About Us
Operating a 266 acre ranch camp, with bunkhouses, a fully-equipped dining hall, infirmary, and activities run by professional staff, takes resources. It takes a community of volunteers, donations, and planning.
Since its founding in 1953, Echo Hill has been a safe and happy place for boys and girls to spend their summers. Internationally recognized for its noncompetitive child-centered program, Echo Hill has focused on each youngster’s successful away-from-home experience. Using a range of activities from horseback riding and swimming to the creative arts and athletics, Echo Hill builds self-confidence and improves social skills in children.
ECHO HILL RANCH FOUNDATION
In all of life’s challenges, being around people going through a very similar situation creates a connection that no other circumstance can.
Echo Hill Ranch Foundation will partner with military non-profits already serving Gold Star families. Echo Hill will provide camperships, at no cost, to different military organizations which can then identify the children. Echo Hill is working closely with military advisors to meet the children’s needs.
Building Memories
“Childhood at best,” my father said, “is a fleeting golden moment in the race of time.” My mother and father, or Aunt Min and Uncle Tom as the children often called them, spent sixty years helping to create those moments at Echo Hill Ranch. — Kinky Friedman
Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE DO THE CHILDREN LIVE?
Housing arrangements are western-style bunkhouses – each with its own bathroom containing sinks, showers, and commodes. Each cabin has hot and cold water. Counselors live in cabins with the children.
WHERE DO THE CHILDREN SWIM?
The children will enjoy nearly a mile of Big Foot Wallace Creek, a spring-fed tributary
of the Guadalupe River. The two main swimming areas are crystal clear waters controlled by rock dams. All waterfront activities are overseen by well-trained staff.
IS THERE HORSEBACK RIDING?
Yes – children ride on horses from a carefully selected string appropriate for new riders.
The horseback riding program is managed by professional riding staff to care for the horses properly and ensure the children have the training and equipment to ride safely.
WHERE DO THE CHILDREN EAT?
All meals are prepared on-site by certified and experienced staff. Children eat family
style with their bunkhouse groups. Meals are balanced and healthy while including favorites such as fried chicken, spaghetti, and pizza. Dinner is typically served in an outside picnic area with hot dogs, hamburgers, a veggie option, and ice-cold watermelon.
WHO ARE THE STAFF?
Camping professionals with extensive experience are the program leaders. Each special activity is taught by experts. Staff have experience with Echo Hill Ranch, camping, and counseling. The camp has a fully equipped infirmary with a nurse on staff and a doctor on call.
Marcie Friedman, Director
Marcie Friedman is certified camp director which is the highest professional credential that the American Camping Association bestows. As the director of Echo Hill Ranch she has served on the State Board of the American Camping Association with responsibilities that have included representing the private camps of Texas on key child development issues, education, and safety.
She follows in the footsteps of her parents, Minnie Samet Friedman and Dr. S. Thomas Friedman in receiving this honor. Both “Uncle Tom” and “Aunt Min” held numerous leadership positions in local, state, and the national camping movement. Marcie Friedman holds a master’s of arts degree from the University of California at Berkeley in biology and social behavior, and graduated with honors from Yale University with a bachelor’s in psychology. She earned a master’s from the National Defense University at Fort Bragg in International Security Strategy. She is currently serving as a diplomat/foreign service officer for the U.S. State Department.
Ms. Friedman and her family own Echo Hill Ranch which was successfully operated by her parents for 50 years. She grew up there and worked there professionally giving her insight into all aspects of camping. As a result of her overseas service with the American Red Cross and at U.S. embassies, she recognizes the needs of American military families. She and her family are opening Echo Hill Ranch this summer for children who have had a family member who has lost his or her life in service to the nation.
The Friedman family has looked to serve the armed forces for generations. Dr. S. Thomas Friedman enlisted
in the Air Force in 1942. During his service he flew 35 missions over Germany. He held 8 decorations
including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 3 Oak Clusters. Marcie and the Echo Hill
community are looking forward to opening Echo Hill for the children whose parents have carried on such tradition and commitment.