The History of Echo Hill Camp
Echo Hill Camp has a rich history spanning over 110 years. While our campus and philosophy have evolved in small ways, the heart of Echo Hill has remained remarkably unchanged. We like to think of Echo Hill as a bubble from the outside world, much like it was over a century ago—when children enjoyed summers without cell phones and shoes, preferred bathing suits over expensive jeans, and focused on the joy of their daily activities rather than what others thought of them. Today, hundreds of campers continue to enjoy these time-honored traditions, escaping back to a simpler time and place—a place of contentment, beauty, and friendship.
1914
Echo Hill began as a Montessori Camp in Bucks County, PA, run by Anna Paist, who was personally trained by Maria Montessori, the godmother of the Montessori curriculum. Originally, it was a camp for senior boys, who lived in large platform tents similar to those still used at Echo Hill today. By the 1940s, the camp became co-ed, and Echo Hill Camp as we know it was officially born.
1952
In 1952, Echo Hill Camp moved to its current home on Maryland’s picturesque Eastern Shore. The property was leased from the Harris Family Trust, which had owned the land for generations and continues to do so today. Peter and Terry Rice attended camp here from 1955 to 1957! Before becoming Echo Hill Camp, the property served many purposes: a turkey farm, a peach orchard, and a tomato farm. In 1943, part of the land was used as a U.S. Army base— the old Art Center building was originally the base’s mess hall. Rather than develop the property for profit, the Harris family chose to foster children’s growth in a natural setting—a decision that has positively impacted thousands of children over the years.
1966
In 1966, the Peter P. Rice, Sr., family purchased Echo Hill Camp. Peter Rice, Sr., who had directed the day camp at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., for over 25 years, had long dreamed of running a sleepaway camp. It quickly became a family affair: Pauline Rice provided tutoring, while Peter and younger brother Terry worked as counselors. Even with the change in ownership, the camp’s core philosophies remained, and that continuity endures today.
1970s
In 1970, Peter Rice, Jr., took over Echo Hill from his parents and shaped the camp into what it is today. Ever forward-thinking about children’s experiences, he sought a way to bring kids to campus year-round. In 1972, he founded the Echo Hill Outdoor School with a group of his closest friends, creating a program based on experiential environmental education—a pioneering approach that has inspired, influenced, and served as a model for similar programs across the country. For more than 50 years, Echo Hill Outdoor School has taught students about the wonders of the natural world without classrooms, textbooks, or assignments. From marshes to local waterways, students explore and observe the environment around them, developing a deep appreciation for the world they inhabit. Together, the camp and school now make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of over 7,000 children each year.
1980s
During the 1980s, Echo Hill thrived in its timelessness. Pete nurtured the growing Outdoor School program, extending Echo Hill's reach beyond summer. The next generation of the Rice family was born during these years, with Echo Hill woven into their lives from the very beginning. Summer after summer unfolded with familiar rhythms—the same traditions, the same spirit, the same magic that had defined Echo Hill for decades.
1990s
During the 1990s, Echo Hill welcomed a new generation of campers, including Katie, Julie, Petey, and the children of former campers who had grown up to become counselors themselves. This second-generation group experienced some of the most magical childhoods at camp. Today, many of their children—the third generation of legacy campers—continue to enjoy the same laid-back, old-school environment that children have cherished since Big Pete took over Echo Hill.
2000s
In 2013, Echo Hill celebrated Pete Rice’s 50th summer at camp, honoring his decades of dedication and the many ways he shaped the camp’s spirit and community. The following year, Echo Hill marked a remarkable milestone: 100 years of operation—a century of summer memories, lifelong friendships, and transformative experiences. These celebrations reflected not only the camp’s enduring legacy but also the vision of all who believe in the power of helping children flourish in nature.
2024
In 2024, Katie Rice Moulsdale officially assumed the role of Executive Director, taking full operational responsibilities from her father, Pete. This transition represents a meaningful continuation of the Rice family legacy. Under Katie’s leadership, Echo Hill enters a new era while remaining true to the values that have defined it for generations. Pete continues to share his wisdom and passion as Director Emeritus, guiding the Echo Hill community with his enduring presence.
Today
Today, our family tradition lives on in the laughter of campers, the guidance of counselors, and the warmth of a community that feels like home. Generations of families return year after year, drawn by the same spirit of adventure, curiosity, and connection that has always defined this place. Side by side, we carry forward what we've always believed: that every child deserves a summer filled with joy, wonder, and memories that last a lifetime. Echo Hill remains more than a camp—it's where lifelong stories begin, friendships flourish, and family extends far beyond our shores.