A Week of Traditions at a Wisconsin Boys Camp
North Star Camp for Boys sits in the lake-and-forest country of the Wisconsin Northwoods, where a single summer day can hold a softball game under the evening sky, a hike along Lake Superior, and a camp-wide election with hand-painted campaign posters. Midway through our first session, that is exactly the kind of week our campers are living. Here is a look at what a few days at an overnight camp actually feel like, from the big traditions that pull the whole community together to the small moments that make an ordinary day at camp feel full.
Settling Into Camp Life in Week Three
As we move through the third week of the session, it is easy to see how much our campers have settled into camp life. Today marked the beginning of our final set of first session activities. Campers had one more opportunity to return to a favorite activity or sign up for something entirely new as we head into the final stretch of the session. That rhythm is part of how a boys summer camp works. Days are built around instructional periods where a camper can dig into waterskiing, sailing, archery, or climbing, and there is always room to chase a new skill before the session ends. By the third week, the boys know the schedule, they know their counselors, and they know which activity they want to master before they head home.
An Evening Together: The Softball Extravaganza
Tonight’s evening program was the Softball Extravaganza, with the Lakes taking on the Trees. Every camper had a role to play, whether streaking on the field or cheering from the sidelines. They were the coaches, the umpires, the broadcasters, the concessionaires, the security, and more. Like many of our camp traditions, the game is less about the final score than it is about spending an evening together. It is another opportunity for campers of different ages to play alongside one another, encourage each other, and simply enjoy being part of the community. It was such a fun night on the ball field.
Cruiser Day: Adventures On and Off Camp
Yesterday, our I-2 through S-4 campers headed out for Cruiser Day. They spent the morning hiking before cooling off with a swim in Lake Superior. Even in July, the water temperatures up there remain something the boys are all talking about. From there they made their way to Duluth for bowling before returning to camp after a full day away together. Days like this are a reminder that a Wisconsin summer camp is not only about what happens on our own grounds. The Northwoods and the Lake Superior shoreline become part of the experience too.
Back at camp we had a great Cruiser Day with tubing, slip and slide, Musky Fun, and lots of fun on the waterfront. The campers cooked pizzas as an activity and then made walking tacos over the campfire for dinner. Cooking over a fire, swimming until your fingers wrinkle, and eating dinner outside with your cabin is the sort of ordinary camp day that ends up meaning the most.
The World Cup Comes to the Northwoods
Last night, the camp gathered in Mike Hall to watch the second half of the United States versus Belgium World Cup match. The result wasn’t what many of us were hoping for, but the room was full of cheering and anticipation until the final whistle. World Cup conversations continue to be part of daily life around camp, whether at meals, during Organized Free, or walking between activities. And announcing the scores is an essential part of morning flagpole.
Camp Elections and Espionage: Giving Boys a Voice
The next few days are some of the busiest of the session. Tomorrow brings another full day of activities before one of North Star’s most anticipated evenings: our annual North Star Elections and Espionage. The North Star election gives campers the chance to speak in front of the entire camp with a tremendous deal of agency. Campers also get the chance to feel their voices represented at camp, as they vote for the prestigious roles of President and Vice President of the esteemed Great and Glorious North Star Party. It almost always has creative and hilarious results, with goofy posters hanging all around camp with all kinds of catchy and ridiculous slogans and pictures, and campers of all ages campaigning at our Town Hall for everything from chocolate milk at every meal to pizza parties every night. The Town Hall features candidates from all different villages, participating in an entertaining, light-hearted debate, with live “tweets” flowing from a real-time “press box,” of staff members, engaging the audience and getting a rise out of the candidates. It’s not just fun and games either, as the President and Vice President of North Star are granted real responsibility, invited to speak on camper issues at every Staff Meeting on Tuesday nights, and getting to play myself (President) and the program director (Vice President) on camper counselor day. But no matter who wins tomorrow, the winners will be inaugurated with a traditional toss into the lake.
What a Week Like This Says About Camp
Softball under the evening sky, a swim in Lake Superior, a World Cup watch party, and a camp election all in the same week. That mix is what an overnight camp does well. It gives boys structure and tradition to lean on, and it hands them enough freedom and responsibility to grow into it. If you are considering a boys summer camp in Wisconsin for your son, we would love to tell you more about North Star and show you what these days look like up close. Reach out through our inquiry form or schedule a tour, and come see the Northwoods for yourself.
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” — Jackie Robinson
FAQ
Where is North Star Camp located?
North Star is an overnight boys camp in the Northwoods of northern Wisconsin, set among the lakes and forests of the region, including our home on Spider Lake.
What is Cruiser Day?
Cruiser Day is our weekly off-day tradition. Some groups head off camp for trips like hiking and swimming at Lake Superior, while campers back at camp enjoy a more relaxed day of waterfront activities and cabin cookouts.
How does a boys summer camp help kids grow?
Living with a cabin, trying new activities, and taking on roles like a camp election office all help boys build independence, confidence, and a sense of community that carries beyond the summer.
