gateway to the immense Desolation Wilderness Area offering miles of hiking among the numerous alpine lakes, streams, peaks and meadows. The famous Pacific Crest Trail runs through the camp on its 2700 mile route from Mexico to Canada. The site is actually located directly on the Pacific Crest of the High Sierra meaning that a cup of water spilled on the eastern side of Cabin 26 runs to the deserts of the Great Basin while a cup spilled on the west side runs past Berkeley to the Pacific!  The camp itself offers, a heated pool, basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, disc-golf, archery, an observation deck, campfires and music programs. Arts and crafts are available in the recreation lodge, which has fantastic views.  At 7,400’ elevation, mild days and cool nights are punctuated by the occasional afternoon thundershower that clears in time to provide spectacular sunsets and alpenglow over the peaks to the west. Hot showers and bathrooms are located throughout the site as are picnic tables and seating. 

Although the camp is distinctly wilderness in nature and tradition, all modern conveniences are available just 15 minutes away in world-famous South Lake Tahoe.   

Echo Lake Camp Summer 2020 Program Information
Program Name	Program Dates	Registration Forms	Additional Information
Echo Lake High Sierra Camp	June 18-20, Sept. 8-11, and Sept. 14-18	Coming Soon	Want to experience a relaxed, quieter camp experience before or after the camp busy season?  Join us for our reduced fee High Sierra Pre-Season and Post Season Camp sessions, in mid-June and mid-September.  The June session takes place during our opening and staff training week, and the September session takes place at the end of our season.  These are great opportunities to enjoy camp with fewer campers, in a self-guided environment of exploration. Additional information, including registration forms, coming soon.
Echo Lake Family Camp (All ages)	2020 Availability Calendar	Family Camp Registration Form	Berkeley Resident Registration opens Monday, January 13, 2020 at 9:00 am. Non-resident registration opens Friday, January 17, 2020 at 9:00 am.  2020 Family Camp Welcome Packet and Info Guide      Family Camp Registration Change Request Form Family Camp Fee Calculation Chart
Youth Camp (Ages 7-14) Registration opens January 15, 2020!	Session #1: Jul 20-26 Session #2: Jul 27-Aug 2 Session #3: Aug 3-7 Session #4: Aug 10-14 Session #5: Aug 17-21	Online Registration   2020 Registration Form	Registration Opens Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 9:00am PST! Youth Camp Parent Information and Resource Guide Youth & CIT Health History Form  FULL Scholarships Available!     Scholarship Application
Counselor-In-Training (Grades 10-12) Registration Opens Wednesday, January 15, 2020!	Two sessions during Family Camp, and five sessions during Youth Camp!  TRANSPORTATION IS PROVIDED FOR YOUTH CAMP SESSIONS ONLY	Online Registration  CIT Registration Form	Registration Opens Wednesday, January 15, 2020! Youth Camp Parent Information and Resource Guide  CIT Supplemental Questionnaire Youth & CIT Health History Form  FULL Scholarships Available!         Scholarship Application
50 and Better Camp	Session #1: Aug 24 (Dinner) - Aug 28 (Lunch) Session #2: Aug 28 (Dinner) - Aug 31 (Breakfast)	50 and Better Camp Registration Form	Registration Opens to residents and non-residents on Monday, February 10, 2020  50 and Better Camp Resource & Info Guide 50 and Better Camp Flyer
NEW! Club Echo - A getaway for adults Age 21+	August 31-Sep 4	Coming Soon	Registration Opens Monday, February 10, 2020. Additional Information Coming Soon!  New this year, Adults ages 21+ will have the opportunity to unplug and enjoy a retreat at Club Echo – an all-inclusive program designed specifically to let adults unplug, relax, and enjoy Camp without kids!  We want to make sure that no adult is left inside this summer – come out and play! More information on this new program is coming soon!
Work Weekend (Ages 13+ w/Adult Supervision)	June 12-14 and September 18-20	Work Weekend Registration Form	Work Weekend Flyer
Artist-In-Residence & Guest Chef Programs	Multiple Sessions: June 20-Aug 17	Now Accepting Applications for Summer 2020	AIR Application Packet
Employment Information	Now Accepting Summer 2020 Staff Applications!	Echo Lake Job Announcements Page	Employment Application
FOBTC Labor Day Weekend	September 4-7, 2020	Registration Form	Join the Friends of Berkeley Tuolumne Camp  for Labor Day Weekend at beautiful Echo Lake Camp.  More information, including registration forms, fees, and a schedule of activities will be coming soon.
Tuolumnecho Blues Weekend	September 12 - 14, 2020	Coming Soon	'Tuolumnecho' Blues Weekend is an affordable and fun way to enjoy beautiful Berkeley Echo Lake Camp for couples, friends, and families. Come up to Echo Lake for our 21st Annual Blues Weekend. This weekend features hiking, swimming, happy hours overlooking Lake Tahoe, campfires, a jam session, and the big Saturday night show + dance party featuring the Tamsen Donner Band (www.tamsendonner.com). And all for a very affordable price! Pricing, registration forms, and additional information will be available soon.   For more information and to register, please email Blues Weekend organizer Phil Coffin at philipcoffin@gmail.com.

 

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Scholarships: The City of Berkeley provides a limited number of Camp Scholarships Berkeley Residents.  Eligibility is based upon income, and scholarships are available for all City sponsored Echo Lake Camp programs, including Family Camp, Youth Camp, and C.I.T. programs. To apply for a scholarship, please submit the scholarship application (below) along with the Echo Lake Camp program registration form(s) you are requesting.  Please allow at least five business days for eligibility determination.   

•  Scholarship Application   

Echo Lake Camp Scholarship Information:  

• Youth Camp fees will be reduced by 50% from the standard fee for a limited number of youth, as determined by the Director of Parks Recreation & Waterfront or his/her designee. 
  • Participant is allowed a discount for one session of Echo Lake Youth Camp. Full Fee Waivers may be available.
• Family Camp fees will be reduced by 50% from the standard fee for a limited number of participants, as determined by the Director of Parks, Recreation & Waterfront or his/her designee. 
• Families are allowed a discount for one (weekend or up to a 5-day) session of Echo Lake Camp.  Full Fee Waivers may be available.

 

Echo Lake Camp General Registration Information: 

Refund Policy:   
All refund, change, and cancellation requests must be made in writing and sent to the City Of Berkeley Recreation Office, 2701 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705. 

All requests for refund must be directed to the Recreation & Youth Services Manager. The original receipt must be submitted with a written request for refund. The request must state the reason for refund, date, time, and location of program. 

Refunds: All refund requests are subject to a 25% administrative fee, not to exceed $150.00. Requests made less than 30 days prior to scheduled arrival are not eligible for a refund. 

Changing Reservations: Changes resulting in a reduction of the reservation are subject to a $100 administrative service fee. No charges will be incurred for registration additions or extensions to your stay. Requests to reduce your stay or change your camp dates must be made at least 30 days prior to arrival date. Change requests made less than 30 days prior to arrival date are not eligible for a refund. Additions may be made less than 30 days in advance as space allows. Only the Head of Household may request a reservation change. 

Cancellations: Cancellations are subject to a 25% administrative fee, not to exceed $150.00. Cancellation requests made less than 30 days prior to scheduled arrival are not eligible for refund. Cancellation requests due to medical emergency or illness must be submitted in writing, accompanied by a doctor’s note, and received no later than 30 days following the scheduled date of attendance. 

Late Fee: Reservations with unpaid balances at close of business day on May 1 are subject to a $75.00 late fee.        

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City of Berkeley Recreation Division
Camps Unit
2701 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705
TEL: (510) 981-5140, TDD: (510) 981-6903, FAX: (510) 981-5160
Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm
Email: camps@cityofberkeley.info   
See Holiday and Reduced Service Day Schedule