January 2022 – Each member of the Camp Fire Minnesota Board of Directors and the Minnesota Camp Fire Foundation Board of Trustees shares unique personal and professional talents with our organization. With their individual and collective expertise, we can ensure that Camp Fire’s mission and strategic initiatives continue moving forward.
In the last year, we have been honored to welcome five new faces to the group. Get to know Martha, Lalo, Tammy, Scott, and Angie, and find out why they are passionate about Camp Fire Minnesota.
Name: Martha Ginder
Company: Piper Sandler
Title: Director, Fixed Income Trading
What most inspires you by Camp Fire Minnesota’s mission? What made you want to join the board?
I joined the Minnesota Camp Fire Foundation Board of Trustees because I believe in the mission that nature-based programming should be accessible to all youth. I am particularly passionate about increasing inclusion at Camp Fire Minnesota to break down barriers that limit kids from participating in, or attending programs.
What is your favorite way to enjoy nature?
I love hiking – we try to get to Colorado as often as possible to hike through the mountains. I also enjoy walking or biking around the lakes in the Cities.
Name: Lalo Edmondson
Student, Concordia University St. Paul
Area of Study: Education (ESL)
What most inspires you by Camp Fire Minnesota’s mission? What made you want to join the board?
Nature is the best way to release stress and reconnect with yourself. Camp Fire allows all kids regardless of their background to enjoy nature, to learn new activities, to learn important life skills, and to have fun. As a former camper and counselor from a Hispanic background, and who took part in the scholarship program, I want to share my experience and passion in hope for the future generation to find their spark like I did mine.
What is your favorite way to enjoy nature?
My favorite way to enjoy nature is by playing or coaching soccer. I enjoy either feeling the hot sun beaming on the field, the cool breeze, or cold rain pouring down.
Name: Tammy Buchert (Vice Board Chair)
Company: RBC Wealth Management
Title: Chief Administrative Officer
What most inspires you by Camp Fire Minnesota’s mission? What made you want to join the board?
When I was looking for a way to get more involved in my community a colleague asked what I was passionate about so we could focus on one of those topics. I answered – education, youth and the outdoors. I explained that I come from a family of teachers and place an extremely high value on the importance of educators. I also come from a background of the outdoors whether it be from scouting or my own family’s interest in camping. And finally, being a new empty nester, I wanted to be involved in a youth-focused organization. Camp Fire Minnesota blends all of my passions in such an eloquently stated mission: With nature as our catalyst, we energize youth to discover their spark so their futures glow brighter. Once I learned more about Camp Fire Minnesota’s beliefs of inclusion, fostering leadership, collaboration and youth development, I knew I had found a place that shared the same values that I have. I am especially interested in recent efforts to include young people on the board. I am excited to see the energy, new ideas and spirit this new lens can bring to the organization’s board of directors.
What is your favorite way to enjoy nature?
My favorite way to enjoy the outdoors is through quite time. I find that my professional and family life are rather “on the go” and sometimes the intentional visit to a park, lake, or just the backyard to enjoy some quite time away from technology is just what I need to slow down, have some personal reflective time and reenergize for the next challenge around the corner.
Name: Scott Botzet (Board Treasurer)
Company: Deluxe Corporation
Title: Vice President Assurance and Risk Advisory Services
What most inspires you by Camp Fire Minnesota’s mission? What made you want to join the board?
I have always been passionate about nature, outdoor activities and have a deep connection to youth through over 20 years of coaching youth sports. Camp Fire Minnesota’s mission ties those passions together. Additionally, I’m inspired by Camp Fire Minnesota’s focus on financial assistance and diversity which provides access to their programs in a welcoming environment to all families.
What is your favorite way to enjoy nature?
My favorite way to enjoy nature is spending time outdoors at the family lake cabin in Northern Minnesota. My family enjoys all sorts of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, hiking in the woods, and riding ATVs. I even enjoy playing lumberjack and cutting up the fallen trees.
Name: Angie Fenske
Company: CarVal Investors
Title: Managing Director
What most inspires you by Camp Fire Minnesota’s mission? What made you want to join the board?
My children have enjoyed attending Tanadoona for several years. We are so fortunate to have such a great camp experience in our community. I joined the board because I thought it would be a great opportunity to help make a small difference for local youth, particularly by helping to make Tanadoona more diverse and accessible to all children, including those that need financial assistance.
What is your favorite way to enjoy nature?
I love doing many things outdoors, but only when the temperature is above 40! My favorite things include running and just being at a lake.
Meet the rest of our board and trustee members here!