Michelle Cramer, CFRE, President & CEO

Five years ago, I decided I wanted to do something to honor my mother and my Hispanic heritage and Camp Amigas was born! Camp Amigas provides the gift of a camp experience to Latina Girl Scouts here in central Ohio.

This year over 40 girls and their families enjoyed a sunny day filled with fun activities at Camp Ken-Jockety. It is one of my favorite days of the year, watching the girls and their families fish, hike, wade in the creek, make crafts, and practice archery. We even wrapped up the day with a party, complete with a piñata!

These girls really touched my heart this year and presented me with a framed letter signed by each of them titled, “Camp Amigas Madrina.” Madrina means Godmother. The letter went on to say:

“Madrinas” are people who will accompany you through your life. Be it as a counselor or a sponsor, they will play an important role for you and your family because they are somebody who cares, and they have time for you.

I have been called a lot of names during my life, but never one as special as Madrina. I am honored the girls have given me this name and I will treasure it forever. I thank God that He has blessed me in a way that I can underwrite this day camp for these sweet girls, their siblings, and their parents. My dream is to grow Camp Amigas and make it accessible for any Latina girl who wants to attend a day at camp in the 30 counties served by Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland.  

Thank you, Tammy Warton, President & CEO and Deirdre DeWeese, Vice President of Philanthropy for the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland for giving me the opportunity to create this special day for these precious girls and their families. And a special thank you to Analeydis Urban, Latino Community Engagement & Outreach Manager, for leading this Girl Scout Troop and coordinating Camp Amigas since day one!

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