Our History

Recognizing the challenges that girls of African descent face with issues of cultural displacement and positive cultural identification, native Chicagoan, Niambi Jaha-Echols was inspired in 2004, to create Camp Butterfly, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization headquartered in Chicago.   Camp Butterfly is a uniquely creative opportunity for teenaged girls from across the country to benefit from exposure to learning experiences outside their traditional home and school and to attend a camp specifically designed with them in mind.

Camp Butterfly gives girls the opportunity to see that their pains, heartaches, insecurities and daily challenges are not just indicative of them. With discussions ranging from ‘being in my skin’ to ‘creating sacred spaces,’ the girls learn just how truly connected and similar they are to one another. By the end of their seven-day journey, each girl will walk away with a support system, new found friends, a lifetime of memories and most of all, a new found respect of self.

Since its inception, Camp Butterfly has served over 500 girls from across the country and continues to positively impact alumni through quarterly reunions, Internet communication and other activities. The camp staff is comprised of women of African descent who are dedicated to supporting and facilitating the emotional healing, positive cultural identification and transformation of girls of African descent.