Experiencing Connection at Camp Echo Bay

Experiencing Connection at Camp Echo Bay

by Julia St. Clair

(ANS – New Rochelle – July 23, 2026) – A beloved landmark in the New Rochelle community and the tristate area, Camp Echo Bay opened its doors for the summer on Monday, June 29. It takes place on the Salesian High School campus and is open 5 days a week through Friday, August 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The camp is run by Jimmy Ascencio, ’19, and Matthew Boggi. Matt is a theology teacher at Salesian High School. Additionally, 3 Salesians are involved in the camp: Bros. Bill Hanna, John Taylor, and Lorenzo D’Alessandro.

“A lot of the counselors are former campers, and it’s good to see them grow and keep coming back,” Jimmy shared. He works as Monroe University’s cross country and track and field team’s assistant coach, strength and conditioning coach, team recruiter, and equipment manager. “We have a lot of kids who start coming here in pre-K and stay through 8th grade. Running the camp doesn’t feel like work to me; it’s a fun thing.”

Staff member Naomy Ayapan first came to Camp Echo Bay in the 2nd grade after her family moved from Tennessee to New York. “The counselors are not just counselors; they’ve always been there for me,” Naomy reminisced. “I also met my best friend here, and we’ve grown a lot together.”

Naomy attended Camp Echo Bay as a camper through 8th grade. She loved it so much that she became upset the weeks when she didn’t go to camp. “I cried when my mom didn’t sign me up on some weeks,” Naomy remembered.

Naomy has worked at Camp Echo Bay for 4 years and has loved every moment. “I enjoy coming back to Camp Echo Bay and experiencing the connection here,” she beamed. “Everyone’s always been there for me.”

Along with former campers returning as counselors, a lot of Camp Echo Bay’s male counselors are Salesian High alumni, like Cory Gardner, ’19. “Corey and I went to school together,” Jimmy exclaimed of Corey, who oversees the 6th to 8th grade group.

Corey previously worked as a counselor during the 2021 and 2022 camp seasons. “Job opportunities took me away from Camp Echo Bay for a while, and then Jimmy asked me if I could come back,” Corey explained. Corey, who works as a high school counselor, accepted happily. “I see the value of being a role model and leader for the kids,” he declared. “The kids make the camp, and it’s especially great to see the older kids rediscover their childlike wonder. I love to help them all find their true gifts in a positive way.”

Camp Echo Bay welcomed 255 boys and girls during its opening week. For its 2nd and 3rd weeks, 365 campers came each week. Weeks 4 and 5 are expected to see an estimated over 400 boys and girls in attendance.

One key tradition at Camp Echo Bay is its special theme weeks; each week is centered on and celebrates a part of pop culture. With this in mind, Camp Echo Bay began its season with Holiday Week. Superhero Week followed the week after the Fourth of July, and the next week was Star Wars Week. This week, Camp Echo Bay celebrates Nickelodeon Week, and next week will be Olympic Week. The two themed weeks for August will be Disney Week and Carnival Week.

For more information, visit Camp Echo Bay’s website, or contact them at (914) 632-0248 ext. 215 or campechobay@salesianhigh.org.

This story ran in the New Rochelle Province newsletter on July 23 and was picked up by ANS the same day.