Staff Spotlight - Max Sinton

Hey everyone! My name is Max Sinton and I am from Deerfield, Illinois. I will be returning to North Star for my 10th summer this year. I just finished up my freshman year at the University of Kansas, I am currently studying Accounting. At camp you can find me on the disc golf course, playing land sports, and also water skiing and wake boarding (don’t forget about the boat bot!). I can’t wait for the summer to start!

More about Max

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

- I would be a baby Kangaroo so I could be carried around in a pouch all day.

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

-Definitely Sheen from Jimmy Neutron.

Where is your favorite spot at camp:

-Either the counselor ring or the solo room view in the cabin I-5,

What is your dream Job:

- Something that involves traveling the world.

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

- I would want to fly. I feel like that would be fun and it would save a lot of gas.

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:

- When I was six years old I got this awesome new bike!

What is your preferred chicken nugget dip:

- BBQ sauce.

What are your top three movies of all time:

- Interstellar, The Mighty Ducks, Sweet Home Alabama.

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook?

- The chocolate peanut butter pie is the way to go.

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- I was actually dropped as a baby thanks to my lovely sister.

Share one notable camp memory:

- The entire Canadian (Shoutout to Baim, Johnny, Parker, Andy, Bricker, Pollack, Chogan, Brett, Spencer, Ethan, Sheehan, TRAY, and Ben)

Staff Spotlight - Benjamin Savoy

I'm Ben Savoy and this will be my 2nd summer on staff after being a camper. I'm from Encino, CA and am finishing my Junior year at Notre Dame High School. Since the beginning of 2016, my math tutoring business has continued to thrive. Every Sunday, I schedule my clients for the upcoming week, and every day, I am constantly tutoring either my peers or my clients. Because of my strong love for math and investing, this year I started the Investment Club at my school. What started as a hobby is now a "job." Whether I'm preparing powerpoints for the students to educate them about the stock market or I'm pondering about other interesting ideas, I am always thinking about math. I love helping others and I really enjoy seeing the people I help succeed

More about Benjamin

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

- I would be an elephant because elephants are so calm and no other animals tries to mess with them.

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

- I really like Patrick from SpongeBob because he is always funny and he can always make me laugh.

Where is your favorite spot at camp:

- The Council Ring.

What is your dream Job:

- Working on Wall street or becoming an Astronaut. 

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

- If I had any super power I would choose to be a healer so that I can help anyone who is injured.

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:

- I once got a very limited edition Lego set (Lego Carousel).

What is your preferred chicken nugget dip:

- Ketchup.

What are your top three movies of all time:

- Interstellar, The Italian Job, and Now You See Me

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook?

- Classic, original, Apple Pie.

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- I like to trade stocks and invest in the stock market.

Share one notable camp memory:

- One memory that I will never forget is when I went on the Canadian. I am so lucky to have spent 10 days in the wilderness with all my friends and people that I trust. I enjoyed this trip mainly because it was the transition from childhood to adulthood for me.

Staff Spotlight - Gabriela Sanabria

Hi, I'm Gabriela Sanabria, but you can call me Gaby, I'm 21 years old and I'm from Bucaramanga, Colombia. I'm recently pre- degree graduated in International business management at Bolivarian Pontifical University in Bucaramanga. I love to practice all kind of sports specially Volleyball and Soccer.

More about Gaby

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?

- I heard about camp because of my best friend Vane, she is a nanny at camp and told me how amazing this experience would be for me.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

- I wish I can be a dolphin, they are very fast and super smart.

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

- My favorite Cartoon Character is Kim from Kim Possible

What is your dream Job:

 - I don't really have a dream job, but since I decided to study international business I dream a lot about traveling. If I can find a job that allows me to travel around the world would be perfect!

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

- Teletransportation because you can be wherever you want at anytime and this could be amazing.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

- Usually in Colombian when you are almost done with high school, you have to do some charity work. Me and a couple of friends decide to work with blind people for a while. They were running athletes and we had to train with them for 6 months! It was a very beautiful experience.

What are your top three movies of all time:

- All Harry Potter Saga

What did you do last summer?

- Last summer I stayed in Colombia doing my internship in a Freight forwarder to obtain my degree in my university.

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- I've played Violin since I had 9 years old

What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had?

- I've never had any experiences with camps before, but I love being out in open places. Near my city there is a condo called "Casa de campo", and it is such an amazing place. Where you can do water sports, go hiking etc...

Staff Spotlight - Carlos Jaik

Carlos Jaik returns for his second summer at North Star. Carlos comes to North Star from Colima in Mexico. He's a USPTA certified tennis pro and he's very involved in tennis in Mexico. He is the secretary of the tennis association and is the coordinator of tennis coaches. He instructed tennis for six summers at a camp in New York and has also taught in California. This past year he instructed tennis at Club Med in Ixtapa. Carlos will be instructing private tennis lessons this summer while overseeing our main tennis program. 

More about Carlos

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? 

- Eagle

What is your favorite cartoon Character: 

- Aang the Avatar

Where is your favorite spot at camp: 

- The Tennis Courts

What is your dream Job:

- Tennis Professional

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

- Superman

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten: 

- A big family meeting

What is your preferred chicken nugget dip:

- BBQ

What are your top three movies of all time:

- Hercules, Gladiator and Wimbledon.

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook?

- Pecan and Chocolate

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- Persistent

Share one notable camp memory:

- Every single day on the Tennis Courts with Mike Storms was a notable camp memory

Staff Spotlight - Asher Borstein

Asher Borstein returns to North Star for his eight summer. He's currently finishing up his junior year at Walter Payton College Prep High School in Chicago. At Payton he's on the softball team. He was once the Illinois state champion chess player. At camp he'll be instructing tennis, chess and waterskiing.

More about Asher

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

- A Bald Eagle because I can fly and I would still be at the top of the food chain 

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

- Ferb from Phineas and Ferb

Where is your favorite spot at camp:

- I've gotta go with the council ring on a Friday night with a beautiful sunset

What is your dream Job:

- General Manager of a football or baseball team

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

- Mind reading/mind control would be totally awesome

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:

- My ping pong table which has gotten so much use over the years

What is your preferred chicken nugget dip:

- Good old barbecue sauce

What are your top three movies of all time:

- The Ususual Suspects, the Godfather Part II, Shawshank Redemption. I really enjoy good movies.

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook?

- Butterfinger all day! I don't think I have ever tried anything else.

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- I placed top-15 for board #2 in the Illinois state chess tournament this year.

Share one notable camp memory:

- A notable memory was that feeling of satisfaction my friends and I had after 10 days in Canada. All of us tested our physical and emotional limits that trip, and it was cool to share that feeling of accomplishment as a cabin. Of course, the trip to McDonalds afterwards was nice!

Staff Spotlight - Kolton Kitterman

Kolton Kitterman comes to North Star for his first summer. Kolton is from Oologah, Oklahoma and went to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College for a year before transferring to the University of Illinois. He just finished his sophomore year at UofI, where he's a kinesiology major with the goal of becoming a physical therapist. Kolton is on the Illini Bass Fishing team and you'll find Kolton on fishing as well as athletics at North Star.

More about Kolton

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?

- I learned about North Star camp through Dan reaching out to the Illini Bass Fishing Club on campus at the University of Illinois. I wanted the opportunity to travel somewhere new, while having the opportunity to teach children what I know and the experiences I have.

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?

- I have always wanted to be a Cheetah because they are the fastest animals in the world. Along with the most beautiful in my opinion. I love that they pick in choose when to expend their energy at the right moments to capture their prey.

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

- My favorite cartoon character is Courage from Courage the Cowardly dog. Despite being scared of everything. When it came to his loved ones, he would be his fear aside and come to their aid.

What is your dream Job:

- My dream job is to become a Physical Therapist.

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

- My super hero power would be to run very quickly just like The Flash or a Cheetah.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

- Rehab Tech for a therapy company at a nursing home.

Student Activities assistant at a junior college.

What are your top three movies of all time:

1) The Longest Ride

2) Remember the Titans

3) The Avengers: The Age of Ultron

What did you do last summer?

- Last summer I worked as a Rehab Tech at a nursing home.

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- I have the ability to shake my eyes on my own.

What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had?

- The summer of 2013 I traveled for 15 days around Oklahoma exploring different sites and learning about Dinosaurs. I also spent a week at Oklahoma Boys State, which was an opportunity for the top senior boys in the state of Oklahoma to  learn about the Oklahoma government. The summer of 2012 I traveled for 9 days through Oklahoma into Colorado experience the world of Geology. My freshman through senior year of high school I helped in our High School Basketball camp.

Staff Spotlight - Joey Kaiser

First year staff member Joey Kaiser joins comes from Vadnais Heights, MN, which is just outside of St. Paul. He ran track in high school and was considering running in college. He's currently a student at the University of Minnesota - Duluth where he's majoring in Electrical Engineering. Among his hobbies is climbing, which is one of the activities that he'll be teaching at North Star.

More about Joey

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?

-I learned about camp through an email and I applied because I thought it would be a fun opportunity to try something new for a summer. Plus I love being outdoors and doing things.

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?

-A peregrine falcon, because I would be able to travel places faster.

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

- Spongebob Squarepants

What is your dream Job:

-Owner of a bakery.

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

- Super Speed

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

-I worked at a steakhouse as a cook, I ate well in those days.

What are your top three movies of all time:

- Gladiator, Shawshank Redemption, and Toy Story

What did you do last summer?

-Worked at Versa Lok as a forklift operator.

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

-I am a fan of Taylor Swift.

What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had?

- I used to go to Danbury Wisconsin to go camping with my family during the summer and I also camped in the Grand Canyon with my dad and brother when I was in middle school.

Staff Spotlight - Jeff McCormack

 Well hi!  My name is Jeff McCormack and I am the CIT (Counselor In Training) Director and “disc golf guy” at North Star.  This will be my 21st summer on staff.  In my role as the CIT Director, I support the CITs as they make the transition from camper to counselor.  As the disc golf guy, I head up the disc golf program and maintain the disc golf course (let me know if you see a wasp nest on the course…I’ll take care of it). 

 I hail from Westminster (a suburb of Denver), Colorado.  During the year I teach Special Education for 18-21 year old young adults with disabilities (I have the most amazing students!).  I’ve been married to Kim McCormack for 13 years and we have two children, Lake (11) and Summer (3).  We also bring our super sweet, but shy dog Osa (we hope she's more brave and social this summer).  Looking forward to seeing everybody very soon for the Summer of 2016!   

More about Jeff

If you could be any animal (besides a human) what would you be and why?

- My favorite animal is the Rhino.  I think they are amazing animals.  Big, powerful, gentle giants, great parents and agile for their size! 

What is my favorite cartoon character:

- Some people might be surprised to hear that it's actually NOT Spongebob Squarepants these days.  I'm a big fan of the movie the Incredibles and love the entire Incredibles family, but especially Mr. Incredible/Bob Parr. 

Where is your favorite spot in camp:

- It's a given that Council Ring will always hold a special place in my heart, but I love being on the North Star Disc Golf Course with campers and staff.  I'm also kind of partial to the Ball Shack these days.

What is my dream job:

- I feel like I'm working my dream job every summer at North Star!  Other than camp, I think it would be cool to buy an amazing plot of land and open up a "pay to play" disc golf destination with a pro-shop/restaurant, and try to make the disc golf experience just like the ball golf experience.  I also wouldn't mind being the new host of Man vs. Food. 

If I had a super power, what would it be:

- I would have to go with Teleportation.  Would be so nice to have the ability to go anywhere that I wanted, whenever I wanted!  Big fan of the movie "Jumper". 

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:

- I remember that it was a big deal when I got a bike when I was kid.  Also, one year I got a super sweet Chicago Bears Starter jacket (back then, those were the cooooolest!). 

What is your preferred chicken nugget sauce?

- There is no better nugget/fry dip than Chick Fil-A sauce!

What are your top three movies of all time:

1. The Great Outdoors (reminds me of my summers at Pine Crest resort as a kid...right across the lake from NSC).

2. Dumb and Dumber (I could watch it 20 times and still crack up every time, it never gets old).

3. Rocky IV (Rocky vs. Drago...I still get goosebumps when Rocky's training old school!).

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

- It's gotta be warm Pecan with a scoop of Vanilla ice cream.  That's heaven on a plate right there.

What is a little known fact about yourself:

- I'm a "sun sneezer".  Something about the sun, first thing in the morning always makes me sneeze!  I passed this trait on to Lake, and he's a sun sneezer, too.   

Share one notable camp memory:

- Oh there have been so many!  It's really too hard to pinpoint just one.  Probably the thing that I look forward to the most each year is singing Forest Green by the campfire on Friday nights at the Council Ring.  The sun going down, the smoke of the fire, everybody with their arms over each others' shoulders...it's a special experience every time. 

Staff Spotlight - Ben Rubin

Hi my name is Ben Rubin, and I’m from Highland Park, IL. I just finished my freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania, where I am studying economics. As part of a club I am in, I just traveled to Indonesia, where I worked with local businesses to help them in sustainable poverty alleviation, which was a really awesome experience. This will be my ninth summer at camp (third on staff), where I teach windsurfing and sailing.

More about  Ben

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
- I would love to be a mantis shrimp - They can see 12 primary colors while we can only see three, so its interesting to think about what they can see and we can’t.

What is your favorite cartoon Character:
- Squidward

Where is your favorite spot at camp:
- Out on Spider Lake.

What is your dream Job:
- I have very little idea about what I want to do, but I think it would be interesting to work on the business side of tech.

If you had a super hero power, what would it be:
- Probably invisibility, but I would really just want an Iron Man suit.

What is your preferred chicken nugget dip:
- BBQ Sauce

What are your top three movies of all time:
- Pulp Fiction, Fight Club, The Prestige

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook?
- Butterfinger

What is a little Known fact about yourself:
- In my grade at my high school there were two other people also named Ben Rubin.

Share one notable camp memory:
- Sitting around at the council ring on the last night my Pine Manor year.

Staff Spotlight - Mandy Sullivan

Can't wait to get back to camp again! My name is Mandy and I will be at camp for my 15th summer. This year I will also have my son, Bryce, at camp for his first summer! At camp I am the waterfront director and chief life jacket hanger-upper (I am hoping the campers will work me out of this job).  You will be finding me at almost all of the waterfront activities; however, I am not a very good fishing instructor! I leave the fishing to my husband Scott. When I am not at camp I am a school speech pathologist for Pre -K thru 12th grade in Markesan, WI. See you all soon and hope you have been swimming!

More about Mandy
Where is your favorite spot at camp:
- My favorite spot at camp is swim point! I love looking back at camp and the bay.

What is your dream Job: 

- Besides working at camp, would be ... there are so many: hobby farmer, horse trainer, run a bed and breakfast, swimming instructor (year round), gardener, marine biologist.  The list could go on.


What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:
- I got jumper cables one year (not the best present at the time!) and they have been very handy!!

What is your preferred chicken nugget dip:
- BBQ sauce

What are your top three movies of all time:
- My 3 favorite movies of all time are Top Gun, Labyrinth, and Star Wars (original trilogy).

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook?
- Raspberry sour cream

What is a little Known fact about yourself:
- I enjoy watching Deadliest Catch

Share one notable camp memory:
- Most notable camp experience - one that comes to mind is not really a specific time but every year watching campers get up on water skis for the first time is pretty noteworthy. Each camper who accomplished this is usually stunned at first the celebrated wildly!!

Staff Spotlight - Noah Broutman

From Highland Park, Illinois, Noah Winkelman Broutman returns to North Star for summer number 8.  Noah just graduated from Deerfield High School where he was on the school's Varsity Bowling Team, environmental club, diversity club and more.  This fall, Noah will be attending The Ohio State University where he will be majoring in Human Resource Management.

At camp, you can find Noah doing some riflery, tennis, and other activities as well as shooting hoops and dancing around the camp.  Noah can't wait for the summer of 2016 to begin!

More about Noah

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?

- Otter, no explanation necessary.

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

- Ben 10

Where is your favorite spot at camp:

- Council Ring

What is your dream Job:

- An Otter

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

- I'm practically already a superhero

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:

- Guinea Pig

What is your preferred chicken nugget dip:

- none

What are your top three movies of all time:

- Caddy Shack, Breakfast Club, & Peter Pan

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook?

- Chocolate Mousse

What is a little known fact about yourself:

- I am a movie star.  I rocked the role of Boy Playing #2 in Buzz E. Bee at the Rainy Day Zoo.

Share one notable camp memory:

- Going on a ten day camping trip in Canada my Pine Manor year with my best friends is an experience I will cherish for a lifetime.

Staff Spotlight - Josh Mark

Josh Marks is from Chicago, IL and is currently a sophomore at Francis W. Parker School. At school, he plays on the soccer team, participates in the Model United Nations program, and writes for the school newspaper. This will be his seventh year at camp, but his first on staff as a CIT. He looks forward to teaching waterskiing (and becoming a boat bot expert), sailing, and riflery this summer.

More about Josh

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?
- A giraffe so I could see everything

What is your favorite cartoon Character:
- Dory from Finding Nemo

Where is your favorite spot at camp:
- The swinging bench by the fun bug area

What is your dream Job:
- Professional sky diver

If you had a super hero power, what would it be:
- Mind reading

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:
- A camera

What is your preferred chicken nugget dip:

- BBQ sauce

What are your top three movies of all time:
- Jurassic Park, Monsters Inc, Star Wars Episode IV

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook?
- Snickers

What is a little known fact about yourself:
- I turned 10 on 8/9/10 (and it was at camp)

Share one notable camp memory:
- One night, my whole cabin went in the teepee and sat around the campfire.

Staff Spotlight - George Sunderland

My name is George Sunderland. I'm from Moreton in Marsh, a small town in Gloucestershire in England. I go to Hartpury College, where I study Outdoor Adventure. I started in the scouts at the age of six. My outdoor hobbies range from canoeing and kayaking to sailing and climbing. I have been playing cricket for many years  and began coaching at the age of 16. At camp I'll be instructing canoeing and sailing

More about George

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?

- I learnt about north star though stars n stripes the agency, I applied because it's something I've always wanted to do and something that's different and not many people have done it that I know personally.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

- I would be a jaguar just cause they look so cool and there pretty good at climbing t

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

- I'd be Pumbaa from lion king mainly because he's as clumsy as me and just enjoys life

What is your dream Job:

- To be paid to sail around the world and meet amazing people

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

- To run really fast so  I can do things quicker

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

I was a waiter for 2 years saw some pretty crazy stuff and heard some even crazier stories for old ladies

What are your top three movies of all time:

1. point break... its just awesome have to watch it

2.lion king ...love the music and want to go to Africa

3.legend ... gotta love London gangsters

What did you do last summer?

- I went on holiday to south of Spain... got sun burnt a lot and also did a lot of coaching for cricket and kayaking

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- I managed to break part of my back mountain biking... sounds extreme but it was on a family trail and i was trying to look cool... never works out how you plan it

What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had?

-I've had no summer camp experience but  I have been coaching for the last 7 years kayaking and the last 3 cricket. I've also been sailing for the last 2 years.

Staff Spotlight - Michael Berger

My name is Michael Berger and this is going to be my twelfth summer at camp! I am a rising senior at American University in Washington D.C. studying journalism and political science.  At camp, you can usually find me on the riflery range or at arts and crafts.

More about Michael

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?

- Ninja turtle

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

- Ninja turtle

Where is your favorite spot at camp:

- The Council Ring

What is your dream Job:

- Journalist at the Washington Post

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

- Definitely the ability to fly 

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:

- Saturday Night Live tickets 

What is your preferred chicken nugget dip:

- Honey Mustard 

What are your top three movies of all time:

- Rookie of the Year, Space Jam, Fargo

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook?

- Strawberry Cream Cheese

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- Joe Biden once made fun of me

Share one notable camp memory:

- I hold the record for most tips on the Brule River

Staff Spotlight - Ethan Rane

My name is Ethan Rane and I'm from Buffalo Grove Illinois. I am currently finishing up my senior year at Stevenson High School and I am officially committed to the division of general studies at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign this fall. This will be my eighth summer at camp and I'll be instructing archery this summer.

More about Ethan

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?

- If I could be any animal I would be a bear because I really like eating and sleeping.

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

- My favorite cartoon character is Spongebob.

Where is your favorite spot at camp:

- My favorite spot at camp is the duplex porch looking out at the lake.

What is your dream Job:

- If only I knew

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

- The ability to fly

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:

- My favorite present ever was a deep sea fishing trip my dad took me on.

What is your preferred chicken nugget dip:

- Sweet and sour sauce.

What are your top three movies of all time?

- The Dark Knight, The Lego Movie and Anchorman

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook?

- Strawberry sour cream

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- I collect sea shells

Share one notable camp memory:

- One notable camp memory was when I was UN Day captain my pine manor year and my team Greece won. (Shout out to DJ, Jon, and Charlie).

Staff Spotlight - Michael Lehotsky

Michael joins the NSC staff for his first summer at camp. Hailing from Eighty Four, PA, Michael graduated early from both HS and college and began working towards his masters degree at 19. He's at West Virginia University working on his masters in mathematics, with the hopes of becoming a mathematician for the government. Michael played soccer and ran track throughout high school and is also an avid fisherman and hunter.

More about Michael

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply? 

- I was looking for an adventurous job for summer break (initially at Yellowstone National Park) and came across the ad for North Star Summer Camp. Working at North Star looked as inviting and being able to share my experience with the younger of my generation will be very fulfilling.

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?

- A Labrador retriever because at my farm they get to do what a dog loves to do, swim, hunt, eat, play, get loved on and sleep whenever they want.

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

- Yosemite Sam.

What is your dream Job: 

- Mathematician for the Government.

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

- Super strength-most practical and could still live your every day life.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

- McDonald's fry cook, dump truck driver/heavy equipment operator, college mathematics tutor

What are your top three movies of all time:

- The Patriot, Saving Private Ryan, & Urban Cowboy

What did you do last summer?

- Last Summer I worked at 84 lumber as a manager trainee and went to the beach for vacation.

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- I graduated college with a bachelor's of arts before my 19th birthday.

What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had?

- I go fishing often and hunt almost every year.  I live on a cattle farm and am writing this the day before I travel to Yellowstone to go camping for a week.

Staff Spotlight - Dave Murphy

Coming all the way from Cork in Ireland for his first summer is Dave Murphy. Dave is a student at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, where he's studying primary education and psychology. Dave is an avid tennis player. He played on teams for his school as well as a local club and has also taught tennis. He's been playing soccer since he was five and now plays for his college team. At camp Dave will be instructing soccer and tennis, as well as some waterfront activities.

More about Dave

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?

- After deciding I wanted to work at an American summer camp this summer I applied through an organization called Camp Leaders in Ireland who put me in touch with North Star. After doing interview with Dan and Andy I loved the sound of North star and was lucky enough to be offered a position!

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

- I would be a dog because their great friends, loyal and just seem to be so happy and energetic all the time!

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

- Peter Griffin from Family Guy

What is your dream Job:

- Anything that involves traveling the world.

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

- I would love to be able to fly and see the world from the birds eye.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

- I  used to work for a contractor in a Pepsi factory doing various metalwork jobs.

What are your top three movies of all time:

- Star Wars, Inception, Limitless.

What did you do last summer?

- I spent most of the summer working at home in Ireland but I did go on a family holiday to Turkey and to a festival in the UK with my mates.

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- The last time I was in America was a trip to New York to celebrate my parents 50th birthday, who happen to be born on the exact same day.

 What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had?

- As far as actual camping is concerned my experience doesn't really stretch beyond music festivals so this will be my first proper one!

Staff Spotlight - Max Goldberg

Max Goldberg returns to the NSC staff. The Omaha, Nebraska native well represents Husker Nation as the biggest Nebraska athletics fan on staff. This will be his 9th summer at camp. In the fall he'll be a senior at Westside High School in Omaha. At camp he'll be instructing primarily windsurfing and sailing.

More about Max

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?
- I would be a cheetah so I could run super fast.

What is your favorite cartoon Character:
- Jimmy Neutron

Where is your favorite spot at camp:
- The Council Ring

If you had a super hero power, what would it be:
- Flying would be really cool.

What is the best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you've ever gotten:
- Nintendo Wii

What is your preferred chicken nugget dip:
- Half barbecue sauce, half ketchup.

What are your top three movies of all time:
- Harry Potter, The Incredibles,  & The Princess Bride

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook?
- Turtle

What is a little Known fact about yourself:
- I once read the entire Harry Potter Series in a week.

Share one notable camp memory:
- The first stretch of the Canadian.

Staff Spotlight - Nathan Hendrickson

Nathan Hendrickson was referred to North Star by former Arts and Crafts Director Michelle Eccles. Michelle is getting her Masters of Fine Arts at Florida State University and she reached out to other art students and we were lucky enough to have Nathan apply. Nathan grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and received his undergraduate liberal arts degree in Fine Art: Painting and Photography/Digital Media from Bellarmine University. After graduating he worked at an experimental art gallery called Land of Tomorrow as the gallery coordinator. He's now at FSU where he's getting his Masters of Fine Arts. Nathan will be an art instructor this summer and also will be our videographer.

More about Nathan

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?

- I learned about North Star Camp from my colleague in the FSU MFA program, Michelle Eccles who taught art and was a counselor at North Star for over 8 years. I decided to apply because it sounded like a wonderful opportunity for me to gain experience as a teacher and mentor as well as exercise my skills as a video artist and photographer.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

- If I could be any animal, I would probably choose to be a dolphin because they are thought to be one of the most intelligent animals besides ourselves and I think that I could get used to swimming all of the time.

W-hat is your favorite cartoon Character:

- My favorite cartoon character is an absurd tie between Tom and Jerry that results in a cartoonish catastrophe set to Chopin's Grande Valse Brillante.

What is your dream Job:

- To be a working artist and a tenured professor of visual art at the university level.

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

- The ability to be in many places at the same time.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

- I worked as a Business English teacher for adult learners in Budapest, Hungary.

What are your top three movies of all time:

- Sans Soleil, Caltiki the Undying Monsterand Jean Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast

What did you do last summer?

- I worked as a cook and server for a catering company in Louisville, Kentucky and sold a bunch of my paintings and drawings in order to save money to move to Tallahassee, Florida to attend graduate school.

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- I sometimes pick my nose.

What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had?

- I love to hike and often go camping in my free time. My favorite place to camp is in Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National Forest in east-central Kentucky.

Staff Spotlight - Milo Trainor Moss

I’m Milo Trainor Moss and I am in my 3rd year of my Geology degree at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. I work as a swimming teacher and play water polo for my university team. This will be my first summer on camp and I'll be instructing swimming and sailing. I can’t wait to get there to meet you all!

More about Milo:

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?

- I learnt about North Star through the staff recruitment agency who I applied with.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

- I’m pretty sure it would be a wolf, they are very mysterious and very much live in the wild!

What is your favourite cartoon Character:

- I have always liked Charlie Brown and the Peanuts characters

What is your dream Job:

- I am currently studying Geology at Edinburgh University and I would love to be able to do some job related to Geological mapping as I love my course and am a massive fan of the outdoors!

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

- I spend a lot of my life in a pool and have always loved swimming underwater so I think being able to breath underwater would be pretty cool!

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

- I have worked as a gardener temporarily in Belfast as some of my family live there.

What are your top three movies of all time:

- I am a massive fan of the whole Fast and Furious franchise. Magic Mike XXL is also pretty good and I would never give a Harry Potter marathon a miss!

What did you do last summer?

- I did and internship with the British Geological Survey for 6 weeks, was a leader on my scout troops summer camp and went on a trip for a month to Australia.

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- I can ride a unicycle, juggle and use a diablo

What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had?

- Its my first summer camp in the US although I have been on week long scout camps for the last 10 years as a scout then an explorer and for the last 3 years as a scout leader. I also run ski weekends for scouts and explorers in Scotland. Outside of scouts field work is a big component of my Geology course so I am outside a lot of the time in the delightful Scottish weather! I have also done quite a lot of hill walking with my family and dog around the UK.

Staff Spotlight - Antonio Bosco

Antonio Bosco has been hearing about North Star for years. His brother-in-law, Danny Lugar went to camp for many years, so he's had to endure camp stories. He finally decided to join the NSC staff. Antonio is finishing up his junior year at Fenwick High School. There he's on the tennis team. He has volunteered for the West Suburban Special Recreation Association, working with special needs campers in a summer camp setting. Antonio will instruct tennis, fishing and riflery at North Star.

More about Antonio

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?

- My brother in law and all of his friends have gone to North Star since they were kids and had told me what a great experience it was. So i decided to apply.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

- A bird. I would love to get to fly around all the time.

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

- Spongebob

What is your dream Job:

- Music Producer

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

-  Able to fly

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

- Tennis club management

What are your top three movies of all time:

- My Cousin Vinny, Scarface and Its a wonderful life

What did you do last summer?

- I worked at a a tennis club

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- I love music

What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had?

- I went to High five sports camp for a summer 

Staff Spotlight - Van Walker

Van Walker joins the North Star staff for his first summer at camp. The Wilmette, IL native just completed his freshman year at Marquette University in Milwaukee, where he is majoring in public relations. While at New Trier HS, Van was an Outdoor Education TA, which gave him experience teaching others how to rock climb, tie knots, and even Kayak.He played lacrosse then ultimate frisbee which he still plays in college. Van learned about camp through his brother, Jack, who was a counselor the last two summer.

More about Van

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?

- I found out about North Star Camp through my older brother jack who was a counselor last year. I applied to work at North Star because I think it will be fun to work at a summer camp. I went to a summer camp when I was around 13 years old and I always thought that being a camp counselor would be an incredibly fun and rewarding job.

If you could be any animal (besides a human), what would you be and why?

- I would be a Dog. Specifically, I would be a dachshund because we have 2 at home and I think they are always happy and full of energy.

What is your favorite cartoon Character:

- Patrick Star

What is your dream Job:  

- I want to work as a public relations expert for a politician.

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

- The power to read minds

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?:

- I worked as a day camp counselor for a sports camp in my town for a summer. The next summer I worked for a family watching their two kids.

What are your top three movies of all time:

- Trainspotting, Fight Club and  Forest Gump

What did you do last summer?

- I did some fun stuff last summer. I started the summer off by going on a camping trip to Devils Lake with some friends. For the Majority of the Summer I played Ultimate Frisbee everyday. Towards the end of the summer I went to West Virginia for a service trip.

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

- I had an Appendicitis when I was 6 years old.

What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had?

- I worked as a day camp counselor a couple summers ago. I was in the boy scouts for some time also. I just love spending time in the outdoors!