Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey Welcomes Micelle D’Amico as Director of Lake Rickabear Camp

KINNELON, NEW JERSEY (March 15, 2026). Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey (GSNNJ) welcomes Michelle D’Amico, Ed.D., as the new Director of Lake Rickabear Camp in Kinnelon, New Jersey. In this role, D’Amico will oversee all aspects of camp operations, including staff leadership, camper experience, safety, and program development, supporting both year-round programming and GSNNJ’s summer day camp offerings.

[media:20260415184121790 Michelle D’Amico]With more than 10 years of experience teaching technology and STEAM subjects, along with a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, D’Amico brings a strong background in education and youth development to the role. She plans to draw on that experience to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment at Lake Rickabear Camp, where campers are encouraged to try new things, explore their interests, develop confidence and outdoor skills, and leave courageous and proud of what they have discovered about themselves.

Summer camp has long been a part of D’Amico’s life. She grew up attending the summer camp her mother directed and later followed in her footsteps, serving as camp director for two camps within the Meadowlands YMCA. During her time as a teacher, she also helped design and launch a summer STEAM camp program.

As a former Girl Scout, D’Amico says Lake Rickabear Camp represents a place where her personal experiences and professional values align. She looks forward to helping create an environment centered on empowering girls, building character, and cultivating a supportive community.

“Camp is such a unique environment where kids can try new things, step outside of their comfort zones, and discover strengths they didn’t realize they had,” explains D’Amico. “I want campers to build friendships, develop independence, and feel proud of the challenges they take on. Most importantly, I hope they leave with positive memories and the feeling that Lake Rickabear Camp is a place where they are accepted, encouraged, and celebrated for who they are,” she adds.

Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey operates two summer camp properties: Lake Rickabear Camp in Kinnelon and Jockey Hollow Camp in Mendham. With D’Amico working in partnership with Shannon Cornine, Director of Jockey Hollow Camp, who is an American Red Cross Instructor, American Camp Association visitor, and a women’s high school sports coach, the council plans to offer nurturing and robust summer programs for girls.

“We have an extra special and dynamic team with Shannon and Michelle working together this summer, and I’m confident that with their backgrounds in education and their leadership skills, they will provide amazing summer camp experiences for the children in their care,” says GSNNJ President/CEO Sandra A. Kenoff. “Now more than ever, girls need to get outside and thrive in the great outdoors at camp,” she adds.

Running from June 29 through August 14, 2026, GSNNJ summer camps offer girls a chance to unplug from technology and immerse themselves in nature while building confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships.

At these summer camps, girls can spend their days swimming, learning to cook outdoors, riding horses, ziplining through the trees, trying archery, playing sports, learning pickleball, boating on the lake, exploring nature trails, creating crafts, and more. Campers can also work towards earning Girl Scout badges while participating in hands-on activities that encourage leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Girls do not need to be Girl Scouts to register for these camps, and all girls are welcome.

Jockey Hollow Camp and Lake Rickabear Camp provide a space where girls can challenge themselves, discover new passions, and make friendships that will last long after the summer ends. For more information about these camps, visit www.gsnnj.org/camp.

About Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey: Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them.

Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey serves girls ages 5-18 in Bergen, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and northern Warren counties, bringing the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to more than 19,000 girls and 10,200 adult members. Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for every girl and her family and offering financial assistance to enable participation in our program and camps.

To learn more about Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey or to volunteer, donate, or join, visit www.gsnnj.org or call (973) 248-8200, and follow GSNNJ on social media.