As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we want to give a shout-out to an organization that embraces Girl Scout values and celebrates Hispanic heritage.

Photo courtesy of Si, Se Puede, Inc.

Si, Se Puede, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing educational, social and economic support for low-income Lawrence youth and their families, recently held a family picnic at Camp Maude Eaton in Andover, MA, where families went boating, tried the high ropes course, learned archery, played volleyball, went hiking and played games.

Lorie Mendoza, a former Girl Scout adult member and the Executive Director of Si, Se Puede, Inc., wanted to share the fun of Girl Scout camp and all its activities. She also wanted to give families the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the Girl Scout Movement, especially since many in the Latino community do not have experience with Girl Scouting. “This way they will feel better about sending their daughters to camp,” Lorie said. She emphasized that Girl Scout camp speaks to Si, Se Puede, Inc.’s values of building community and celebrating their heritage.

Photo courtesy of Si, Se Puede, Inc.

Lorie couldn’t have given her Si, Se Puede, Inc. community a more authentic Girl Scout camp experience. After the canoeing, ropes course, and arts and crafts, attendees were treated to a cookout with s’mores and camp songs. All of the cookout food was generously donated by the Mayor of Lawrence, Dan Rivera, and other partner organizations.

“This event was a HUGE success and all the families have requested to have it again next year,” Lorie said. “Families were delighted, and almost all of them tried things they have never done before—it was really amazing! The families bonded and had a great time.”

Thank you, Lorie, everyone at Si, Se Puede, Inc., and GSEM camp staff for making this fantastic camp experience happen!

Photo courtesy of Si, Se Puede, Inc.

If you’d like to hold your own event at one of our camps, please contact camp@gsema.org.