Friday Night Service
Last night’s Friday Night Service focused on the theme of forgiveness, held under a beautiful sunset at the Council Ring. Our CITs took the lead in putting together the service, and they did a great job. Matthew Solomon gave an incredibly thoughtful sermonette about his journey to finding his way at camp, and the role forgiveness played in that process. He started at North Star ten years ago and struggled to get along with his cabinmates in the early years. But they gave him another chance, and he kept learning and growing. Over time, things got better, until he made the most important friends of his life. He spoke candidly about those early challenges, from struggling to fit in, to moments of conflict and self-doubt, and how learning to forgive others, and himself, was essential to his growth. Matthew’s words offered campers a powerful reminder: that forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing harm, but it does mean choosing to move forward without carrying the burden of resentment.
After our campfire concluded, our 8th & 9th graders kicked off College Days, our annual three-day competition for our oldest boys. The teams this year are SMU, FAU, McNeese State, and Cal-Berkeley. Over the next few days, these teams will compete in everything from trivia and athletics to cheer writing and campfire cooking. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our oldest campers to lead with creativity, spirit, and collaboration. Today’s College Days schedule had gaga, climbing, archery, riflery, basketball, soccer, softball, disc golf, card games, arm wrestling and more.
In addition, we welcomed 20 prospective campers for Rookie Weekend, a record turnout. These boys traveled from all over the country to experience a slice of North Star. Watching current campers help newcomers feel at home is one of my favorite things to watch, and a testament to the welcoming culture we strive to cultivate. Tonight’s evening program was the always-anticipated Dodgeball Extravaganza, which brought campers of all ages together in a spirited and sweaty showdown against the counselors.
Over the past few days, another highlight has been the emergence of our Muskie Bucks economy, sparked by a wave of camper entrepreneurship. It began when I-3 launched a hair salon, offering stylish touch-ups (no cuts) for other campers. Not to be outdone, I-4 quickly opened a competing business, and the two cabins began a playful but spirited rivalry, which culminated in I-4 trying to acquire I-3’s business. When I saw this entrepreneurial spirit, we decided to gamify it with the creation of Muskie Bucks. Each cabin received 200MB and could use it to start their business or shop at another cabin’s business. It’s been a fun and practical way to learn about supply and demand, marketing, competition, and collaboration. There are cleaning business, casinos, banks, legal services, cryptocurrencies (read: meme coins) and even a venture capital firm. The boys are learning real-world skills in an environment grounded in creativity and fun. They are then able, as a cabin, to use their accumulated or saved money to bid on auction items. Tonight’s first auction was for an extra Wanegan for the cabin.
While camp remains full of energy, we’ve also had to manage some illness in the community. A rolling stomach bug and a second virus are working their way around. Both bugs seem to subside in 36-48 hours and then the boys are roaring and ready to go. Our health team is monitoring campers closely and providing excellent care, and we’re grateful for their steady presence. You will hear from them if your child is ill. We continue to emphasize hand washing, hydration, and rest.
J-3 and J-6 left on their trips today, while I-3, I-4 , I-5 and I-6 finished up their successful trips over the last few days and are back at camp!
