North Star Camp for Boys







Friday, September 28, 2018

Camp Moves Me 2018



During the month of October, North Star Camp is participating in Camp Moves Me, a fun and easy way to raise money for our scholarship foundation with Camp for All Kids. By running, walking, biking, hiking, swimming or moving during any activity we can help send additional campers who otherwise would not be able to afford it. 

We have always been proud of the support that our North Star families have provided to our scholarship foundation. For the past five years, during this national campaign, North Star has been the #1 fundraiser. We are looking forward to another strong year! 

Here's how to participate: 
1. Register for Camp Moves Me. Make sure to join the "North Star Camp" team. 
2. Spread the word about your commitment to stay active. Email, post and share your participation and encourage others to do the same. Don't forget to tag North Star Camp!
3. Collect donations and pledges. Remember, the money you raise goes directly back to North Star's scholarship fund, Camp for All Kids. 
4. Move, move, move! Track your distance and reach your goal throughout the whole month of October. The more you move, the more campers you can help send to camp! 

Monday, August 6, 2018

Settle Up Challenge 2018


"There's plenty of camping left", but as North Star’s 74th summer comes to a close, it is time to start settling up with the greatest counselors and staff members in the world, who work tirelessly make our camp such a special place.  In preparation for a great sendoff, we are asking Alumni and other members of the North Star Community to join current staff members in the third annual North Star Settle Up Challenge to support Camp for All Kids.

The Settle Up Challenge is a gift-matching campaign that invites members of the community to match donations to Camp for All Kids made by our counselors and staff from their end-of-summer camp paychecks.  Camp for All Kids, the successor to what you may remember as the Scholarship Fund, facilitates racial diversity at North Star and five other summer camps (Birch Trail, Chippewa, Kamaji, Menominee and Timberlane) by providing scholarships called “camperships” to kids from underserved communities to attend camp.  It’s a simple and highly effective way to benefit kids who otherwise wouldn’t get a summer camp experience.

The North Star Settle Up Challenge is great way to model philanthropic dedication for our current staff.  The staff hear stories about Alumni, read their names on plaques, and see photos in the Lodge and feel the history of camp every day.  (We have second and even third generation North Star men on the staff too.) 

Many of you were counselors at North Star, so you know that giving back part of a modest camp salary is quite generous for our staff members.  We had tremendous results last summer when more than 50 North Star staff members donated over $3,800, and 40 North Star alumni pledged matching donations totaling over $22,000.  As a result, the Settle Up Challenge raised more than $25,000! You can make your pledge by simply emailing Andy (andy@northstarcamp.com) with your commitment. You can set a cap on your matching gift. We already have raised over $25,000 in matching donations for this year, and are looking to beat last year by even more!

Here’s how the Challenge  works:  If a North Star counselor contributes, say, $20 and ten alumni match it, that donation turns into $200. (We suggest a minimum of $500 for your matching gift.) We will total up the donations from current camp staff and contact anyone who donated during the week of August 13th to tell you the amount raised by the staff.  You can then go to the Camp for All Kids website and make your tax-deductible matching gift.

This year, 28 campers attended North Star through Camp for All Kids “camperships.”  These kids not only make lifelong friendships and experience the magic of camp, they also contribute so much to the camp culture.  North Star contributors have been the heart and soul of Camp for All Kids since its inception. Please contact us at andy@northstarcamp.com with any questions.



Sunday, August 5, 2018

The North Star Games


Yesterday was the first ever North Star Games, for which all of camp was drafted in to 4 constellation based teams, Hydra, Hercules, Dorado, and Mensa. The event officially kicked off Friday afternoon with the North Star Pow Wow, which celebrated the Native American history of the Northwoods. Educating our campers about Native American history, culture and traditions, and creating a connection with the land has always been a priority throughout camp’s 74-year history, and our campers and staff feel that this new take on a Pow Wow Day is a more empathetic and appropriate way to accomplish those goals.

With the help of a few Pine Manor campers, Andy discussed the history of our Pow Wow Day, how the days traditions have changed it over the years, and the decision to move on to The North Star Games this summer. He also shared the history of local tribes and allowed the campers to see a few native artifacts we have at camp. Eli Gould, Aidan Weinberg and Louis Schienfeld then led the rest of the campers in a few traditional Native American games. A favorite was "The Running Game", which is a distance running race with one major catch, runners need to be screaming at the top of their lungs.

Our Friday Night Service focused on this transition, as well as the importance of conservation and respecting the land. After taking time to learn about some of the first environmentalists, the Chippewa tribe, and their modern counterparts, we held the opening ceremony for The North Star Games. In 1944, Lou and Renee decided to buy the land that became North Star when they saw the Council Ring. They looked to the sky and saw the North Star, and camp had a name. The teams walked from that spot to an athletic field lined with lanterns. Andy told stories about the North Star and what it represents, and the Senior Village captains from each team lit a torch to signify the beginning of the competition. In the morning, opening ceremonies continued with a cheer from each team followed by the launch of their team rocket.

The day itself included many favorite camp events, such as leg wrestling, Polaris Ball (a modified softball game), Canoe Tug of War, and log rolling, water polo, and a variety of swimming events. There were also a few additions, including Stand Up Paddleboarding, rocketry, and a plaque competition.  There was a silent lunch (because there is no sound in space). Despite rain, the enthusiasm around camp was palpable, and we were able to fit most of the scheduled events in. The staff softball game to decide eating order was modified into a dodgeball tournament in the VICtory Fieldhouse, which also hosted Floor Hockey, which was played in lieu of Speedball. The day concluded with a closing ceremony in Mike Hall, highlighted by a performance from The Pinery Boys, who treated camp to a performance of authentic logging era music. The sportsmanship of campers and staff was on display throughout the day, and even though "it just doesn't matter", Hydra ended as champions of the first North Star Games.






Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Camper Counselor Day and other special programs


The last four days have been busy with special events, most notably an earlier than usual Camper Counselor Day. We have also welcomed prospective campers and their families into camp for Rookie Weekend, celebrated the Big 10, and had our last Cruiser Day of the summer. Today is Bi-Camp, and a contingent of campers from Camp Nebagamon have joined us to compete in a variety of camp activities.

Camper Counselor Day gives our Senior Village campers an opportunity to experience what it is like to be a staff member. The campers select a staff member to be for the day and swap clothes with them. The villa campers are "counselors" for the day, teaching activities and supervising cabins. The staff enjoy the opportunity to sample some of the activities they have wanted to try all summer. The Senior Village campers finish Camper Counselor Day with a sense of gratitude for the work their counselors do to make the summer special for them.

On Saturday and Sunday, we hosted 11 families for our second session Rookie Weekend. In addition to a tour for the boys and parents, prospective campers are able to participate in a bit of camp to see what like at North Star is like. They play in challenge games, swim during an organized free, and even have a chance to sign up for two activities of their choice. They also played in our Dodgeball Extravaganza evening program, trying to stay in for as long as possible while playing against the staff. Rookie Weekend is a great opportunity for a prospective North Star family to see camp running at full speed. If you know anyone who may be interested in attending Rookie Weekend in 2019, fill out the Refer a Friend form.

Sunday night we celebrated the Big 10. This year, we had seven honorees who have spent 10 years with us. This year's Big 10 men are Noah Broutman, Ethan Rane, Spencer Malkin, Asher Borstein, Noah Sherman, Danny Levy, and Jake Kraemer. Visitors and staff told stories to share some of the memorable moments these guys have had at camp before we all enjoyed some cake to mark the occasion.

Yesterday was our last Cruiser Day of the summer. Cabins enjoyed many of the staple Cruiser Day activities, such as tubing and trips to the resort across the lake. Cabins also had the opportunity to make Oreo cookies and J4 made their own pies for a pie eating contest. J2 and J3 had a challenge day, spending the day together and participating in unique sports such as water polo. The Intermediate Village visited Wild Mountain, a waterpark in Taylors Falls, Minnesota, for a day of waterslides, go-karts and alpine slides.

Today is our annual Bi-Camp competition with Camp Nebagamon. They are joining us for a day of friendly competition in Tennis, Swimming, Canoeing, Sailing, Chess, Archery, Riflery and Cross Country. We are proud of our campers for being such gracious hosts and welcoming Nebagamon to camp in such a friendly manner.


Tuesday, July 31, 2018

NSC Trip Report


In addition to the multitude of the special programs, many campers have returned from their cabin trips lately. Cabin trips are an opportunity to push the boys outside of their comfort zones and experience nature. Trips are also fantastic bonding opportunities as the boys go with their entire cabin, counselors, and a wilderness trip leader.

I6 went on a 3-day, 2-night trip on the Flambeau river. They made it to their second night campsite on the first night after a fantastic group effort paddling. The next day they were looking for a new campsite and were invited to stay on a private site a bit upstream. Despite the detour, the counselors of I6 reported that the positive attitude of the campers never wavered. The boys enjoyed the site's bathrooms with mirrors. The second night the boys played games and joked in their tents despite less than ideal weather. On the third day, the cabin enjoyed canoeing down both Cedar Rapids and Beaver Dam.

I3 also went on the Flambeau, and had to paddle hard to reach their first night campsite before it started raining. They made it, and were able to set up their site quickly as the rain started to fall. They were able to learn how to keep a fire going despite the rain and set up a tarp so they could cook dinner. They had a short paddle on the second day, and made it to a campsite near Cedar Rapids. It rained a bit that afternoon, which made the boys laugh while they played cards in their tent. The clouds cleared away and the cabin ran Cedar Rapids, and even those who capsized were having fun. That evening they played a game called camouflage in the enchanted forest near the campsite. The final day was more relaxed, and they recited riddles on the water. One of their counselors, Jonah Rane, is a high school coxswain,  and on this day he called out the strokes for the cabin, helping them keep pace.



The campers of I1 went on the Nam-St. Croix, and enojyed some beautiful scenery, especially at a campsite called Sand Rock Cliffs. At this site, they played games and told stories to pass the time. They were lucky with the weather, and only had a short spell of rain one day at lunch. To keep the cook dry, they set up a tarp over the "kitchen". They raved about their tripper Shiva's meals, and returned with a new affinity for Indian spices. I2 also went on the Nam-St. Croix, and canoed 28 miles from start to finish. The food was also a hit on this trip, they enjoyed favorites such as quesadillas and pita pizzas. They floated and swam in the river, and at one point the campers saw "the biggest fish ever", a catfish about 4-feet long. They were still raving about the size of the fish when they returned to camp. In addition to that fish, they were able to watch a swimming snake, and these interesting animals helped them appreciate the nature on their trip.

J2 went on a 2-day trip on the Namekagon River, commonly known as the "Mighty Nam". They also experienced a bit of rain, but loved the food on the trip. Culinary highlights included Pita Pizzas, S'mores, and carmel delights. The campers also loved brownie pancakes in the morning. The trip was a great first overnight for the many of the campers, and they're already excited for a longer trip next summer.




Thursday, July 26, 2018

College Days, Village Campfires and More


It has been a busy few days since the last update. The Senior Village is finishing up College Days this evening, while the rest of camp has been enjoying some extra attention on their activities without Senior Village campers. They also participated in a modified Superhero themed Predator Prey. Wednesday evening's village campfires were forced inside because of rain, yet the Junior and Intermediate village staff found ways to still make these nights memorable.



College Days has been busy since Tuesday, with events such as trivia, a Euchre tournament, football and volleyball keeping our Senior Village campers busy. There as a march-madness style basketball tournament in which each of the four college days teams was divided further into four five-man basketball teams. The tournament was a lot of fun, and Max Dunn secured the biggest upset of the day with a game-winning layup. The arm wrestling competition included a tense matchup between Bennett Crane and Aidan Black that felt like it was never going to end. Today is the final day of college days, and has included events such as cheer writing, plaque making and a mascot competition, as well as tug of war. The teams also raced in an outdoor themed relay event that included a paddling portion, a portage, and a fire building component. Still to go is the cook off, where each team will prepare a three course meal for a few staff judges, and the bowling and karaoke events. 

Predator Prey is a cabin based game that sees each cabin take on the role of a species on the food chain. The cabins need to find water, food, and shelter to survive. To mix it up, this predator prey was superhero themed. Wolverine and Superman were put at the top of the food chain. Iron Man and Captain America were among the middle tier, the lowest in the hierarchy included Black Widow and Green Lantern. Predator Prey is enjoyed by campers because it requires running and a bit of strategy in finding resources needed for survival.

In lieu of their village campfire, the Junior Village had its first "invention convention". Each cabin was given a bag filled with random objects such as a mask, a paper towel roll, some balloons and a deck of cards. They were given a half hour to invent a product and sell it to staff judges in a short commercial. Some of the inventions included a confetti popper and a "paradise viewer", a homemade virtual reality device to make the user feel they are beachside. The Intermediate Village had a talent show and a game of musical chairs that the entire village participated in.

Tomorrow's Friday Night Service will have the theme of perseverance and grit. On Saturday, campers will begin the second half of their second week of activities.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Special Programs Galore!


Time flies when you're having fun. It is already the second week of the session, and the summer is starting to find its groove. Today is our second cruiser day of the summer. Junior and Intermediate Village campers spent the day participating in activities such as tubing, slip n' sliding, and potentially a trip to a resort across the lake. Cruiser day is camp's "weekend", a break from our typical routine.  Cabins spend the day together, partaking in activities planned by their counselors.

Senior Village campers enjoyed the first day of College Days, a three-day event in which the campers are split into 4 teams and face off in a variety of events. College Days officially kicked off Monday night, as the village watched Rudy for some inspiration before a few days of friendly competition. After the movie, the campers were divided into their four teams before choosing the colleges they will represent for the next few days. The 2018 College Days teams are the Central Arkansas Bears, the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers, the Defiance Yellow Jackets, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Notre Dame, taking some inspiration from Rudy, came back dramatically from a 6 run deficit in their first round softball game. They would go on to win the softball event.

While the schedule on cruiser day is different than others, campers have gotten to experience a variety of unique events and special programs during the session. On Wednesday evening, campers and staff played a game of glow in the dark ultimate frisbee, with a glowing frisbee and each player wearing multiple glow sticks. At Saturday's dinner picnic, a group of staff members and campers decided to see how tall they could stack their cups, ending with an astounding 101 cups stacked on top of each other! This inspired a cup stacking session in the next day's Wacky One Day activity. Also featured in Sunday's Wacky One Day period was Sumo Wrestling, a juggling class, and a seminar on how to change a tire. Campers were given a comprehensive lesson in this important life skill, starting with where to find the manual, and then watching a demonstration on how to change a tire, step by step. Initially attended primarily by our younger boys, a crowd of older campers joined once they saw just how educational the session was.


On Sunday the Pine Manor campers went out of camp to attend an Ojibwa Tribe Pow Wow. They were able to see a dancing competition and traditional drumming, as well as a singing group from Canada. The performers were dressed in traditional outfits, and the local tribal leader spoke to the audience in both english and a native language. There were a variety of vendors present, with offerings ranging from a map of tribal lands across North and South America, to a man selling indigenous LaCrosse sticks. The wood was steam bent, and the vendor showed campers how to cradle a ball with his special one-handed sticks.

The upcoming week promises to be just as fun. The Senior Village still has a few days of College Days remaining, including highlights such as plaque making and the Cook-Out. The rest of camp will participate in their second round of activity sign-ups. Chairs up!



Saturday, July 21, 2018

The First Week of 2nd Session


This past Sunday, we welcomed our 2nd session campers from Chicago and the Minneapolis airport as they ran up the hill through a man-made tunnel of cheering 8-week campers and staff. There, everyone gathered around the flagpole where cabins were announced for this session and new friends were happily made.

The next day, we proceeded with swim tests, health checks, and village activities. While some were swimming laps or getting their temperature taken, others played dodgeball or paddle boarded. Because the campers who are staying for 8 weeks completed these checks last session, they spent their day at the beach on Lake Superior. For dinner, staff dressed up in costumes and cheered as campers entered the lodge for our banquet, enjoying pasta, Caesar salad, and dirt and worms for dessert (chocolate and gummy worms!!).

We had our first full day of programs on Tuesday. Returners enjoyed programs like climbing or archery they had been dreaming about doing all year, while first time campers got to try waterskiing or sailing for the very first time. In the evening, everyone headed to the Council Ring to see the Staff Show, hosted by our very Nick Farley and Jared Gillett! Groups of staff were called up to create their own answers to fill-in-the-blank answers and introduced themselves to the campers.

Thursday was our very first Cruiser Day of the session. While we usually have them on Tuesdays, this reason was for a special occasion. It was the day we surprised everyone and went the Lumberjack World Championship! The Junior Village went to the KOA Campground in Hayward, WI and met up with the rest of the camp there. While some watched lumberjacks chop wood and run across logs, others tried their hand at hitting the bell with a mallet and winning the glorious "Stay Giant™" t-shirt.

Yesterday was our first Friday Night Service of the session, the theme being teamwork. Even though rain was expected and the air blew on the chilly side, that didn't stop North Star. We had our Keylog Ceremony, which gives campers and staff the opportunity thank those that had helped them. Guitars were played, songs were sung, keylogs were thrown, and an excellent sermonette was given by Jonah Goldfine.

And with a fantastic first week, we look forward to the next one!



Thursday, June 28, 2018

The First Cruiser Day


This last Tuesday, we had our first Cruiser Day here at camp this summer, where we stray from our typical routines and each cabin gets together to plan out a whole day. These activities can range from normal camp activities to creative, goofy things our staff thinks of.

In the morning, campers woke up with some glorious doughnuts for breakfast in bed and commenced a grand cabin clean-up, where sheets were changed, the floor was mopped, and laundry was sent out to be washed.

Then started the excitement. While some cabins went tubing on the fine Spider Lake waters or zip-lined off our climbing wall, campers also slip-and-slided on the athletic field on that hot and humid day here in the Northwoods. Others went out to the Musky Run Resort, where they enjoyed some delicious candy and soda. The cabin of I1 decided their theme for this Cruiser Day was Star Wars, so it was quite the sight to see Jake Kraemer looking exactly like Darth Maul.


The Junior Village had their Village Cruiser Day and spent it at the KOA Campground in Hayward, where they went down the waterslide, swam, go-karted, and jumped on the big, inflatable pillow. Afterwards, they headed to West's for ice cream and to the Hayward Beach for a grand cook-out.

To wrap things up, everyone enjoyed the iconic North Star meal, Tin Foil Surprise! This wonderful masterpiece is composed of cheese, potatoes, carrots, and ground beef, all prepared over a campfire. And for dessert, each cabin prepared golden brown marshmallows for some classic s'mores.

We can't wait for next Cruiser Day!

Monday, June 25, 2018

The First Week!


An array of pinks, oranges, and reds painted the back drop at the Council Ring as campers gathered for the opening friendship fire. This annual tradition marks the end of a jam packed first week of the 74th summer at North Star.


After their initial health checks and swim tests were completed on Tuesday, most of the campers transitioned into the daily routine of camp. The cabins of Pine, Manor and McCabin left on Wednesday for their 10 day excursion to Quetico Provincial Park in Canada. These boys are due to return to camp on Friday the 29th. The cabin of S1 also departed for their 5 day expedition on the Superior Hiking trail in northern Minnesota. Unfortunately, due to the unprecedented amount of rainfall we received in the days leading up to the campers' arrival, the rivers in the surrounding area are running dangerously fast. As a result, we have had to postpone and modify S2's and S3's cabin trips. These boys will now be canoeing and portaging in Sylvania Michigan.

Back in camp, activities are in full swing. The boys have been able to enjoy 6 full days of sunshine and seventies. All camp capture the flag, Kings Candy and our first Friday night service are a few of the highlights from this weeks evening programs. The campers also had the opportunity to reflect on their past week and look ahead to the coming week during their cabin campfires.

The annual Green/White Series is also officially underway. Jasper Chazen and Will Garnes were selected as the captains for the Junior Village. Milton Hafron and Ethan Nguyen will be representing the Intermediate Village, and Bodie Florsheim and Jack Foreman are the Senior Village's delegates. For this series of events, all campers are placed on either the Green or White team and compete in different sports or activities and earn points for their respective teams. The Green/White competition culminates with the "Marathon" which will take place on the morning of July 4th!

Finally, in addition to our youngest camper, Anderson Boehm, Avi Rubin, Jayden Cohen, and Jack Sollinger celebrated birthdays this past week!


It's been such a busy week and there is still so much more camping left to do! Stay tuned for more updates from the Northwoods!

Monday, June 18, 2018

North Star Summer of 2018!


North Star’s 74th summer is officially underway! The buses from both Chicago and Minneapolis timed a perfect arrival at 4:00 and each camper passed through a tunnel of excited counselors to see a beautiful 80-degree sunny afternoon. It was a picture perfect start to summer. The energy showed through as we gathered around the flagpole to announce the cabins, and then the boys headed toward their bunks to unpack. The cabin list is attached.

The boys are now unpacking and new campers are receiving a tour of camp. As they walk around camp, they will see many of the improvements from the off-season, including the new baseball batting cage and pitching machine, some remodeled cabins, a new splashmat and water log at swim point, and much more fun to come. By the time they go to sleep tonight, they'll have played games with their cabins and met some of the other guys their age as well.

Dinner this evening will be burgers, fries and jello, plus the ever present salad bar and Sun Butter and jelly. There will be vegetarian burgers available for those that prefer, and Gluten free options for those that need it. And of course brownies for dessert. Immediately following dinner, the campers will choose their first week's activities.

The evening activities will be followed by the candlelight ceremonies, where each cabin will have a meeting led by their counselors. They will share their goals and expectations for the summer, while continuing to get to know one another. This will be the first of many cabin discussions that are an important part of the team-building goals that we have for each cabin group, and helps develop the strong sense of community that we strive for at camp.

In addition to developing the community, we are working to develop each boy as an individual as well. One of the goals we are working towards this summer is called “the meaningful check in.” Each day, each boy at camp should receive a receive a check in with one of their counselors giving them an opportunity to reflect on their day. While so many boys consider sufficient dialog to be “What’s Up?”, “Nothing, you?”, “Nothing really,” we strive for more than that. Tru relationships and opportunities to grow require more depth than that. Friday Night Services offer the whole camp a time to reflect on our camp values. Sunday Night Campfires offer each cabin the chance to reflect on their growth as a cabin. And the Meaningful Check-Ins will offer each camper a daily opportunity to reflect on their personal goals and development. Our staff have taken this idea to heart, and I look forward to seeing this in action this summer.

Tomorrow the kids will have a busy day as our amazing medical team checks in the boys. The campers will take a swim test and find time to play several games of dodgeball. Evening program tomorrow will be our first game of All-Camp Capture the Flag. First thing on Wednesday morning the boys will begin their first week of regular activities. Wednesday morning our oldest campers will leave for their Canadian adventure, where they will spend 10 days in the Canadian wilderness in Quetico Provincial Park. Some of our 8th graders (we use the grade they just completed) will leave that day for five days on the Superior Hiking Trail, while other campers will depart straight away on the Brule River or the Flambeau River. Wednesday evening will be the staff show, where our very talented group will be on display.

Thank you for trusting us with your boys!

Sunday, June 3, 2018

2018 Staff Spotlight - Courtney Lyn-Kew


First year counselor Courtney Lyn-Kew joins the NSC staff as a counselor and soccer & fitness training instructor. He grew up in south Florida, playing soccer year round. He got his undergraduate degree from Defiance College in Ohio where he played on the soccer team.

He's now getting a graduate degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University with his Masters in School Counseling. He worked a few summers ago at a camp in Maine and we're excited to have him at NSC this summer!

More about Courtney

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?
- I found out about North Star through my own personal research. I was fortunate enough to work at a camp in Maine two years ago and I loved it, through school I wasn’t able to work during the following summers, however with having more flexibility this summer I knew that I had to find another camp to teach at!

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?
- If I could be any animal besides a human, I would choose to be a Koala. They’re very chill animals and basically just want to eat, sleep and hangout in trees, so basically everything I wish I could do now.

What is your guilty pleasure tv show(s):
- Don’t really watch tv at all but some shows that I have always enjoyed are Family Guy, and Stranger Things.

What is your dream Job:
- Growing up my dream was to be a professional soccer player, however I wasn’t able to make it happen. On the positive side I fell in love with school counseling and coaching. So for me, School Counseling and coaching soccer are now my dream jobs and I don’t see them changing anytime soon.

If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
- If I could have dinner with three people, I would choose Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr, and John Wooden. All three of those men are people I look up to, so to be able to have a meal with them and just pick their brains and take in everything they have to say would be amazing. Hearing their stories and how they found the courage to overcome their struggles and the feelings they all went through would be a dream come true and such a good learning experience.

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah/holiday present that you've ever gotten:
- The best Christmas gift I have ever gotten would probably be my JBL speaker, I use it everywhere I go. I’m very active, I use it at my soccer practices, at the beach, work (if it’s not busy), in the shower, kayaking, I literally take it everywhere with me and I love it. It’s indestructible.

What are/were your favorite subjects in school:
- For me I always loved P.E., I have always been athletic so it was a natural relationship. I also really liked Geography, I always found learning about different countries very interesting, I also liked simply knowing where the other countries were in relation to me.

What are your top three movies of all time:
- This was by far the hardest question to answer, however “Cool Runnings” is an absolute classic. Then I would have to say “Miracle”, I think the acting is so good and everybody played their roles so well and then all the emotions that were brought out of me, easily had to be in my top 3. With my last and final pick in the top three movie draft, and I know there will be people who disagree, however I personally have to go with “Guardian” with Ashton Kutcher. Now have never been someone who cries easily, in fact I can’t remember the last time I cried, but Guardian had me so close to letting a tear out that I had to put it in my top three.

What sports teams do you root for:
- Basketball- Miami Heat, Futbol- Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion, Tennis- Roger the legend Federer, Golf- Bubba Watson, Hockey- Florida panthers, College football- University of Florida, College soccer- Indiana University, College Hockey- University of Minnesota.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?
- I would call it a job but I absolutely love my internship, so it was noteworthy to me. I learned so much and had such a good time working with the kids, I felt I had a really good impact on some students and truly helped them change their live around. A random job I’ve had was working as Door Guy for a Bar in downtown West Palm Beach, I’m 5’10 and about 175 lbs and definitely don’t look intimidating, I originally applied to be a bar back but I guess they saw something in me that I didn’t. A menial job would be working as a busboy when I was younger, however I have always been a fan of people who work hard so to me as long as you’re earning honest money then I don’t really see jobs as being menial.

What did you do last summer?
- Last summer I stayed here in West Palm Beach due to school, however I worked a lot, relaxed, spent a good amount of time getting a nice tan, I grew my beard out (it wasn’t a good look) and basically just hung out with some friends.

Saturday, June 2, 2018

2018 Staff Spotlight - Joey Kaiser


Joey Kaiser returns for his second summer at North Star, after missing the summer of 2017. The Twin Cities native has been working on finishing his degree in electrical engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth. This upcoming fall will be his senior year during which hr will be tutoring general physics and working as a residential advisor.

As of recently he has also taken up training for a Marathon which he will run this September in the hopes of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Before camp starts he's planning a trip up the north shore as well as a trip into the Boundary Waters with friends.

More about Joey

What is your favorite camp meal?
- The pizza, the crust is my favorite!

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?
- An owl so I could fly and be able to see at night.

What is your guilty pleasure tv show(s):
- The Office

Where is your favorite spot at camp:
- The bench swing facing the lake by the funbugs.

What is your dream Job:
- Owning my own restaurant.

If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?:
- John Paul II, CS Lewis , and Tom Petty. I would choose John Paul because I think he was wise, CS Lewis because I think his books are interesting and Tom Petty because I like his music.

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:
- I think the Christmas present that I was most excited for is when my uncle bought my siblings and I a gamecube with Mario Kart double Dash when I was 10.

What are/were your favorite subjects in school:
 - I like reading in general so definitely reading class.

What are your top three movies of all time:
Lord of the Rings(The Fellowship of the Ring), Shawshank Redemption, and the Dark Knight

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook:
- Banana cream

What sports teams do you root for:
- Occasionally the Minnesota Vikings

Share a random or little known fact about yourself:
- I like reading books that are considered classics.

Thursday, May 31, 2018

2018 Staff Spotlight - Asher Borstein


Its the Big Ten for Asher Borstein. The Chicago area native graduated from Francis Parker High School where he played softball and chess. He is now finishing up his freshman year at Northwestern University.

At NU he's studying math and economics. He's involved with Greek life and plays intramural. At camp you'll find Asher on the tennis course, teaching disc golf as well as chess. We're excited to have Asher back!

More about Asher

What is your favorite camp meal?
- Waffles, easily. Favorite dessert is churros.

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?
- I would be a bird, flying would be sweet

What is your guilty pleasure tv show(s):
- The office and breaking bad. West world is pretty amazing as well.

Where is your favorite spot at camp:
- Council ring

What is your dream Job:
- General manager of a baseball team

If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?:
- I would have dinner with LeBron James, Jeff Bezos, and Barack Obama

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:
- Best Hannukkah gift was when my Dad gave me his baseball card collection

What are/were your favorite subjects in school:
- Math and economics (my majors!)

What are your top three movies of all time:
- Usual Suspects, Get Out, Slumdog Millionaire


What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook:
- I have yet to go to the nook and not get Butterfinger

What sports teams do you root for:
- I root for all Cleveland Sports: Cavaliers, Indians, etc.  (I attempt to root for the browns but this is difficult)


Share a random or little known fact about yourself:
- I was a top 50 high school chess player in the state of Illinois a couple years ago!

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

2018 Staff Spotlight - Harry Williams


1st year counselor Harry Williams joins us from Chester in the UK. He's a student at the University of Manchester where he is studying Mechanical Engineering. Growing up Harry was involved with scouts and would go on 2-3 camping trips per year.

Guitar and soccer (or futbol) are two of Harry's big interests. He's been playing guitar for six years and has taught kids. He's been playing soccer much of his life and reads up quite a bit on coaching and strategy, looking into analytics and other areas of the sport.

More about Harry

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?
- I always wanted to work on an American summer camp and in the UK you can sign up to an agency who will put you in contact with camps. Then North Star got in touch with me, the camp looked amazing so I said yes!

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?
- I would be a cheetah because who wouldn't want to be the world fastest mammal?

What is your guilty pleasure tv show(s):
- A British kids show called Tracy Beaker which I used to love watching but I didn't tell anyone!

What is your dream Job:
- When I graduate I hope to become an Engineer in a field that makes a difference to people's lives, that could be coming up with solutions to climate change or working on prosthetic limbs.

If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?:
- I would have dinner with Stephen Hawking because he was a great man with an incredible mind, I would love to learn from him. Malcolm X, I read his autobiography and was amazed by what he achieved in life by overcoming awful circumstances. I could learn a lot from his life experience. Finally, Jurgen Klopp! He is the manager of my favourite football (soccer) team, Liverpool FC, it would be so cool to talk to him about what goes on at the club and to talk to him about his life.

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah/holiday present that you've ever gotten:
- I had asked for a bike but wasn't expecting to get one. I was so happy when I did!

What are/were your favorite subjects in school:
- Maths and Physics were my favourites, the teachers I had for both were great and they gave me an important foundation for my Engineering studies.

What are your top three movies of all time:
- Forrest Gump, It's a Wonderful Life & Superbad

What sports teams do you root for:
- Liverpool FC (Soccer), England (Cricket, Rugby, Soccer).

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?
- I fed my neighbour's cats for a few years. They had a very luxurious menu laid out by their owners, being one of those cats wouldn't be a bad gig!

What did you do last summer?
- I went camping in Portugal with my mates from uni and after that I went to Sorrento in the Amalfi Coast, Italy with my family. Both were amazing, the Amalfi coast is beautiful.

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

2018 Staff Spotlight - Andrew Cohen


Andrew Cohen is back for his seventh summer at North Star and his second year on staff. The native of Deerfield, IL is just finishing up his junior year at Deerfield High School. There he's involved with student council, which he's been on since his freshman year.

This year he's been managing the JV volleyball team. Earlier in the winter, he traveled to New York City with other high schoolers as part of a youth group trip.

More about Andrew

What is your favorite camp meal?
- My favorite meal at camp has to be cinnamon rolls.

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?
- If I could be any animal I’d be a dog. They always make people happy and they don’t have to worry about very much.

What is your guilty pleasure tv show(s):
- I still love watching Phineas and Ferb whenever it comes on the TV.

Where is your favorite spot at camp:
- My favorite spot at camp is definitely the Council Ring. It’s always so peaceful there and the sunsets are incredible. I have countless memories from the Council Ring from my years as a camper and a counselor.

What is your dream Job:
- I’d want to be a pilot so I could travel the world.

If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?:
- First on this list has to be Kyrie Irving because I’m a huge Celtics fan. Chance the Rapper would also be there because I love his music and he seems like a really nice guy. Finally, I’d have Jimmy John so I could thank him for making such delicious sandwiches.

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:
- When I was five years old my parents got me and my sister a Wii and that’s been by far the best gift I’ve received.

What are/were your favorite subjects in school:
- My favorite subjects are anything related to math or science.

What are your top three movies of all time:
- In no particular order my top three movies are Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Star Wars Return of the Jedi and the Avengers.

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook:
- My favorite is the apple pie

What sports teams do you root for:
- I’m a huge Celtics fan and I also love watching the Cubs play.

Share a random or little known fact about yourself:
- Not a lot of people know that I play guitar

2018 Staff Spotlight - Elliot Robinson


Elliot Robinson joins us for his first summer. He's currently a second year bio engineering student in Sheffield in the UK. He grew up in the town of Barnsley and was on a swim team as a kid and also served as a volunteer coach while in grades 9-12.

Upon going to university, Elliot got into archery. He joined the university archery team and is currently the club's safety officer. He has his Golden Duke of Edinburgh award and took an expedition to Ecuador. He's also taken up competitive lifesaving so he'll be a valuable member of our waterfront as well as archery staff.


More about Elliot

 How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?
 - I learned about North Star through Camp Leaders and applied through Camp Leaders as well.

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?
 - I would be a dog (probably a German Shepherd), so I could give people reassurance and protect them, as well as, being really adorable and playful.

What is your guilty pleasure tv show(s):
- I will watch almost any sit-com just to relax, my favourites are; How I Met Your Mother, Brooklyn 99, Friends, Big Bang Theory and Scrubs.

What is your dream Job:
- CEO of a Biotechnology and future technologies company.

If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?:
 - Stephen Hawking - so I could attempt to learn a fraction about his life’s work
Chris Hemsworth - so I could see for myself if the rumours were true about him being a really standup guy, and talented in just about anything he does. I would also see if I could get a copy of his gym workout, for his role as Thor.
Sargent Steel(my great grandfather) - so I could ask him first hand what it was like in the war and show him how far we’ve come since then.

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah/holiday present that you've ever gotten:
- My car, for my eighteenth birthday, a white Ford Fiesta, which has since helped me go on many adventures.

What are/were your favorite subjects in school:
- Although I was good at the sciences and maths, my favourite subject was art as it was a lot more chilled out than the other subjects and I could listen to music and chat with my friends and class it as working, as long as, I had pencil to paper.

What are your top three movies of all time:
- Infinity War, Deadpool & Bugs Life

What sports teams do you root for:
- I root for my university sports teams, as I feel a lot closer connection to them, than any town or city team.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?
- I was a preschool worker at sixth form, before and after college.
I am currently a STEM ambassador, promoting science and engineering to the next generation.

What did you do last summer?
- I went on a family trip to America, we went to Yellowstone national park and saw so much wildlife, as well as, Old Faithful.


Thursday, May 24, 2018

2018 Staff Spotlight - Rudy Rizo


Rodolfo "Rudy" Rizo returns for his 3rd summer. The native of Oaxaca, Mexico has been working in our kitchen and will be working along side our kitchen manager helping keep things ortanized.

Since he returned to Mexico after last summer, he began with his teaching practice in different schools ,this takes almost all the time he has. In December he made a trip with Sandy (also a returning North Star kitchen staff member) in their motorcycle to the beach. We're excited to see Rudy soon!

More about Rudy

What is my favorite camp meal?!
-  Breakfast  pizza

If you could be any animal what would you be and why ?
- An eagle, because of the capacity they have to see their prey from a long distance and the great ability they have to fly long distances.

What is your guilty pleasure tv show ?
- The walking dead

Favorite spot at camp?
- Water front , because the view is so  awesome , it doesn’t mater If it’s in the morning or afternoon.

Dream job?
- Work for the embassy, as a police or consul.

Best Christmas present gotten ?
- When I was 10 year I got my first bicycle 🚲 and that bike took me to school for 2 years

Favorite subject in school ?
- German classes and etymology

Top three movies of all time?
- Psycho  from Alfred Hitchcock, Django Unchained & Schindler’s list

Random known fact about me.
- When I was 8 years old , I went to a summer camp in California and we visited a NASA place

, since that experience I got in love with summer camps and that’s the reason I come back to North Star

Monday, May 21, 2018

2018 Staff Spotlight - Fanni Sereg


After camp I came back to Hungary and back to school. I started to learn spanish cause I need it for my degree. I visited Prague with my friends in october. My boyfriend visited me for Christmas, then I took my exams. He also  visited me in March and this time a friend from camp visited me too. It was amazing time. in april I visited this friend in Munich. Now I’m getting ready to pass my exams and get to camp as soon as I can.

More about Fanni

My favorite camp meal:
- cinnamon rolls!! Those are sooooo good!

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?
- I’d love to be a Bunny just cause they’re so cute ( and I also have a bunny Gömbi)

What is your guilty pleasure tv show(s):
- Pretty little liars


Where is your favorite spot at camp:
- My favorite spot at camp is definitely  the swimming point


What is your dream Job:
- My dream job is to be the owner of a flower and coffee shop where you can leave your pets and I can take care of them until you get back

If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
- My Grandpa-  I miss him so much, Ellen Degeneres-  She’s just so funny!

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:
- My first dog!!

What are/were your favorite subjects in school: 
- Psychology and Marketing


What are your top three movies of all time 
- The Notebook, The greatest showman & Kingsman

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook: 
- strawberry sour cream

What sports teams do you root for:
- Hungarian water polo team

Share a random or little known fact about yourself:
- I talk to my Grandma every day on facebook