Staff Spotlight: Dillon Price

Earlier we introduced you to Adam Pechmann, who returning counselor Jeremy Palgen referred to camp and convinced to spend his summer at North Star. We'll have to make sure that its a great summer, otherwise not only will Adam have words with Jeremy, but so will Dillon Price. Dillon is currently an undergraduate at the University of Illinois, where he is in the same fraternity as Jeremy. 

Dillon grew up in Central IL, in the town of Bement. He went to high school for a few years in nearby Champaign, IL and now goes to college there at the University of Illinois. His career aspirations include working for the State Department as a foreign policy analyst.

Last summer Dillon worked at a camp in Decatur, IL. He spends a lot of time in the outdoors. He and his brother take canoeing and hiking trips each summer to Kentucky. On those trips he often catches his own food by fishing... so we're sure that he's got the chops to be a fishing instructor. He'll also instruct some riflery as well.

More About Dillon:

Favorite TV show: The Simpsons

Best place you've ever traveled to: Hands down, it would have to be my grandfather's horse farm in Kentucky.

Sports team(s) that you root for: The St. Louis Cardinals and The Fighting Illini (Oskee Wow Wow!)

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: Jeremy Palgen told me that it would be a great way to spend a summer, so I applied!

What did you do last summer: I worked at a summer camp in Decatur, Illinois.

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: I was an assistant manager at a Pizza Hut, and I also did internships at two different law firms.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: I went to a 4H camp for a weekend, but beyond that, not a lot!

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: Super intelligence, just so I can make the Iron Man suit!

Best Christmas present that you've ever gotten: As nerdy as this sounds, textbooks. Those things are expensive!

Preferred chicken nugget dip: Hot Sauce, with a cup of water close by to kill the fire.

There's a moose in this picture!

Staff Spotlight: Adam Pechmann

A few months ago when we introduced Dylan Fogarty, we talked about former counselor Scott Diebel, who was stepping out on a limb by referring a friend to work at camp. Counselor Jeremy Palgen is taking a double risk by bringing two friends to camp. One of these guys, Adam Pechmann was an undergraduate at the University of Illinois where he and Jeremy were fraternity brothers. He has since graduated and is now in graduate school at Eastern Illinois University hoping to one day become a school psychologist.

Adam grew up in Galesburg, IL. During high school he moved to St. Louis. He's from a large family, with seven brothers and sisters. He's always been interested in sports and the outdoors. He's taken education coursework, which gave him the opportunity to tutor and mentor kids. Sounds like camp will be right up his alley. 

More About Adam:

Favorite TV show: The Office, Arrested Development, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Dexter, Lost…I swear I prefer the outdoors.

Best place you've ever traveled to: South Padre Island, TX; Ocean City, MD; Daytona, FL, basically anyplace beach-side.

Sports team(s) that you root for: St Louis Cardinals, Rams, Blues; Chicago Bulls

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: I learned about North Star from a friend of mine at school who was a senior counselor last year and will be returning again this summer. He heard I was looking for a job that involved working with kids and he told me about the camp. It sounded like a perfect fit for me and I’m really looking forward to this summer!

What did you do last summer: Last summer I prepared to leave the security of my undergraduate career at the University of Illinois and head off to graduate school. I spent my last few months on campus working for a hotel and banquet center as a bartender and a server at T.G.I Friday’s. I spent my free time poolside or playing on a summer softball league (an absolute must!)

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: My first and probably favorite job thus far was working as a soccer referee in my community league in St. Louis. Since then I’ve worked mainly in the food service industry and swear to never return.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: I’ve attended various soccer and baseball camps growing up, but nothing like the North Star. I can’t wait to see what a real camping experience is all about.

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: Telepathy

Best Christmas present that you've ever gotten: Mountain bike in the 4th grade.

Preferred chicken nugget dip: BBQ sauce

Staff Spotlight: Hanna Swenson

To add to the confusion of names at camp (we have a Matt Nixon and a Matt Rixon, lots of Andys), we have two Swenson's, our Arts and Crafts Director Allison Swenson and now kitchen staffer Hanna Swenson. We haven't actually determined whether or not Hanna and Allison are related in any way.

Hanna joins us for her first summer. A native of Stoughton, WI, Hanna is a student at Edgewood College in Madison, WI. Hanna is majoring in art therapy with a minor in phychology and would like to some day become an art therapist. The outdoors have been a part of Hanna's life since she was a young child and her parents took Hanna and her sister camping, hiking, kayaking and canoeing.

Hanna ran cross country in high school and has volunteered at a pre-school working on art projects. In November of 2010, she spent two weeks in Haiti working with kids there. She's got lots of experience working with kids and we're thrilled to have Hanna on our staff.

More About Hanna:

Favorite TV show: Long Island Medium

Best place you've ever traveled to: Haiti

Sports team that you root for: Packers

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: UW job website

What did you do last summer: Nanny for kids in Madison, and go to Isle of palms SC for vacation

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: Working in a mail room

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: A horseback riding camp in 5th grade

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: Flying

Best Christmas present that you've ever gotten: A light yellow cruiser bike or cross country skis 

Preferred chicken nugget dip: I'm a vegetarian but on veggie chicken nuggets I prefer ranch

Welcome Trippers... Now Get Outta Here

We pride ourselves on our hospitality, and we tend to think that we're pretty welcoming of our new staff. Unfortunately, for our trip leaders, we wish we could have taken some time to chat, maybe give them a meal, and give them the North Star treatment. Unfortunately, for three of our new trip leaders, we had to send them away almost as soon as they got here.

Today was a big day for the summer of 2012; we had our first new staff arrive. Yup, its still May, but trip leaders get some extra training. Each of our trip leaders has to be a certified Wilderness First Responder and life guard. The WFR course is the industry standard, a nine day certification course that gives our trip leaders the skills to deal with the situations that arise in the back country. We hire great trip leaders, and giving them the WFR certification means that all of our campers are going on trips with folks who have top notch training.

So for four lucky trip leaders, this meant heading to Camp Manito-wish for their WFR training. Kyle Beecher, Sarah Crockett and Eli High all started their days in faraway places. The three of them caught early flights, leaving their hometowns as early as 6am, and they headed to Minneapolis, where our driver picked them up. After their flights, they drove three hours to North Star, but only for a short time. Since the WFR course starts tomorrow morning, they spend the night at Manito-wish, which is two and a half hours away. Just in time for their arrival, a heavy rain was falling in camp. In typical trip leader fashion, they were unfazed. They unloaded their stuff, repacked, and then, less than an hour after arriving at camp, they were headed to Manito-wish.

At the course, they'll meet up with our other new trip leader, Youssef Azmani. Youssef is from Milwaukee, so he drove straight to the WFR course. This is the tripper's life, and seeing how easily they dealt with a day full of hectic travel gave us lots of confidence that we've got another great group of trip leaders.

Staff Spotlight: Allison Swenson

Allison Swenson joins us for her first summer and will be our Arts and Crafts Director. She’s a student at St. Mary’s University in Winona, MN. She’s studying psychology with a minor in art. 

Her future aspirations are to become a grief counselor utilizing art therapy and when she read about our job, she thought it was the perfect fit. She’s active in several mediums, including drawing, stained glass and photography. She’s also a bow hunter, waterskiier and loves playing softball and hockey. A native of Ostego, MN, we’re happy to have Allison on board!

More About Allison

 Favorite TV show: True Blood & How I Met Your Mother

Best place you've ever traveled to: The Atlantis in the Bahamas

Sports team(s) that you root for: Wild (when we can skate), Rangers, I guess the Twins, and my Bulldogs

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: I have a cabin about 20 minutes from Hayward and some family friends who have a cabin on Spider so I've heard about the camp many times and just decided to fill out an app when I saw an add for employment. Now I am an art director and cant wait to get started!

What did you do last summer: Last summer I was a second year veteran at the White Bear Yacht Club as a fine dining server.

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: my first job was working at my grandpas printing press gathering pages for books and odds and ends. Then I moved up in the world and worked at the NSC (National Sports Center) in the hockey rink and worked in the penalty box and worked the score board for hockey and broom ball tournaments. Sadly I had to retire my colors and get a job serving fortune 500 company owners food at the WBYC.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: I went to a Girl Scout camp when I was little, other than that I am new to the whole camp experience...other than the numerous hockey camps I attended

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: Probably the ability to fly

Best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten: Nintendo 64. hands down.

Preferred chicken nugget dip: Ketchup.

Staff Spotlight: David Barrera

David Barrera comes to North Star from Monterrey, Mexico, where he's studying international marketing. David has been a sporting guy since he was a kid, playing football, soccer, baseball and tennis. He's also an experienced coach, having coached football for the Club Avispones. He created a summer camp program for Avispones.

David has been involved in camp, too. As a child, he went to Camp Olympia in Texas. His parents started a camp for kids on their ranch in Durango. David is a pretty diverse guy... he first took up waterskiing at the age of nine and has since taught friends how to ski and wakeboard. He's also a guitar player and In fall of 2010, he was invited to audition for Berklee College of Music in guitar and singing. He was accepted, but he choose to go to business school and to leave music as a great hobby. 

We welcome David for his first summer. He'll be a cabin counselor and waterski/wakeboard instructor.

More about David

Favorite TV show: NFL Network, Friends, Person of Intrest, HIMYM, The Unit, ellen.

Best place you've ever traveled to: Hmmmmm... I'd have to say Vancouver, Whistler

Sports team(s) that you root for: New Orleans Saints (Who Dat)!, L.A. Galaxy, Barussa Dartmond, Detroit Red Wings and Real Madrid

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: By a web page my mother sent me. I've always loved summer camps. I've been working with kids along time. this year i wanted to get away to someplace, new, awesome, and fun. i think North Star is the perfect place to spend the summer and do something i love.

What did you do last summer: I went to south padre island with friends. and started a summer camp in our football club.

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: I cleaned boats and jets ski one summer.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: I remember the last day of camp not being able to sleep cause i didn't want to leave.

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: Flying! no contest hahahaha

Best Christmas present that you've ever gotten: A guitar

Preferred chicken nugget dip: Barbecue

David coaching the Avispones Football team

Staff Spotlight: Maggie Martin

Maggie Martin grew up in Pontiac, IL., and headed down to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale for college. She’s majoring in paralegal studies and will be taking the LSAT this June as she aims to head to law school in the fall of 2013. Maggie will be joining us as an office assistant (don't worry, folks, Robyn Kirk will still be our Office Manager), though we’re looking forward to utilizing her skills throughout camp, including down at swim point, as a swim instructor. 

She was a three sport athlete in high school and swimming was definitely her favorite. She comes from a big family… her father has five siblings and her mother has seven siblings, so needless to say, she’s got lots of cousins. Maggie did point out that she has a tough time making decisions. Not only did it take her about an hour to complete the survey below, but she couldn't come up with one answer to several of the questions. We welcome Maggie for her first summer at North Star.

More About Maggie:

Favorite TV show: Glee, New Girl, Modern Family, Parks & Recreation, The Office

Best place you've ever traveled to: Spain or The Bahamas

Sports team(s) that you root for: I would be lying if I said I followed professional sports, but I know that I do not like the St. Louis Cardinals (editor's note... good answer!)

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: I learned about North Star online and I applied because I want to spend my summer helping others and it is such a pretty place!

What did you do last summer: I worked as a hostess a few days a week and lounged by my pool the rest of the time.

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: One summer I worked at a cemetery digging, filling, and watering graves.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: I attended camp in Southern Illinois three summers in a row during elementary school.

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: Time Travel

Best Christmas present that you've ever gotten: Flat-Screen TV

Preferred chicken nugget dip: Frank’s Hot Sauce or Heinz Ketchup

Staff Spotlight: Matty Nixon

We like having fun with names at camp. Further, Leb is infamous for his "Lebisms", which often involves mispronouncing names. A Duke alum, just ask him to pronounce Mike Krzyzewski's last name. We know that he won't be the only person confused by the fact that we have two counselors from Great Britain, one named Matt Rixon, the other named Matt Nixon.

Matty Nixon comes from Somerset, in the southwest if England. He has several years of experience as an activities instructor. He worked the last few years in Turkey for Sunsail (a vacation company) as an archery manager. He has also worked in the French Alps as an entertainer and ski instructor, in Greece as an activity leader, and for P&O and Disney cruise lines as a youth staff entertainer. He has experience coaching archery, fencing, sailing and waterskiing. At camp he’ll be an archery and waterski/wakeboard instructor.

Matty has lots of great programming experience from his various entertainment and tourism jobs. We know that North Star will be a great place for him this summer and we're planning on taking full advantage of his knowledge and ideas.

More About Matty:

Favorite TV show: NITRO CIRCUS

Best place you've ever traveled to: I have traveled all over the world through my job, but it has to be Barbados Caribbean

Sports teams that you root for: SOUTHAMPTON FC, BATH RUGBY CLUB

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: I started my career working in a summer a camp, i wanted to go back to my roots where i started!

What did you do last summer: i worked for Disney cruise line as an entertainer onboard the Disney Dream.

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: I worked for NCL (norweign cruise line) as an youth programme trainer

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: lots and lots, my favourite has to be... camp fire on the beach with 300 kids singing some amazing songs, we sounded like a world class choir but with a R&B twist

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: the ability to fly

Best Christmas present that you've ever gotten: 3 week vacation in America, Las Vegas, Palm springs, LA and California

Preferred chicken nugget dip: BBQ and sweet chilli 

Staff Spotlight: Youssef Azmani

Youssef Azmani comes to North Star as a wilderness trip leader. A native of Hales Corners, WI, he's spent the last year and a half as the operations manager of a fitness center in the Chicago area. He's also worked as a swim coach and head life guard in the Milwaukee area. He received his masters degree at the European University for Peace and Conflict Studies and would like to work with children as part of his career, so a job at camp seemed perfect for him.

A native cheese head, he's the oldest of eight children. His family took lots of camping trips to places like the Boundary Waters in MN and the Flambeau Flowage, one of the rivers that our campers take trips on. He's a real ourdoor enthusiast and we're glad to have Youssef on our trip staff!

More About Youssef:

Best place you've ever traveled to: Austria

Sports team(s) that you root for: Packers

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: Not sure how and what a better way to spend the summer outdoors with kids.

What did you do last summer: Was working as a personal trainer in Chicago

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: I started cleaning the gym and worked my way up to Operations Manager, both menial and noteworthy

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: I went to camp back when I was in grade school but cannot recall the name of the camp.

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: Invisibility

Best Christmas present that you've ever gotten: Downhill Skis

Staff Spotlight: Sarah Crockett

We seem to have a plethora of staff who have spent time in Africa, and perhaps none more than Sarah Crockett. Sarah is finishing up her studies at St. Lawrence University (New York) with her bachelor of science in biology and a minor in African studies. She spent a semester abroad in Kenya and also participated in a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) semester course. 

At St. Lawrence, she’s active in the outing club and she volunteers at a local organic farm. She lives in the Woman’s Resource House and has been extremely active running some of their activities, including a hike for “Take Back the Night”. Sarah grew up in Raymond, Maine and her family has always been active outdoors. She’s spent plenty of time pitching tents and operating campfire stoves and we know that she’ll be a great fit as one of our trip leaders.

More About Sarah

Favorite TV show: Friends

Best place you've ever traveled to: Lamu, Kenya

Sports team(s) that you root for: Red Sox!

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: I learned about North Star from a NOLS alumni email. I decided to apply after watching the video!

What did you do last summer: I have worked at Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake for the past seven summers. In high school I worked in the Children's Program and for the past three summers I was a waitress.

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: Working at ski school at Sunday River has been my favorite job... so far

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: Growing up I attended numerous sports camps, but was never a camper at a multi-week traditional summer camp

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: To breath under water

Best Christmas present that you've ever gotten: A super fast sled that steers

Preferred chicken nugget dip: honey mustard

We have to include a pic of Sarah doing something outdoorsy!

Staff Spotlight: Eli High

Eli High comes to us from Nature's Classroom, a year round outdoor education center. There he met Kacy Lebby, who, as our trip director, knows a thing or two about what we're looking for in our trip leaders. Kacy recommended that Eli apply, which he did, and now he's on board as a member of our trip staff. 

Eli was born in Georgia and moved to the St. Louis area when he was 12. He was an accounting major for the first three years of college before he realized that wasn't what he wanted to do with his life. He changed his major and has spent the last few years educating kids in outdoor settings. He's worked at Nature's Classroom for the past two years and we're looking forward to all that he'll bring to North Star.

More About Eli:

Favorite TV show: SportsCenter

Best place you've ever traveled to: Hawaii

Sports team(s) that you root for: St. Louis Cardinals, the Atlanta Falcons, and the St. Louis Blues

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: Kacy Lebby turned me onto North Star

What did you do last summer: Last summer I went to a bunch of Cards games and worked at the local animal shelter in my home town.

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: Have had thousands of jobs.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: Worked with host organizations that coincide with Nature's Classroom. Camp Jewell, etc.

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: To Fly!!!

Best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten: A puppy around the age of 6 that lived till I was in high school.  A true friend that is still deeply missed.

Preferred chicken nugget dip: Depends on the style/taste of the nugget.  Probably honey mustard or BBQ.

Staff Spotlight: Kyle Beecher

Kyle Beecher was born in Georgia before moving to Indiana in 7th grade. In high school he took a camping trip to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, and this is where his outdoor interests were born. He took up back packing, rock climbing and mountaineering. He’s done solo backpacking trips and has led small groups on multiple day trips He’s hiked extensively in Colorado and also spent two weeks hiking in New Zealand. 

A graduate of Ball State University, he worked at Uncle Dans Outfitter in Chicago and remembers outfitting some of our campers before they headed to camp for the summer. He’s also got extensive video editing experience, so in addition to being one of our trip leaders, he’ll be responsible for our summer video.

More About Kyle

Favorite TV show: Its a toss up between Top Gear and almost anything on the Science Channel

Best place you've ever traveled to: South Island of New Zealand

Sports team(s) that you root for: Manchester United and Chicago Bulls

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: I use to work for an outdoor store in Chicago where I would outfit the campers of NSC for the summer.  I applied to North Star because I knew it would give me the opportunity to do what I love, be in the outdoors and share my skills and knowledge with the youth.

What did you do last summer: I spent the summer backpacking on the Colorado Trail and ascending 14ers.  Also spent some time sport climbing in Boulder Canyon and Clear Creak Canyon.

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: I sold sweet corn from a trailer on the side of the road in a really small town outside of Lafayette, IN.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: When I lived in Georgia, I attended a camp for a few years offered thru the YMCA. 


If you had a super hero power, what would it be: Super human strength


Best Christmas present that you've ever gotten: ENO Doublenest Hammock


Preferred chicken nugget dip: Honey mustard

Staff Spotlight: Jason Mann

Jason Mann returns to North Star for summer #3. Originally from New Berlin, WI, he’s currently studying at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in, you guessed it, Stevens Point, WI. There he’s a soils and waste management major.

Jason actually first came to us as a referral from Camp Timberlane and we’re glad that they didn’t have any remaining trip leader spots that summer. This will be his third summer as one of our trip leaders. Occasionally, when he’s not on trips, you can find him out long boarding, one of his big hobbies. Our campers and staff really love Jason's sense of humor and having him as their trip leader!

More About Jason:

Favorite tv show: dual survival

Best place you've ever traveled to: glacier national park Montana

Sports team that you root for:  brewers

Favorite camp meal: portabella mushroom burger with tomato and cheese or the awesome salad bar...yes I'm a vegetarian whooop!

Favorite spot at camp: tripper shack

Earliest camp memory or notable camp memory: my first night in camp eating dinner in the lodge sitting with Leb and Ben Mizel and talking about life and past experiences. I had know clue who Mr. Mizel was at the time and did not know what an impact he has had at North Star. I'm now glad to say were friends and have many fond memories at camp with Ben.

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: master of every outdoors skill...oh wait already have that, I wish I could fly because I tried once and it did not end well.

Best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten: Osprey Crescent 90 Liter backpacking pack, best pack I have ever owned, thanks mom and dad.

Preferred chicken nugget dip: BBQ sauce hands down

A great shot that Jason took on the 2011 Canadian

Staff Spotlight: Scotty Levine

The Brother's Levine, Scott is on the right.

Scotty Levine joints our great crew of Counselors in Training. After taking a year off in 2010, he decided that he missed camp and very much wanted to go on the Canadian. He was back in 2011 and we're thrilled to have him on our staff.

He's a native of Scottsdale, AZ where he's a student at Brophy College Prepatory school. There he’s a member of the student council. An avid climber, Scotty is on the club at his local climbing gym. We’re looking forward to having Scott join our staff. He’ll be instructing climbing as well as wakeboarding and tennis.

More About Scott:

Favorite tv show: Anthony Bourdain: No reservations

Best place you've ever traveled to: Salmon River, Idaho


Sports teams that you root for: Coyotes, D-backs, Phoenix Suns

Favorite camp meal: Chicken Kiev 

Favorite spot at camp: The Tipi

Favorite all camp/special program to do at camp: Glen's Game

Earliest camp memory or notable camp memory: My first time on the zipline, I
was scared out of my mind

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: The ability to fly

Best Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten: Ukulele

Preferred chicken nugget dip: Barbeque sauce

Boil water boil!

Staff Spotlight: Andy Stern

Andy Stern returns to North Star after a two summer hiatus. A native of Highland Park, IL, Andy graduated from The University of Illinois with his teaching degree. Over the past year he's been substitute teaching as he looks for a full time teaching job. He's had a few sub positions, including his current long term job in Highland Park where he's worked with some of our campers.

This will actually be Andy's 10th year at camp, so add him to our slate of "Big Ten" guys. He'll be a cabin counselor and waterski and golf instructor, however he's also a big disc golfer, so he'll be spending some time there, too. We're glad to have Andy back!

More About Andy:

Favorite tv show: All time favorite- The Simpsons, Current Favorites- Suits & The Good Wife

Best place you've ever traveled to: About a dead tie between Venice, Italy and Vienna, Austria.

Sports team(s) that you root for: Chicago White Sox and the New Jersey Devils

Favorite camp meal: Margo's Cinnamon Buns, with tacos a close second

Favorite spot at camp: The Council Ring at sunset

Favorite all camp/special program to do at camp: Capture the Flag

Earliest camp memory or notable camp memory: Sleeping through a birthday pizza party with my bunk mate, Doug, while the rest of the cabin were out on the tennis courts looking at the stars. It was actually Doug's birthday pizza party that we slept through.

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: The ability to selectively read minds, nothing like What Women Want where you have to hear everything.

Best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten: A 400 disc blu-ray player

Preferred chicken nugget dip: Ketchup is the answer to everything.

Andy with camp alums Beth Shefcyk, Spencer Schneider, Jeff Glickman and Adam Heldman

Chicago Area Alumni, Play Trivia for a Great Cause

Do you like playing trivia? Want to support a great cause? On Sunday May 20th, the Camp for all Kids Foundation will be hosting the first "You Don't Know Jack" trivia contest. The event will be held at Roots Pizza,
1924 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago.

The event will include dinner, raffles, the opportunity to win prizes, and play trivia. The good cause? we'll help raise money for the Camp for All Kids Foundation. The event will involve all CFAK camps and we're hoping that we can enter a North Star team or two to take on folks from camps Birch Trail, Chippewa, Kamaji and Timberlane.

Cost of the event is $45 and includes dinner and soda. A cash bar will be open. You can find out more about the event here: 

http://www.campforallkids.org/youdontknowjack.php

Whether you have a team of folks that you want to enter, click the link above and you can register online. If you want to join a team on your email us at office@northstarcamp.com and we'll get you more info! You don't have to be a camp person to attend, so feel free to bring along your friends!

Staff Spotlight: Michael Berger

Another of our great Junior Counselors is Michael Berger, A native of  Chicago, IL, he returns for summer number nine. Michael is a junior at the Latin School. He is on his school’s volleyball team and also will is taking classes at Second City in Chicago. As noted by the pictures that we choose, he's a pretty animated guy, so he'll certainly put those classes to use at camp.

At camp, Michael can be found on the riflery program and in the arts and crafts. He's also known to spend some time on the softball field as well as on theater games.

More About Michael

Favorite tv show: 30 rock or psych

Best place you've ever traveled to: China or Italy

Sports team(s) that you root for: Bulls, bears, cubs, and blackhawks

Favorite camp meal: Fish fry

Favorite spot at camp: The council ring (especially on a Friday night)

Favorite all camp/special program to do at camp: All camp capture the flag

earliest camp memory or notable camp memory: My J1 trip down the mighty Namekagon river

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: Teleportation

Best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten: Tickets to late night with Jimmy Fallon.

Preferred chicken nugget dip: Honey mustard

Staff Spotlight: Isaac Lasko

Junior Counselor Isaac Lasko resides in Highland Park, IL where he is a junior at Highland Park High School. This will be his 7th summer at camp and his 2nd on staff. Amongst the many things that he does at camp are waterskiing, riflery and tennis. He’ll also be found on sailing and climbing.

Over the past six months he’s been learning how to play the piano and is planning on bringing his piano accordion to camp.We're looking forward to the addition of his musical talents!

More About Isaac:

Favorite TV Show: Aqua Teen Hunger Force


Best Place I've Traveled to: Canada Boundary Waters

Sports Team You root for: Chicago Teams!

Whats your favorite Camp Meal: Fourth of July Breakfast

Favorite Spot at Camp: The Villa (Senior Village)

Your favorite all-camp program: Pow Wow Day

What's your earliest Camp Memory: Wacky Introductory Skits on the first day

Notable camp memory: The Canadian

If I had a superhero power: Telekinesis

Whats your best Hanukkah present: Desktop Mac Computer, Don't know what id do without it

Preferred Chicken Nugget Dip: Ranch

Staff Spotlight: Tyler Ray

Indiana native Tyler Ray joins us for his first summer at North Star. Hailing from just outside of Indianapolis, he is a sophomore at IU-Bloomington. He's always loved doing outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to waterskiing, wakeboarding and rafting. He was in Boy Scouts throughout most of high school, so needless to say, a summer job outdoors is perfect for him. Tyler found out about us through the IU waterski club. We'll make sure to provide him with plenty of sun screen as he's going to spend lots of time on the waterfront. He's also a sailor and will be instructing both sailing and waterskiing/wakeboarding.

Tyler is also quite the musician. He's been playing guitar since he was in 8th grade. He's hoping to make music a part and he's been accepted into the School of Music's guitar department. We'll be sure to make good use of his musical skills.

More About Tyler:

Favorite TV show: Adventure Time

Best place you've ever traveled to: Seattle Washington

Sports team(s) that you root for: Indianapolis Colts

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: I learn about it through IU Ski and Snowboarding Club and I wanted to be in the outdoors this summer doing something different

What did you do last summer: I took a road trip to Cali for 2 weeks and worked at my restaurant job

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: Server, Dish-Tank, and Outdoor landscaping

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: I went to boy scout camp when I was younger for a few summers

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: Telekinesis

Best Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten: A Trampoline

Preferred chicken nugget dip: definitely honey mustard  

He's on a boat!

Staff Spotlight: Chad Prater

Chad Prater is yet another of our crew that attends Winona State University. Winona was one of our stops during our February staffing road trip and while previous stops in LaCrosse and Stevens Point, WI weren't very fruitful, Winona was great as we ended up hiring Chad and two other Warriors (thats the Winona mascot...). Chad is studying elementary education with a minor in math, so needless to say, working at camp is a pretty good fit for him. 

He loves playing sports, namely tennis and basketball, and he attended a Bo Ryan's basketball camp. There's no word on whether or not Bo tried to block Chad from going to college at Winona (just a bit of Badger joke from a UW alum). I initially started discussing our tennis instructor position when I learned that Chad is also an experienced life guard and certified water safety instructor, so he'll come in useful both on the tennis courts and down at swim point. A first year staff member, Chad hails from Edgerton, WI.

More About Chad:

Favorite TV show: Entourage

Best place you've ever traveled to: Kenya

Sports team(s) that you root for: Packers, Bucks, Brewers

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: I learned about North Star camp at our schools camp/internship/volunteer fair and applied because it looked like a lot of fun.

What did you do last summer: Worked as a lifeguard/swim instructor in WInona, MN

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: I've been to a couple sport camps but never any summer camps

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: The power to fly

Best Christmas present that you've ever gotten: Tennis Racquet

Preferred chicken nugget dip: Honey

April/May Siren is now Online

The April/May 2012 Siren is now online! Get the latest news, including lots of info on this summer's staff. Not only will we introduce you to lots of folks who are excited to be calling camp home for the first time this summer, but you'll find out about several returners that will be back in 2012. We're very excited about our counselors, trip leaders and all the support staff who have dedicated their summer to making it the very best for all of our campers.

You can also find out why there will no longer be any announcements about black pipes near the junior village wash house. We won't spoil that news... make sure you check out the newsletter to find out whats up and check out some great pics from Andy's latest trip up to camp.

You can access the Siren here: http://bit.ly/InN8K7 or go to www.northstarcamp.com, go  to the Current Families section of the website and click the newsletters link in the media room.

Staff Spotlight: Chad Harju

Chad Harju was born and bred in Ann Arbor, MI, and when he decided where he'd spend his college years, he felt that there was no place like home, heading for the University of Michigan. He's a big fan of UMich athletics and he had a marketing internship in the athletic department there. Unless we add any OSU Buckeyes to the staff, he'll have to settle for sports arguments with our Michigan State staff. 

Ann Arbor is also home to many disc golf courses, one of Chad's passions. He began playing during his sophomore year of college and fell in love with it. I'm sure that Chad will become a regular member of the morning disc golf crew. We welcome Chad for his first summer at North Star as a cabin counselor and disc golf instructor.

More About Chad:

Favorite TV show: Game of Thrones

Best place you've ever traveled to: Stockholm, Sweden last summer. I was even able to play Disc Golf!

Sports team(s) that you root for: All University of Michigan Athletics, especially football and basketball, I bleed Maize and Blue!  My favorite professional sports teams are: Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, and Detroit Pistons.

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: Two friends and myself started the University of Michigan Disc Golf Club last August.  At the beginning of this semester, we received an email from Dan looking for potential counselors that were interested in disc golf.  I applied, and met Dan and Andy at the Michigan Union and the rest is history.

What did you do last summer: Last summer I was lucky enough to travel to Europe.  The places that I visited were Sweden, London, and Scotland.  It was an experience that I will never forget.

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: When I was in high school, Jumper the movie came to film.  I was lucky enough to get a job as a movie extra.  Next time you watch the movie, look for the bridge scene at the beginning of the movie.  If you look really closely at the bridge you can see me, it’s very blurry so you’ll just have to trust me. I have also spent the last three years working for the University of Michigan Athletic Department as a marketing intern, giving me the ability to see my favorite teams compete from the sidelines.  Both of these jobs were two of the most fantastic positions I have been lucky enough to attain.  I look forward to adding Camp North Star to the group!

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: This will be my first camp experience, and I can’t wait!

If you had a super hero power, what would it be: I love to travel, so I’d definitely love to be able to teleport anywhere in the world instantly.  Yea, that would be cool.

Best Christmas present that you've ever gotten: N64 when I was in 3rd grade, I can’t remember a time when I was more excited from opening a present.

Preferred chicken nugget dip: Sriracha mixed with ranch, no question. 

Staff Spotlight: Noah Larson

Noah at a school in Kenya

Noah Larson comes to North Star for summer #1 from Lakeville, MN, just south of the Twin Cities. He's currently a student at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, where he's studying electrical engineering. He's currently taking 19 credit hours of class, so we're sure that he'll enjoy the pace of camp quite a bit. He headed to school in the Black Hills of SD, in part, because of his love of the outdoors and the terrain there is perfect for mountain biking.

Noah has quite a bit of camp experience himself. As a child, he went to family camps in MN. He then worked at a camp for intercity youth. He's also coached basketball camps and last summer worked as a personal care assistant for a disabled ten year old at a camp. Noah brings quite a bit of skills with him to camp and can do many outdoor activities. He'll focus on climbing, riflery and model rocketry.

More About Noah:

Favorite TV show: Top Gear

Best place you've ever traveled to: Nairobi, Kenya.

Sports team(s) that you root for: Denver Broncos, Twins, Vikings, and the Gophers

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: I learned about North Star through another camp, I wanted to work at a camp this summer to do something different and make more of a difference than I could at other jobs.

What did you do last summer: Woke up too early and stayed up too late

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: I used to milk cows as a ten year old

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had:  I worked at a camp last summer as a personal care assistant for a disabled ten year old

If you had a super hero power, what would it be:  Be able to make portals with my hands.

Best Christmas present that you've ever gotten: Honda CR-85 Dirt Bike

On top of Cloud Peak in Wyoming