North Star Camp for Boys







Friday, August 14, 2009

August 14, 2009


This is a quick note to let you know that all campers left on schedule this morning.

The Chicago and Milwaukee buses left camp at 8:35 a.m. If their is no traffic or road construction the Milwaukee campers could arrive by 3:00 p.m. The Chicago campers could arrive by 4:30.

Since it is Friday afternoon it would not be unusual for there to be traffic delays. However, we would obviously prefer that you wait for the kids rather than having the kids waiting for you.

Please remember to pick up all sleeping bags, tennis rackets, fishing poles, laundry bags and clothing from underneath the buses.

Enjoy the stories.
Leb

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

August 12, 2009


The last week has been a blur. Here is a listing of all that has happened...

Last Saturdays Pow Wow Day was a huge success. Perhaps the most memorable part of the program was the Friday night sermon by our counselor Rocky Eagon. Rocky was raised by his grandmother who was a full Cherokee Indian. He did a wonderful job of relating stories that helped bring the Native culture to life for us. He pointed out that there are Native Americans living throughout the US and they want the culture to be remembered and embraced. Our campers really appreciated Rocky's talk and I know his grandma would have been proud.... Big 10 Celebration for counselors Nick Yohanna and Mike Blumberg... stories and cake to celebrate... all camp water balloon fight with me as the main target.... final sign up trips including a river, geo-caching, fishing, and climbing trip ... Pine Manor Cabins went to Duluth for their final cabin activity as North Star campers ... the climbing trip was actually a climbing competition with Camp Birch Trail held at their camp... Espionage with the theme of Scooby Doo, something to do with 97 clues scattered all over camp and each cabin group had to solve the riddles and bring their treasure to the lodge; all I know is the kids were exhausted by the end and that's a good thing because the next day was … Lazy Day with eggs to order, coffee cake and cartoons playing in the outer lodge... camper counselor hunt and I was once again able to escape detection and get a 30 minute nap while hiding (sleeping) in the bog... Leigh Rubin did run within 3 feet of me, didn't look down and kept on moving ... it was fun to watch his face when I told him how close he was to me ... Casino night with a prize fight in the middle of the lodge; a robbery that stole all the cash, an auction for clothing, posters and other exotic items... arts and crafts show...

Still to come... camper counselor Day.... staff show... packing... final key log... banquet… request program and the burning of the North Star Effigy... vans, buses and cars taking our campers home to tell a thousand different stories from many different perspectives.

It's been a pleasure writing these postings and I hope that I've been able to give you a glimpse of North Star life through the eyes of this tired and burry eyed camp director. It is difficult to capture the magic of camp but I am sure that your son will be able to fill in the blanks when he comes home shortly.

Please feel free to call Sue or myself if you have any questions or concerns about camp as we would be happy to answer them for you.

Thanks for sharing your sons with us. Sue and I will do everything we can to insure that their last few days are fun, happy and safe.

Speaking of Sue, she has asked that I send a health update. Please read it below.

It will not be long before we begin making preparations for next summer. But for now, enjoy the anticipation of the stories and experiences that ou are sure to hear.

Best wishes,
Leb


Wednesday, August 5, 2009

August 5, 2009


Even though we have lots of camping left to do at North Star, we are beginning to make preparations for your son’s return trip home on Friday August 14th. Please read the following information carefully and feel free to contact me if you have questions.

CAMPERS TRAVELING HOME BY BUS: (please note that arrival times listed below are approximate as we have no control over the traffic. We obviously prefer that you wait for the buses rather than having your son wait for you.)

CHICAGO AREA CAMPERS will arrive at the North Shore Renaissance at approximately 4:30 P.M. The hotel is located in Northbrook at 938 Skokie Blvd. (corner of Dundee and Skokie Blvd., just off the Eden's Expressway.) Luggage will arrive ahead of the boys and be available for pick up by 3:30 p.m.. It would be wise to bring a good book since it is impossible for us to predict traffic and road construction ahead of time.

MILWAUKEE AREA CAMPERS will arrive at the K Mart Shopping Center at approximately 3:00 p.m.. This is the same spot we picked up the kids and is off 894 and South on the 27th Street exit. Luggage will arrive with the boys on Friday. It would be wise to bring a good book since it is impossible for us to predict traffic and road construction ahead of time.


CAMPERS TRAVELING HOME BY PLANE will be transported to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport. North Star staff members will escort campers to their flights, if you have purchased the unaccompanied minor option, and ensure that they board the proper flight. If you are not participating in the unaccompanied minor program we will accompany your son as far as we are able. If you know of changes to your son’s itinerary please inform us ASAP; otherwise, we will assume there have been no changes. All baggage will be checked in for the appropriate flights unless other arrangements have been made.

CAMPERS BEING MET AT THE MINNEAPOLIS AIRPORT will arrive at the bus unloading area at approximately 11:30 A.M. and should be met as they exit the van.

PARENTS WHO ARE PICKING THEIR SONS UP AT CAMP. I have printed a list below of boys that we believe are being picked up at camp. Obviously, let us know immediately if you believe there is an error. Please arrive at camp by 9:00 A.M. and try to understand the chaos that ensues when eight to ten boys pack for home. You may find the cabin in disarray, however, we assure you that they are very clean during the camping season. In fact, they will be cleaned as Post Campers will be occupying every cabin that same afternoon. While at camp, feel free to tour our camp site. Your son’s counselors will undoubtedly be busy preparing for their trip home, or may have already left on the buses, but if he is still here I am sure that he will be happy to spend some time with you.

We make every attempt to unite your son with any of his misplaced clothing or belongings prior to his departure from camp. Items found after your son leaves will be returned to you.

Finally, remember that it takes time to process a camping experience. After the long traveling day, your camper may not be bubbling forth with all the details of the summer. The stories and enthusiasm will come forth as he adjusts back to home life. Our letters to you may be helpful tripping your son’s memory. Ask them specific questions about their experiences. In many ways, camp is one of those “you had to be there” things. We’re sure that you will hear stories as camp memories are triggered.

CAMP DATES FOR 2010

1ST session- June 21- July 17, 2010
2nd session- July 18-August 13, 2010
8 weeks- June 21- August 13th, 2010
Visiting day- July 16, 17th, 2010


Best wishes,

Leb


PICKED UP BY FAMILY

Parker Leshin, Andy Peterman, Jacob Sherman, Noah Sherman, Brian Maxwell, Danny Verb, Jake Spungen, Ethan Levy, Daniel Levy, Noah Machlin, Andy Cohen, Jonah Rane, Ethan Krause, Jared Much, Jordan Clough, Daniel Matyas