Staff Spotlight - Patricio Gomez

Patricio Gomez joins the NSC staff for his first summer. A native of Colima, Mexico, he's studying engineering at the Monterrey Institute of Technology. He spent time when he was in 7th grade studying in Michigan, so the Midwest won't be an unknown for him.

Patricio has always enjoyed the outdoors. He's been involved with watersports since he was a kid, focusing on waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking and even scuba diving. He also went to camps himself as a kid, where he was able to ski, go horseback riding, and do other great outdoor activities. We're excited to have Patricio at camp as a cabin counselor and waterski/wakeboard instructor.

More about Patricio

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

- Through an agency, Camp Staff MX.

What is your dream job?

- To be a F1 engineer.

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be? 

- My grandfather and Sebastian Vettel.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?

- I'd travel anywhere, every destination has great things to do. I'd do outdoors sports.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are three things you'd bring?

- A sailboat, a GPS and loads of food.

What sports team(s) that you root for?

- I only follow one sport, F1, and I root for Red Bull.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held? 

- No official jobs, only social service. I've helped at foster homes, schools for the disabled, missionary work, and so.

What did you do last summer?

- I went on a road trip form Colima to Chihuahua with my brother and sister. Totally recommend it.

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

- As I kid I used to go to camps as well as camping with my family. And about outdoors experiences, take a look at my Instagram https://instagram.com/laspatoaventuras/

Staff Spotlight - Leslie Thomas

Leslie Thomas will be spending his first summer at North Star. Leslie grew up in Oak Park, IL and just finished his sophomore year at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. There he's studying organizational communication. 

On campus Leslie is a pretty busy guy. He was involved in BSU's chapter of College Mentors for Kids. He was able to serve as a mentor for individuals between 1-5th grades, creating programming and working with kids from the local community. He's a big sports fan and at camp he'll instruct athletics as well as arts and crafts.

More about Leslie

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

- I found out about North Star Camp on Campchannel.com and I applied for this position because I wanted to try something that I’ve never done before. I never been to camp and I want to know what it feels like to have this experience.

What is your dream job?

- My dream job is to start my own sports startup so fans can easily connect with their favorite athletes. Also, I would love to work in the field of sports and entertainment marketing. I’m a sports junkie so anything that has a connection with sports would make me happy!

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?

Kobe Bryant and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Two interesting guys that both knows how to entertain their audience!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?

- I would go to Italy because I love pizza and pasta and I studied Italian for three years in high school. There is so much art that can be explored in Italy!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are three things you'd bring?

- A blade, a whistle (so I can continuously call for help), and a water purifier.

What sports team(s) that you root for?

- All Chicago sports. Enough said!

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

- I was a bagger once. It’s not as easy as it looks.

What did you do last summer?

I spent my summer working the front desk at Ball State University. I was responsible for accommodating visitors who were coming for conferences or orientation.

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

-  None whatsoever. I’m looking forward to the experience!

Staff Spotlight - Jami Shlensky

I'm Jami Shlensky and this summer will be my 3rd summer at North Star and I am glad to be back! I spent the year teaching 4th and 5th grade at Wilmot Elementary School in Deerfield, Illinois. This is the elementary school that I attended as a kid! It was fun to be back as a teacher, this time around!

At camp you can find me taking care of the littlest campers (Laney and Summer) or down at the waterski dock! I can't wait to see everyone there for a great summer!

More about Jami

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are three things you'd bring?

- Sunscreen, a good book, and a water bottle.

What is your favorite spot at camp?

- The ski dock!

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?

- John Legend and Oliver Rockman.

What sports team(s) that you root for?

- Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bulls

What is your favorite special program at camp?

- UN Day!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?

- Thailand to ride an elephant!

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

- Definitely Butterfinger!

Best holiday gift that you've ever gotten?

- A karaoke machine!

How has camp impacted you?

- Camp has made me understand the importance of disconnecting and enjoying the world around us. It has taught me many values including teamwork, leadership, and cooperation. Camp has taught me to value and cherish the things in life that are most important. 

Staff Spotlight - Simon Dinkin

I'm Simon Dinkin and I'm excited to be back for my 8th summer at North Star. I'm finishing up my junior year at Torey Pines HS in San Diego, CA. Recently I have been busy with ACT and finals. I also took my AP tests in May. At school I enjoy my English and U.S history course. I also created a club this year called future entrepreneurs. In the club we talk about marketing and business strategies, and once a month an employee from a major business comes and talks to us about their company. 

As the summer approaches I have been spending more time at the beach playing volleyball, and bodysurfing. As for soccer, our High School team finished as the number 1 seed in San Diego despite unfortunately losing in the finals of playoffs. My club soccer season just ended with a loss in the round of 32 in National Cup.I look forward to heading up to Wisconsin and having another great summer at North Star!

More about Simon

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are three things you'd bring?
- I would bring a soccer ball, a close friend, hammock

What is your favorite spot at camp?
- Council Ring

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?
- Lebron James, Martin Luther King Jr.

What sports team(s) that you root for?
- Baltimore Orioles,Washington Wizards,and the Redskins

What is your favorite special program at camp?
- My favorite special program is UN Day

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?
- I would go to Greece and go cliff jumping

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

Best holiday gift that you've ever gotten?
- The best gift I have ever gotten is my PS3

How has camp impacted you?
- Through camp I have made friendships that will last for a lifetime. I have also grown as a person through North Stars wilderness trips. North Star will always be a place that I can call home.

Staff Spotlight - Shannon McNamara

Shannon McNamara joins us for her first summer at North Star. Shannon is from the Chicago suburb of Crestwood and is currently a junior at the University of Illinois. There she's studying kineseology and is planning on becoming a Physician's Assistant. Shannon spent this past semester studying in Barcelona.

She's very active at the University of Illinois. She's a discussion facilitator at the Woman's Resource Center. She's a campus liasson for the sexual assault program and has helped develop programming. She's also active in the Greek system. Shannon is a CNA, working with students with disabilities on campus. She'll be working in our health center as our health aide.

More about Shannon

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?
- I actually heard of North Star online through a job search website. It stood out to me as a fun, unique summer job experience, and that is why I applied.

What is your dream job?
- My dream job is to be a Physician's Assistant and to travel to underprivileged countries to provide medical support and assistance.

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?
- Steve Jobs and Steve Irwin.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?
- I would travel to Croatia. I was abroad in Spain this semester and had friends who traveled there but I never got the chance. I would want to go white water rafting!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are three things you'd bring?
- An endless supply of watermelon, some sunscreen, and a beach chair.

What sports team(s) that you root for?
- I'm pretty easy going when it comes to sports. Love all my Chicago teams, but when it comes down to it, I root for whoever's winning :P

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?
- All of my jobs have been pretty basic, nothing noteworthy yet!

What did you do last summer?
- Last summer I went on a 2 week study abroad trip to Costa Rica and then lived on campus at University of Illinois taking a Certified Nurses Assistant class and volunteering at the local hospital.

What, if any previous camp/outdoor experiences have you had?
- I think I went to a girl scout camp for a day when I was 7... looking forward to broadening my horizons!

Staff Spotlight - Philip Rasansky

What’s up everyone, my name is Philip Rasansky, and I’ll be returning to North Star for summer number eleven! I’m a native of Dallas, TX, but I just finished my freshman year at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, where I’ll (maybe?) be studying Math and Spanish. 

At camp, you can find me up on the basketball court, athletic fields, or down at the waterski docks. Can’t wait to make this North Star’s best summer yet!
 

More about Philip

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are three things you'd bring?
- Pocket-sized versions of Chris Rodriguez, Forest Lemon, and Nick Hill

What is your favorite spot at camp?
- Council Ring, no doubt.

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?
- Leonardo da Vinci and Steve Jobs

What sports team(s) that you root for?
- Dallas Mavericks and Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Anything University of Texas and Anything Dartmouth

What is your favorite special program at camp?
- United Nations Day

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?
- Pizza touring through Italy

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

Best holiday gift that you've ever gotten?
- Sports Memorabilia

How has camp impacted you?
-I think it’s hard to quantify the impact North Star has had on my personality. My summers in the Northwoods of Wisconsin have become such a constant in my life that I don’t think there’s a part of me the North Star hasn’t touched, altered, or stamped. The values I have learned here—what it means to be a good friend, a good leader, and a good sport, among many—are ones that I continue to look for in myself and those with whom I surround myself.

Staff Spotlight - Ben Rubin

We're excited to have Ben Rubin back on staff this summer. A native of Highland Park, IL, he has just finished up his senior year at Highland Park High School, where, besides going to school, he competes in debate and DECA (a business and marketing competition). Next year he will be heading to the University of Pennsylvania.

Ben will be returning for his eighth summer at camp, and his second on staff. At camp, he is a windsurfing and sailing instructor.

More about  Ben

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are three things you'd bring?
- Some music, a friend, and a sail boat.

What is your favorite spot at camp?
- Definitely the Council Ring on Friday nights.

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?
- Elon Musk and Paul Krugman

What is your favorite special program at camp?
- Espionage! Closely followed by the camp play and cruiser days.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?
- I think I would really like to go to Italy and experience all of the culture and history (and eat a lot of really good food).

What's your go-to pie at the Norske Nook?
- Butterfinger. Nobody knows what's in it, but is sure is good.

How has camp impacted you?
- Camp has introduced me to so many of my lifelong friends and has really pushed me out of my comfort zone. It has also made me a much more caring and responsible person and has always encouraged me to be myself.