History
Camp Four Echoes boasts 216 wooded acres on the majestic shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene in Worley, Idaho. Purchased in 1938 for $250 by the Spokane Central Lion’s Club, we have been welcoming girls ever since to explore nature, have fun, build friendships and discover their independence and leadership qualities through life in the great outdoors.
The original lodge was built in 1940 by the Lions Club and was the central gathering place for generations of girls. In the summer of 2010, Ed and Beatriz Schweitzer generously donated $1.7 M to rebuild the lodge that was, sadly, in need of more than a mere facelift.
The new lodge was unveiled as we launched the 2011 summer camp season and the next chapter of Camp Four Echoes' proud history. It is three times the size of the orignal lodge and boasts a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, art and science rooms and a breathtaking view of Lake Coeur d'Alene from the dining room and terrace. The original fireplace was rebuilt at the base of the Teepee encampment and serves as a wonderful place for sing-a-longs by the fire!
For many decades, Sequoia was the only unit with permanent structures for sleeping—everyone else had platform tents. In 1996, the first cabin "prototype" went up in Singing Pines, followed by the remaining cabins in 1997. Now our six distinct living units consists of teepees, cabins, chalets, gazebos and treehouses and an overnight camping spot above Sky Meadow.
The first telephone came to camp in 1951. The equipment room in main camp, built in 1954, was originally a shower house. The new shower house in main camp was built in 1997 and the old concrete building started a new life as the Trading Post (camp store) until 2011 when the Trading Post moved into the new lodge. In the 60’s and 70’s, language units were very popular, with girls coming from around the country to learn Spanish and Japanese from the counselors.
Camp Four Echoes has been the summer home for generations of Girl Scouts who treasure this very special place.
