Staff Spotlight - Eric Ulry

Eric Ulry joins the North Star staff for his first summer. A native of Suamico, WI, he's a freshman at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Baseball has been a big part of Eric's life. He played up  through high school and was on track to pitch in college before injuring his labrum. While the injury meant he could no longer play, that didn't stop him from being around the game and traveling with his team. Eric was on a select team and spent last summer traveling throughout the midwest, despite the fact that he couldn't pitch.

At UW La Crosse, Eric is majoring in physics, but his career goal is to become a physical therapist. He's also involved with the fishing team on campus. We're excited to have Eric at camp this summer, teaching our campers fishing and softball!

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

- I learned about North Star camp through a fellow member of my school’s tournament fishing team, who posted on our Facebook page about the position. I did some research on the camp and decided that it was definitely something that I wanted to be a part of.

What is your dream job?

- My dream job is to become a pediatric physical therapist. It would give me to opportunity to work with children and do something that had changed my life before. I had undergone a shoulder surgery that had given me the opportunity to continue playing baseball, and I want to be able to give children a second chance as well.

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

- If I could have lunch with any two people, I would have to choose my great grandfather and his son, my grandpa. This is because my grandpa has made a huge impact in my life, and I would love to have a conversation with the man that made my grandpa who he is. My great grandfather died a month before I was born, and I know that all he wanted before he passed was to meet me, so that is another reason why I would be thrilled to see him. 

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

- If I could go anywhere in the world to do something selfish, I would go to Canada to fish for giant walleye and northern pike with my dad. If I were to go anywhere in the world to give back, I would want to go to Haiti to work with people there who would need assistance with rehabilitation or other medical needs because it is the poorest country in the western hemisphere.

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

- 1. Flint 2. Knife/Hatchet 3. Mattress

What sports team(s) that you root for?

- Brewers/Red Sox, Packers, Badgers

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

- I was a “manny” for three summers, two with one family with three boys, and one with a family with one girl and one boy. I worked for Shopko for three years as a cashier, general sales associate, and as an electronics specialist. 

What did you do last summer?

- Baseball. Baseball. Babysit. Baseball. Baseball. Shopko. Baseball Baseball. Baseball is my life, so I spent the majority of my summer traveling throughout the Midwest with my team, staying in hotels while we played baseball. I loved every second of it and would do it all over again in a heartbeat. 

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

- I attended a summer camp for a summer when I was younger and had an amazing time. I also assisted a camp counselor for a little while the summer after. I am a tournament fishing angler, so I spend a lot of time outside fishing! I also love to hunt and camp, so I am outside all the time. I look forward to spending my summer with the staff and campers at North Star!

Staff Spotlight - Ethan Levy

My name is Ethan Levy and this will be my 11th summer at camp, and my fourth as a counselor. At camp I usually teach various sports, including hockey, volleyball, soccer, and football. I also teach waterskiing. 

I am from Milwaukee Wisconsin, and currently I am a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I do not know my major, but I will probably study economics or communications. At school I play ultimate frisbee and soccer, and I am involved in the student government.

More about Ethan

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

- Sunscreen, a water bottle, Ramen Noodles

What is your favorite spot at camp?

- The council ring where you can look between the trees and see the sunset on the lake.

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

- Patrick Kane & Mark Cuban

What sports team(s) that you root for?

- Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Real Madrid, Manchester City and the Wisconsin Badgers

What is your favorite special program at camp?

- All camp capture the flag

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

- I would go to Madrid and go to a Real Madrid game.

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

- Raspberry Cream Cheese

Best holiday gift that you've ever gotten?

- A Patrick Kane jersey.

How has camp impacted you?
- Camp has really shaped me into the person I am today. I have been going to camp since I was 9, so I have learned many life lessons, like sportsmanship and friendship. As a counselor, I learn to be caring and selfless, which have really helped me create bonds both outside of camp and at camp. Camp has given me a constant home, and helped me create lifelong friendships that I will be forever grateful for.

Staff Spotlight - Jack Walker

Hi, my name is Jack. I'm just finishing up my sophomore year at the University of Southern California, where I'm majoring in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. I grew in Wilmette, Illinois with my parents and three younger brothers. At USC I'm involved with the Performing Arts Committee, KXSC, our local radio station, the Daily Trojan, where I am a news writer, as well as a member of the Trojan Knights.

This is my second summer at North Star and I'm really excited to be back! During the summer you can find me instructing courses in rock climbing, guitar, and rocketry, as well as life guarding. 

More about Jack

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

- A guitar, my climbing shoes, and some sunscreen (I burn quickly)

What is your favorite spot at camp?
- Not an especially original answer, but I think the council ring is amazing.

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?
- Jack White and Ernest Hemingway

What sports team(s) that you root for? 

- Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox Chicago Bears, Illinois Fighting Illini, and the USC Trojans.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?
- I would love to travel to Italy and see Venice, Rome, and Pompei

What is your favorite special program at camp?
- Espionage

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

- Chocolate Peanut Butter for sure!

Best holiday gift that you've ever gotten?
- My acoustic guitar

How has camp impacted you?

- Camp has been a very spiritual place that I feel gives me the chance to reflect on my life and all of the things that I have, and I come away from it appreciating all of things even more

Staff Spotlight - Duncan Lindsay

Duncan Lindsay joins us for his first summer, all the way from Te Anau in New Zealand. A world traveler, Duncan spent much of the last year in Scotland, where his father is from.  He returned to New Zealand and worked managing a hostel.

Currently Duncan is traveling again ahead of coming to camp. He recently headed to Australia and then went to spend 2 months in Asia, with stops in Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam (to see where his granddad was stationed during the Vietnam war). After the summer Duncan will head to Japan. His goal is to return to university to study either psychology or human rights law. At camp Duncan will instruct climbing and sailing.

More about Duncan

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

- I was living and working in Scotland selling suits and one of my now good friends who I worked with spent his winter (Scottish winter) working over in USA at a summer camp. He told me all about it, said I would love it and it is just my thing. When I got back home to New Zealand I made it my goal to work in a summer camp in USA. I had a few Skype meeting with North Star and they were so nice and friendly I knew this is a place I would love to work for and hopefully learn a thing or two and be able to share my knowledge also.

What is your dream job

- I don't know what my dream job is, all I know is what ever I'm doing I want to be happy.
 

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

- My first pick is easy I would have lunch with my grandfather (Dad's Dad). He died when my Dad was only fifteen so Ii have never met him, only heard stories. He has help to shape my life without even knowing it. My second person would be Jeb Corliss. He is a  professional skydiver and BASE jumper.

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

- Honestly I want to go everywhere and do everything, I know this isn't possible but I'm going to try anyway. 

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

- If I'm not aloud to bring any means to leave this island (eg plane, pilot and fuel),

I would Bring a Knife, solar panel and a satellite phone.      

What sports team(s) that you root for?

- I support the highlander even though they never win EVER.... (Super 15 rugby)

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

- I did door to door sales in Scotland for about 2 weeks for a charity.  

What did you do last summer?

- Last summer I was working in New Zealand as the Assistant Manager for YHA Te Anau (hostel), on the edge of a temperate rain forest. 

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

- I grew up on a small sheep farm, had other animals like horses, pigs, dogs, cats, cows, goats, alpacas, chickens. I have been hunting since I could walk, fishing since i could swim. Every year I would spend 2-3 weeks total in the bush cut off from the outside world, hunting, fishing, hiking. My sister is a trained rock-climbing instructor. I have spend large amounts of my spare time climbing rock walls with her. I went to a sport based school so I have played nearly ever sport you could name. My favorites are rugby, canoe-polo, ice-hockey, sailing and rock-climbing. As for previous camps I have done outward bound NZ, school camps and family camping trips.   

Staff Spotlight - Lucas Kasle

We're excited to have Lucas Kasle back for his 10th summer at North Star. Lucas is from River Hills, WI, just outside of Milwaukee. He's finishing up his freshman year at Muhlenberg College in scenic Allentown, Pennsylvania. There he's studying physics and one day hopes to become an astronaut.

At Muhlenberg Lucas is on the school's Ultimate Frisbee Team. Once school is out for the year, he'll head over to Europe and travel with his brother (and NSC counselor) Nick for a while. At camp Lucas instructs swimming and climbing. Welcome back, Lucas!

More about Lucas

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

-I would bring a water bottle, a map of the island, and a boat for when I’m ready to leave.

What is your favorite spot at camp?

-My favorite spot in camp is the top of climbing wall. From there you can see almost all of camp.

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

-I would meet Neil Armstrong (post moon landing) and Ben Franklin

What sports team(s) that you root for?

-I am a Packers fan.

What is your favorite special program at camp?

-I really like espionage. It’s the only time I can feel like a ninja.

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

Nick and Lucas Kasle with Noodleheim

-I would go to the moon (I know that’s not in the world). But I think it would be really cool up there.

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

-I don’t really like pie. I usually just get a chocolate chip cookie.

Best holiday gift that you've ever gotten?

-My favorite holiday gift was this really cool race car track thing, but it’s in a tube and does flips and stuff. And it goes really fast.

How has camp impacted you?

-Camp has prepared me for life. Any situation that ever arises can be solved or related to camp.

Staff Spotlight - Colm Doody

Counselor Colm Doody comes all the way from Ireland to spend his first summer at North Star. Colm is from a small city in the west of Ireland called Galway, where he's lived all my life. He go to the National University of Ireland Galway where he's in his second year of the denominated psychology course.

In Colm's spare time he coaches a high school Gaelic football team, is a scout leader in the local scout group and works part time in a hospital. He also has one years service in the Irish Defense forces as an Infantry reservist as a 2* Private and is currently on the battalion shooting team. Colm also play Gaelic football and soccer.  He's really looking forward to my summer working in North Star as some sunshine and the outdoor lifestyle would be a welcome break from the often dull and wet summers experienced here in Ireland!

Colm will be instructing riflery and soccer football at North Star. 

More about Colm

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

- I heard about North star through a placement agency here in Ireland and was told it was one of the best around with a myriad of activities/facilities. Obviously when I received an email from Dan asking to talk with me about a possible job I was over the moon!

What is your dream job

- At present it would be as a Cavalry or Infantry Officer in the Irish Defense Forces. I'm also doing psychology with an aim to pursue clinical practice so perhaps combine the two and work as the Army psychologist.

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

- A difficult question, My great-grand Uncle James Doody who fought in The British army during WWI and Julius Caesar.

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

- I'd love to do a tour of Australia and New Zealand. I'd visit my relatives in Australia and love to see the landmarks in Sydney and Melbourne. In New Zealand I'd visit the location used in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

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

- Water purification tablets, Swiss army knife and plenty of para-cord

What sports team(s) that you root for?

- In Ireland I support Laois county footballers, Soccer would be Arsenal and of course the Denver Broncos.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?

- My first job was in retail in a men's clothes shop which I absolutely hated, my skills in selling sweaters were not as strong as I anticipated. I moved on from there to work as restaurant assistant in a local hospital which proved/ continues to prove a great work environment and sometimes good fun!

Don't know if you could classify it as random but I've done some professional coaching in the form of a Local sports club's Easter Camp, this was a lot of fun.

What did you do last summer?

- Last summer was a mix of washing dishes, Working a till and Out in the wilds of County Cork performing night time ambushes as part of my army basic training. I also traveled to Prague, Czech Republic with my friends as well as renting a summer house on the beach in Lahinch co. clare for a few days. The summer ended with The Electric Picnic music festival  and a 7 day tour of the battlefields of WWI with my Dad.

Staff Spotlight - Oliver Rockman

Oliver (L) in the Guten Gallow

Go Big Red! Oliver Rockman is back for his 12th summer at North Star. It would be impossible to spend more than five minutes with Oliver and not know that he's about as big of a Nebraska Cornhusker fan as you'll find. He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and is currently a junior at Emory University in Atlanta.

At Emory, Oliver is in the school of business. This semester he's spending the semester studying in Rome, and has been traveling around Europe including France, Spain, Portugal, Denmark and the UK. He's also a big fan of Chelsea Football Club and is a proud owner of a leonberger, which is a dog that is bigger than most of our campers.

More about Oliver

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are three things you'd bring?
- A lot of sunscreen, I burn easily, Sunglasses, because squinting is bad for the face, and a nice, comfortable chair.

What is your favorite spot at camp?
- The council ring.

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?
- Jami Shlensky and Hannah Newman.

What sports team(s) that you root for?
- The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Chelsea Football Club.

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?
- I would go to Naples and eat pizza.

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

Best holiday gift that you've ever gotten?
- Tickets to Chelsea-Liverpool 2013.

How has camp impacted you?
- Camp has had an immeasurable impact on my life. It has helped me grow as a leader, and the source of many of my most valued friendships. The many memories I have made at camp will stay with me for a long time.

Oliver, a turtle and Andy Rodheim