Staff Spotlight: Jeff Sandler

Jeff Sandler lives in Seattle, WA and joins the staff for his first summer at North Star. Jeff is Vickie's brother and will be watching his niece Laney and the rest of the day campers at camp. Jeff got married in the fall to his High School sweetheart Emily, who will also be working at camp this summer! He practices and teaches architecture in the Pacific Northwest.

More about Jeff

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

Growing up around Andy, I've known about North Star for a long time and finally had the chance to make it up north for the summer. I'm excited to help out around camp and meet the whole North Star family.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be? 

"Sometimes I Make Stuff, the Jeff Sandler Story"

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see? 

The construction of the Duomo in Florence

What is your dream vacation: 

Good people, good food, and lots of sun and adventure!

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

The ability to tell the future

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

I grew up lifeguarding, but I still think it's the best job I ever had!

What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

The Lakehouse

What did you do last summer? 

I got my appendix out last summer, so I watched a lot of good movies on the couch.

What is a little Known fact about yourself: 

I'm left-handed but play golf, tennis, and guitar righty.

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

Living in the Northwest, you can often find me outside, swimming in the Puget Sound, biking, or just going for a walk in the woods. A few summers ago I biked the Oregon Coast, which was AMAZING!

Staff Spotlight: Anna Becker

Anna Becker is exciting to be joining the staff for her first summer up at camp. Anna is originally from Rochester, MN but she currently attends Saint Louis University where she is now a junior studying biology with the hopes of going to dental school. Anna has grown up around water and working with kids, whether than be through swimming, lifeguarding, teaching swim lessons, or summers on the water. Anna is very excited to be helping Mandy as the assistant waterfront director!

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

I found North Star through looking up camps in the Northern Wisconsin area where I've spent many summers and applied because of the great reviews!
If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

Smiley.
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream Speech
What is your dream vacation:

Backpacking around Europe for a summer! What an adventure.
If you had a super hero power, what would it be:

Time Travel or teleporting, I guess they're both bending time in some sense.
What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

I've worked at a garden center for 2 years. You'd think it would have been easier as a biology major...there was so much to learn (and still to learn).
What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

Pirates of the Caribbean, the 1st is still the best.
What did you do last summer?

I was an undergrad researcher at Mayo Clinic and taught swim lessons on the side. Also went out to Colorado for some hiking and biking! Busy time, mostly indoors with the research gig, so I'm ready to be outside this summer!

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

I was once a D1 athlete.

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

My family continues to travel to National Parks almost every year so I've spent a good amount of time exploring those beautiful sites! Winters I've spent skiing and then summers at the lake with swimming, skiing, fishing, and all things else water related. 

Staff Spotlight: Nathan Margrett

Originalmente da Milwaukee, Wisconsin, adesso Nathan Margrett viva nel nord Italia dove insegna inglese. Mancherà la provviste infinito di pasta e formaggio, ma e molto emozionante a tornare a North Star per un quarto estate. Lo troverete sul muro di arrampicata, affondando canoe nel lago, oppure giocando una partita di roofball. Ci vediamo presto!

More about Nathan

Se hai scritto un’autobiografia, cosa sarebbe il titolo?

This Isn’t Even My Final Form

Qual e la tua vacanza da sogno?

Arrampicata Monte Everest

Dov’e il tuo posto preferito in North Star?

Chiamiamola un pareggio tra la fine dei moli di pesca, all’inizio della mattina, e la cima del muro di arrampicata in un pomeriggio soleggiato.

Se potessi partecipare in un evento storico, che vorresti vedere?

La Battaglia per la Terra di Mezzo

Quale spettacolo televiviso o film ti vergogno di ammettere che ami?

Inavvertitamente agganciato ai Maestri di Spinjitzu nel 2012. Qualsiasi senso di vergogna scomparve intorno alla terza o alla quarta stagione.

Qual è il tuo ristorante preferito nel Hayward?

L’Angry Minnow e il posto perfetto quando volete un hamburger.

Se avessi un potere super eroe, che cosa sarebbe?

La abilita di mangiare pannochia senza che si blocchi tra i denti.

Condivida una notevole memoria del North Star:

C’e un pettegolezzo che le escursioni in cabina North Star sono veramente incredibile. L’anno scorso una famiglia di orsi ci ha fatto visita a St. Croix pere vedere se questo e davvero la verita!

Qual e il tuo talento noscosto?

Una volta ho mangiato un’intera scatola di “Family-Sized” Cheez-its in dieci minuti. Non mi raccomando.

Quali consigli daresti a qualcuno che verra a North Star per la prima volta?

Il tempo passa diversamente a North Star; I giorni sono lunghi, ma le settimane sono brevi. Avrai tente opportunite per fare grande amici e provare innumerevoli nuove attivita. Sono eccitato di le avventure che l’estate del 2017 ha in deposito!

Staff Spotlight: Max Goldberg

Max Goldberg, is from Omaha, Nebraska. Max just graduated from high school. Before camp, Max going on a road trip to several national parks in the southwest including the Grand Canyon, Zion, Canyonlands, and Great Sand Dunes. This fall, Max will be a freshman at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. This'll be Max's 10th summer at camp where he will primarily be teaching climbing and windsurfing in addition to helping direct the musical.

More about Max

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

Maxed Out

What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

Sky High is undeniably my favorite movie.

Where is your favorite spot at camp?

I don't think it's physically part of camp, but my favorite spot in the area is the middle of Brewer's Bay on a windy day!

What is your dream vacation?

I'm really excited for this road trip!

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

The ability to fly

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

It would be so cool to see the senate turn against Julius Caesar and the fall of the Roman republic. 

What is your favorite quote from a movie?

"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?" -Albus Dumbledore

What's your favorite restaurant in the Hayward area?

The Pizza at Farmstead Creamery

What is your hidden talent?

I just picked up the piano again this Spring, literally. 

What advice would you give to someone coming to North Star for the first time?

Try out for the camp play! It's a great way to make friends. 

Share one notable camp memory:

I remember when I first learned how to windsurf, I was terrible. I had to take the beginning level course like three or four times, and now it's my favorite activity at camp! 

Staff Spotlight: Oliver Cruddas

Oliver Cruddas was born in London and lived in Wimbledon for six years before moving to the small town of Hinchley Wood in Surrey. As a keen scout and sportsman Oliver has found himself partaking in many activities and sports including; kayaking, power boating, sailing, rock climbing, rifle shooting and hiking. He has hiked all over Great Britain and has scaled the highest peak in each of the three countries. Oliver has completed the Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award and I am well on my way to completing the Gold. More recently, Oliver traveled to Australia and New Zealand for 5 months, doing all manner of extreme sports and activities. Once he returns home from camp Oliver will be working towards becoming a paramedic.

More about Oliver

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

I learned about North Star Camp when I was contacted by Dan, through an American summer camp hiring programme (BUNAC), asking if I would like to come and work for them. He explained to me how the camp is run and its values which I agree with and gladly took the offer to work this summer.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

If I were to write an autobiography i would title it: The Ginger, Half Aussie Half Brit Who Couldn’t Sit Still.

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

If i could witness any historical event I would witness the Apollo 11 Moon launch, landing and reentry.

What is your dream vacation:

My dream vacation would be to the International Space Station.

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

Out of any super power I would have the ability to fly.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

Ive been a lifeguard at my local pool and a sales assistant at a garden centre.

What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

The TV show I’m ashamed to admit that i like is Grey’s Anatomy.

What did you do last summer?

Last summer I studied for my A-level exams at Sixth Form.

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

A little known fact about me is that I have scaled Mt Doom (an active volcano) in New Zealand.

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

I have taken part and helped with six, week long summer scout camps all over Great Britain and have camped by my self in the Australian Rainforest.

Staff Spotlight: Eric Yalowitz

Eric Yalowitz lives in Nashville,TN. He plays baseball in the spring with my school and will be a junior at University School of Nashville next fall. This will be Eric's 8th summer at North Star, first on staff.

More about Eric

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

It doesn't matter how fast you mow, it's how well you mow fast. 

What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

Phineas and Ferb or Spongebob.

Where is your favorite spot at camp?

Counselor Ring

What is your dream vacation?

Atlantis.

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

Seeing into the future. 

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

Witnessing the first steps on the Moon.

What is your favorite quote from a movie?

"Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?" Animal House 

What's your favorite restaurant in the Hayward area?

Lumberjack Lodge and Steak House 

What is your hidden talent?

Expert s'more maker  

What advice would you give to someone coming to North Star for the first time?

Don't be scared and just have fun. Act like you are with your friends back home. 

Share one notable camp memory:

The Canadian Trip last year. 

Staff Spotlight: Danny Levy

Danny Levy goes to Homestead High School in Mequon, Wisconsin. He is finishing up his junior year and is so excited to get up to camp for his ninth summer. Other than academics, Danny participates in many musical ensembles for piano, trombone, and voice and is enjoying final concerts as the school year comes to a close.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

Virtually virtuosic

What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

House of Anubis

Where is your favorite spot at camp?

The end of the ridge

What is your dream vacation?

Italy

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

Breathing underwater

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

Rosa Parks' refusal to move seats

What is your favorite quote from a movie?

"Inconceivable!"

What's your favorite restaurant in the Hayward area?

The Southern BBQ

What is your hidden talent?

Music composition

What advice would you give to someone coming to North Star for the first time?

Cherish your time there. It'll go by very quickly!

Share one notable camp memory:

During my fourth year at camp my friend sleep-walked into my bed. After waiting for a few minutes in utter terror and confusion, I got him awake and had to convince him that he was not in his own bed in the dark cabin. Perhaps it's wasn't the most pleasant occurrence at the time, but we still laugh about it to this day.

Staff Spotlight: Aidan Doyle

Aidan Doyle is from Dublin Ireland and has just completed his second year of University where he is studying law and accounting. Aidan is active in his local Boxing club teaching kids.

More about Aidan

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

I learned about North Star through my placement agency and I applied to work at camp having heard the amazing feedback from some of my friends who worked at various camps last year.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

If I wrote an autobiography the title would be Raglan Road ( the title of my favourite song ).

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

The first reading of the Irish proclamation at the steps of the GPO at the beginning of the Easter Rising in Dublin in 1916.

What is your dream vacation:

My dream vacation is to travel through south east Asia for a summer, possibly the Philippines, Vietnam, Bali and Northern Thailand.

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

Flying 100%, would save a lot of money on flights !

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

For previous summer and part time jobs I have worked handling hazardous waste in Intel, working as a kitchen porter, a landscaper, a janitor, delivery man and a receptionist all while working as a milkman for the last three years.

What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

I love Frozen, not ashamed to say it but it's gotten me a fair bit of slagging in the past !

What did you do last summer?

Last summer I worked a full time job handling hazardous waste as a cleaner in Intel Ireland.

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

I am bilingual. I am a fluent Irish (Gaelic) speaker as I was educated through Irish all my life up until University level.


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

This will be my first time at camp but I have tonnes of outdoor experience from snowboarding, swimming, fishing and running cross country races.

Staff Spotlight: Chase Hanson

Chase Hanson is from Medford Minnesota, a small town of about 1500 people. He graduated from Medford high school in 2014 and during high school Chase was a lineman for the football team, threw shot-put and discus for the track team, participated on the knowledge bowl team, and acted in the the fall play and spring musical. Currently he is student at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota where he studies history. Chase will be a senior this coming academic year and plans on going to Japan to teach English after graduating in Spring of 2018. 

More about Chase

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

I learned about North Star at Gustavus at a summer camp job fair. I applied because I was looking for work over the summer and more experience working with kids.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

A life of kicking my own butt

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

The drafting of the US Constitution.

What is your dream vacation: 

Going to the rocky mountains and spending a week out in a cabin, and exploring the area

if you had a super hero power, what would it be?

Create powered armor suits from different vehicles

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held:

During the school year I work for the Gustavus History department at their front desk, I used to work at a Hy-Vee Foods, worked in a food trailer one summer. 

What TV show or Movie are you ashamed to admit that you love:

Transformers

What did you do last summer?

Nothing of note

What is a little known fact about yourself?

My favorite thing in history to learn about is the European front in the Second World War.

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

I was active in the Boys Scouts for about 6 years.

Staff Spotlight: Erin Armstrong

Erin Armstrong is from Port Huron, MI.  She just graduated from Oakland University Nursing School with her BSN.  Erin loves sports, animals, learning new things, and people.  She has played sports her whole life (anything and everything), but especially enjoyed volleyball, basketball, archery, and yoga. Erin is traveling to Ireland before attending camp and it will be her first time going to Europe, so she is very excited!

More about Erin

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

My mother was visiting her brother in MN and was given/found a flyer that they were looking for a camp nurse.  I was graduating in the Spring, and she knew I did not want a hospital position right away, so she passed it along.  I didn't know if it would work out, but I looked into it.  Needless to say, I AM SO EXCITED!  

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

I can't believe this is real life.

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

Probably Detroit in it's prime during Motown.

What is your dream vacation:

Backpacking across Europe, or the United States, or wherever :) Well, that's tied with seeing the Northern lights in Iceland.

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

Being able to change my size.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

I have been an intramural official for college sports, started my own odd job business at 14 years old, was a waitress at a pizza place, and been a sitter for the elderly.

What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

The Karate Kid (but only the newest one)

What did you do last summer?

Last summer I played a ton of sand volleyball, was the maid of honor in my sisters wedding, attended the float down in Port Huron, and was still in nursing school...

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

I still sleep with a teddy bear named Mr. Bear at the ripe age of 21.

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

My family often went camping  when I was growing up, and I spend as much time as I can outdoors.  I grew up 5 miles from Lake Huron so much of my time is spent on the beach, campfires, and in the water.  I also attended a camp in Canada when I was younger which I super enjoyed.

Staff Spotlight: Josh Dietrich

Josh Dietrich grew up in the suburbs of New York. He has spent the last few years wandering the country working a bunch of seasonal outdoor jobs, such as a snowboard instructor and an outdoor educator. We are excited to welcome Josh to our trip staff this summer.

More about Josh

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

NOLS job board. I needed summer work, it seemed like fun and like a good step to continue my exploration of the country and build my expeditionary learning skill set.
If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

Mistakes were Made- the Joshua Dietrich story
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

Whatever triggered the extinction event that ended the dinosaurs.
What is your dream vacation:

Paddle and camp the full length of the Colorado river.
If you had a super hero power, what would it be:

teleportation like nightcrawler
What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

I've worked nursing care for a few psychiatric hospitals. 

What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

I don't watch much. I carry no shame for my tastes.

What did you do last summer?

Worked for a day camp and went on a bunch of camping trips

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

I am the son of two scientists, one of them famous in her field.
What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had?

I've worked for camps the last three summers, I've done two seasons of outdoor/experiential education. I've taught paddlesports, climbing and mountain biking.

Staff Spotlight: Josh Lederman

Josh Lederman returns to North Star for his tenth summer at camp. A native of Highland Park, Illinois, Josh just finished his first year at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania where he studies Business and Media & Communications. When he is not studying, Josh was very active in writing for the sports section of the Muhlenberg Weekly and participated in Hillel. At camp you can find Josh instructing archery and rocketry.

More about Josh

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

Leders From the Life of Josh

What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

Many game shows that air on the Game Show Network. My favorites are Cash Cab, Family Feud, and Chain Reaction

Where is your favorite spot at camp?

Sitting on the chairs atop of the lodge steps looking at Spider Lake

What is your dream vacation?

Going to Hawaii to learn how to surf, go snorkeling, go hiking, and explore volcanoes

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

Time travel 

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

Jackie Robinson’s first baseball game in the major leagues

What is your favorite quote from a movie?

“You gotta go your own way. And you, my friend, are going your own way” Owen in The Way Way Back

What's your favorite restaurant in the Hayward area?

Tie between Anglers Haven and Norske Nook

What is your hidden talent?

Touching my nose with my tongue

What advice would you give to someone coming to North Star for the first time?

Always be your true self and never pass up the opportunities to try new things and make new friends.

Share one notable camp memory:

On my Canadian trip my Pine Manor year my cabin mates decided to jump into a “hole” in the lake. I was afraid to do so, but with the encouragement from my friends I overcame my fear and jumped into the “hole.”

Staff Spotlight: Caroline Gaker

Caroline Gaker is from Columbus Ohio. She goes to Ohio state and studies stem education. Caroline loves traveling, the outdoors, exercising, and climbing. Caroline was one of the first NSC staff members at camp to get her Wilderness First Responder, and will be a Wilderness Trip leader this summer.

More about Caroline

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

I met Andy and Dan at the summer jobs fair in Columbus. I applied because I want to share my passion for nature with the next generation.
If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

Life on the Non-event list. It would be about my travels flying around standby from my flight privileges through my step dad's job at American Airlines.
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

Either a time lapse of the Cambrian Explosion or the Meteorite impact during the end of the Permian ( what killed the dinosaurs)
What is your dream vacation:

to travel around South America for a whole year. 

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

Obviously flying.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

I was a studio photographer at a JC PENNY when I was 18. 
What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

Love it or list it
What did you do last summer?

 I spent 5 weeks in Chile and the Easter island, backpacked in Canada, and did a road trip to glacier national Park and Yellowstone. 

What is a little Known fact about yourself:

I really like 80s music... 

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

I spent three summers at a summer camp in North Carolina as a kid. I've worked at two summer camps. As an adult, I have a passion to seeing different landscapes and exploring different types of wilderness. 

Staff Spotlight: Tara Krantz

Tara Krantz joins the North Star staff from Cleveland, Ohio. She has just come home from a year abroad, which she spent traveling around the South Pacific and Costa Rica doing environmental service work. Tara loves the outdoors and in high school she participated in the outdoor leadership program where she would take hiking and canoeing trips, as well as going to Chippewa Ranch Camp for nine summers. At North Star this summer Tara will be working in the office and teaching climbing and canoeing. Tara is starting at Northwestern University in September.

More about Tara

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

I'm part of a North Star family! My brother is going to be a CIT this summer and my dad went to North Star. I applied because I've always admired North Star from a distance and wanted to join in the fun!
If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

Winging It, With Style
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

When the Beatles came to America.
What is your dream vacation:

I would love to backpack and SCUBA dive through Southeast Asia.
If you had a super hero power, what would it be:

Flying!!!
What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

I worked as a farm hand for a month in Costa Rica.
What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

I love the movie 10 Things I Hate About You.
What did you do last summer?

I worked as a ropes course instructor at a day camp, and traveled to Japan and Spain with family.
What is a little Known fact about yourself:

I've flown a plane!
What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had?

I was a camper for seven years and a counselor for two years at Chippewa Ranch Camp, about two hours east of North Star. I've loved camp since I was nine!

Staff Spotlight: Rodolfo George Rizo

Rodolfo George Rizo (known affectionately at camp as Rudy) is 22 years old and returning for his second summer in the kitchen. Rudy lives in Oaxaca ,in the southeast part of Mexico. He is studying foreign languages, at his second year of school two more years and he will be ready to be a teacher. Rudy loves to play sports, meet new people, talk to different people, and he loves to travel a lot . In his current job, Rudy is a cook in my restaurant with his parents.

More about Rudy

What is your dream vacation?

I love open spaces so my dream vacation would definitely be in a forest some quiet place where I can have some peace and disconnect from work , school etc just for a few day.
A secret hobby or skill that you have?

I've trained since I was 16 years , martial arts kung fu ,self defense and I think that it counts like a hobby and a skill.Another hobby and one I've enjoyed is playing rugby
What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

Well I like a lot everything related to super heroes I've seen arrow and flash series and all the marvel movies but I'm not ashamed of admitting t

hat I've seen them but I've spend a lot of my time seen all of them . 

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

Tearing Down of Berlin Wall

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

Well some random day some one went to school and talked about working at a foreign country so I tried it and got admitted in the program and then I knew about North Star and I got in love instantly . Knowing that I was going to be part of a great community made me so happy .

What got you interested in cooking?

since I was 17 I started to cook it was more a need that a pleasure because I had to work to pay school and other things , but with the time I got in love with it . I opened a restaurant with my parents and we have 5 years since we opened .

What are your favorite things to cook/bake?

Well I love to cook Mexican food because of the different meals you can make with so many ingredients but also try to cook other meals from other countries.

Staff Spotlight: Kyle Turpin

Kyle Turpin is a native of Phoenix, Arizona but has been living in Lexington, VA for the past four years attending Washington and Lee University. He just graduated with a BS in Geology and East Asian Languages and Literatures (Mandarin) and will be attending Duke University for engineering grad school next year. 

More about Kyle

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

I learned about the camp through my school's outing club and always wanted to know what the camp experience was like (never attended one growing up). I figured this would be my last summer that I could dedicate to doing something fun and outdoorsy and figured I send in an application!
If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

When's Dinner?
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

Battle of Thermopylae
What is your dream vacation:

I want to do a backpacking tour of Armenia and Georgia. It would be awesome to stay in the ancient monasteries in the mountains.

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

Seeing the future.
What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held? 

I was a biochemical and later a geologic research assistant in college.
What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love? 

Gilmore Girls
What did you do last summer?

I was doing geology field research in the Lyon, France studying the terraces of the Rhone Valley.
What is a little Known fact about yourself:

I can recite every preposition in the English language alphabetically at a moment's notice.
What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had? 

I've been a pre-orientation trip leader for the past three years-- this means that I, along with two other leaders, are trained to take a group of freshman out along the Appalachian Trail for a week every year before the start of term. I've also done extensive hiking in New Zealand, France, Iceland, China, the Appalachians, and Arizona/the Southwest.

Staff Spotlight: Jordan Bow

Jordan Bow returns to North Star for the summer after taking a few summers off. Jordan lives in St. Louis Missouri and will actually be a Freshman at Washington University in St. Louis this fall studying biology. This will be his 5th year at North Star, and you may be able to spot Jordan on the athletic fields, courts, and on the archery range as well.

More about Jordan

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

Head in the Stars, because the Clouds Are Too Low

What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Where is your favorite spot at camp?

Picnic Area

What is your dream vacation?

A vacation to the beaches of Tahiti.

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

Teleportation (Saves you a lot of money)

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

The Golden Age of Central/Northern Africa

What is your favorite quote from a movie?

“There is no try, only do”- Yoda

What's your favorite restaurant in the Hayward area?

It will probably be the Norskie Nook, because I love pie.

What is your hidden talent?

My knowledge of Astronomy is more a hidden knowledge than a talent.

What advice would you give to someone coming to North Star for the first time?

Experiment with all of the activities, constantly be trying something new while also doing the things you love, because you may just find new things to love.

Share one notable camp memory:

Most notable about my camp experience was stepping into a leadership role as the White Captain during my Pine Manor year.

Staff Spotlight: Kyle Salz

Kyle lives on a farm outside the town of Wenona, Illinois. He will be doing an internship at North Star to finish up my degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University. This will be Kyle's second summer at North Star and he is glad to be back. At camp, Kyle teaches climbing, canoeing and softball.

More about Kyle

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

Backcountry to Front country
Where is your favorite spot at camp?

Canoeing under the eagle nest.
What is your dream vacation?

New Zealand
If you had a super hero power, what would it be?

Controlling the weather
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

Signing of the Declaration of Independence
What is your favorite quote from a movie?

“There is no crying in baseball”
What's your favorite restaurant in the Hayward area?

Norske Nook
What is your hidden talent?

I can throw with both hands.
What advice would you give to someone coming to North Star for the first time?

Be prepared for all types of weather.

Share one notable camp memory:

Making the slip and slide on Cruiser Day

Staff Spotlight: Matt Sosler

Matt Sosler is returning for his 6th summer at camp (1st on staff). Matt is from highland park, Illinois and will be going into his junior year at highland park high school. At school, Matt play percussion and tennis. He is also involved with the media program at HPHS where he commentates on live streams for HPHS Athletic events. At camp Matt will be instructing tennis and various team sports.


More About Matt

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

"The Sos Boss: Let's Fly"
What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit that you love?

Abc7 news.
Where is your favorite spot at camp?

It is a tie between the tennis courts and the council ring. The council ring has the most beautiful views. The tennis courts is where I spend most of my time because it is one of my favorite things to do.
What is your dream vacation?

My dream vacation is to rent an RV and visit all of the MLB parks.

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

The ability to be in multiple places at once

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

Close race between a Harry Caray live broadcast and the Moon Landing.

What is your favorite quote from a movie?

"Do you know that my next door neighbor has 3 rabbits (Jerry Maguire)."

What's your favorite restaurant in the Hayward area?

Norske Nook.
What is your hidden talent?

I can name all 50 states in alphabetical order in 14 seconds.
What advice would you give to someone coming to North Star for the first time?

Savor every moment.
Share one notable camp memory

The Canadian. It is one of the most challenging yet amazing experiences that I had.