Message from the Executive Director:

Greetings and welcome to Camp Butterfly! I am glad that you have stopped by for a virtual visit. It is my hope that through this site, you will be inspired to learn more about Camp Butterfly and hopefully, become part of our family.

I started out with Camp Butterfly as a summer camp volunteer in August 2007. The experience impacted my life in such a profound way that I made a vow to myself and founder, Niambi Jaha Echols, to come back every year to serve. I stepped into the role of the organization’s executive director in January 2009 and it has proven to be one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life. I had no idea when I first accepted this position that my life would be impacted to the extent that it has. Camp Butterfly has been and is my beautiful surprise – one that continues to challenge and bring me great joy at every turn.

As you can see from our programs page, Camp Butterfly is transforming. We started out as a summer camp experience in 2004 and have since grown to an organization that is dedicated to facilitating the development of girls of African descent and the women who serve them. We believe wholeheartedly in Mahatma K. Ghandi’s words that we must be the change we want to see in the world. By creating a safe space where girls are free, supported and encouraged to be authentic and true to themselves first, we are doing our part in creating a world that most resembles what we see and feel in our hearts – a more stable, loving, harmonious and balanced world.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for taking time to learn more about Camp Butterfly as it is with visitors such as yourself that we are able to share who we are, what we are doing and why we are here. If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about our organization, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me. Much love and light.

Continue to press…

Be the blessing,
DeAnna Lynette Carpenter
312-328-0800
deanna@campbutterfly.org