Echo Grove

Tucked along the northwest edge of Lakeville Lake, Echo Grove Camp and Retreat Center has quietly served generations of campers, church groups, and community organizations for more than a century. Operated by The Salvation Army, the camp blends faith, recreation, and service in a setting that many local residents are surprised to discover has been there all along. “We’ve been here for 104 years,” said Matthew Coakley, referencing the camp’s founding in 1921.

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That long history is rooted in a broader mission. The Salvation Army itself began in 1865 in London, founded by William Booth, a Methodist pastor with a passion for serving society’s most vulnerable. Today, the organization operates in more than 130 countries, combining social services with Christian ministry. At Echo Grove, that mission comes to life each summer. “Obviously our mission’s faith-based. We’re a Christian organization,” Coakley explained. “We’re trying to give kids an experience here that’s a little bit more than they would get at a typical summer camp.”

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The scale of Echo Grove, along with the lake view, sets it apart. The property spans about 200 acres, includes dozens of buildings, and can house approximately 450 guests, with expansion plans underway. “We have about 450 beds,” Coakley noted, “and we’re about to add another 100 or so.”

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During June and July, the camp is dedicated entirely to Salvation Army youth programs, drawing children from roughly 45 churches across Michigan. Campers spend their days swimming, climbing, and zip-lining, while also participating in daily devotions and community-building activities. “They spend a lot of time having fun, they learn about Jesus, and they have an opportunity to connect,” Coakley said. “That’s what we’re hoping – that they stay connected and grow not only physically, but spiritually.”

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Outside of the summer season, the camp transforms into a year-round retreat and event space. Marching bands, youth groups, foster organizations, and even scrapbookers make use of the facilities. “In August alone, we see about 20 groups,” Coakley said. “It’s packed.”

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Awareness is something Echo Grove has historically lacked – by design. “We didn’t have to advertise that much,” he admitted. “There’s only so much good weather real estate on the calendar.”

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The camp’s connection to the local community has grown in recent years. One example is its fifth-grade day camp program, which introduces area students to outdoor education and teamwork. “When I got here, we had two or three schools visit,” Coakley said. “Now we have nearly 15 that come. It allows us to serve our local community and raise awareness at the same time.”

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Despite the busy calendar, the operation remains lean. “Right now, I only have about 10 staff that run this whole camp,” he said. During the summer, that number grows with the addition of seasonal staff – many of whom come from around the world. “We go internationally to find staffers,” Coakley explained. “Last year, we had 27 internationals – from Ireland, England, Mexico, Guatemala, Spain, even Poland.”

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Still, Coakley emphasizes that the camp exists first and foremost to fulfill its mission, not to maximize profit. As a nonprofit, any revenue from rentals goes back into maintaining and improving the property and serving it’s mission. “No camps really make money,” he said. “The whole point is to put it back into what we’re doing.”

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Service extends beyond the campground as well. When extra food is available, Echo Grove tries to donate to local organizations. Coakley said. “That’s the Salvation Army – that’s what we do.”

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For those who do discover Echo Grove, the setting often leaves a lasting impression. With wooded trails, waterfront views, and a sense of purpose woven into daily life, the camp offers something increasingly rare – a place to unplug, connect, and grow.

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Learn More and Get Involved

To explore retreat options, summer programs, or rental availability, visit Echo Grove Camp and Retreat Center at https://echogrove.org. Community members, churches, and organizations can inquire about bookings. Donors and volunteers can find ways to support the camp’s mission of serving youth and families across Michigan.