Category Archives: Siren

The September Siren is Online!

Check out all the latest news from camp in the September newsletter. Read all about what returning campers will be back at camp in 2014. Find out whats new at camp, including projects that are being worked on as well as additions to the NSC fleet of boats. You can also see what our staff have been up to since the end of camp. To access the newsletter, click the Siren image below or follow this link: http://bit.ly/sept13siren

Camp parents, please make sure you share the newsletter with your son! You can always access our newsletters by going to northstarcamp.com, going to the “Current Families” section and then “Newsletters” link.
We do our best to stay in touch all off season long. 
– You can like our facebook page by going to facebook.com/northstarcampforboys
– Get our latest updates on twitter by following us at twitter.com/northstarcamp
– We post pictures regularly on Instragram. Follow us at Northstarcamp
We always need news for upcoming newsletters, so please send any camper and staff news to office@northstarcamp.com.

The September Siren is Online!

Check out all the latest news from camp in the September newsletter. Read all about what returning campers will be back at camp in 2014. Find out whats new at camp, including projects that are being worked on as well as additions to the NSC fleet of boats. You can also see what our staff have been up to since the end of camp. To access the newsletter, click the Siren image below or follow this link: http://bit.ly/sept13siren

Camp parents, please make sure you share the newsletter with your son! You can always access our newsletters by going to northstarcamp.com, going to the “Current Families” section and then “Newsletters” link.
We do our best to stay in touch all off season long. 
– You can like our facebook page by going to facebook.com/northstarcampforboys
– Get our latest updates on twitter by following us at twitter.com/northstarcamp
– We post pictures regularly on Instragram. Follow us at Northstarcamp
We always need news for upcoming newsletters, so please send any camper and staff news to office@northstarcamp.com.

Staff Spotlight – Caitlin Palgen

Caitlin Palgen joins us for her first summer. A native of Manhattan, IL, she’s currently a student at the University of Illinois – Chicago studying pediatric nursing. She’ll be joining our health staff, working along side our nurse to make sure that all of our campers stay healthy this summer.
Caitlin recently ran the Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago. She’s also been spending some time at UIC’s recreation center to go rock climbing as well as  helping a family friend, who is a third grade teacher, design lesson plans for her class. Of almost equal importance, Caitlin is an experienced softball player, having played in a fast pitch league for several years. The staff table and the “Overs’ softball team are both looking forward to adding her skill and experience!
More About Caitlin
Your three favorite movies of all time: Remember the Titans, The Little Rascals, & all of the Harry Potter movies
What is your dream job: Pediatric Nurse
Best place you’ve ever traveled to: The Cayman Islands
Favorite cartoon character: Squirt from Finding Nemo
If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be: Jenny Finch (the softball player) & Emma Watson
How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: My older brother, Jeremy, works at North Star as a camp counselor and told me about the job. I want to become a pediatric nurse and love playing sports and being outside, so I figured this would be the perfect job for me over the summer!
What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held: Babysitter & Nanny
What did you do last summer: Played on a travel softball team and had a job as a nanny

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: I attended last summer’s post camp & had a ton of fun!

A canoe full of Palgens

Staff Spotlight – Caitlin Palgen

Caitlin Palgen joins us for her first summer. A native of Manhattan, IL, she’s currently a student at the University of Illinois – Chicago studying pediatric nursing. She’ll be joining our health staff, working along side our nurse to make sure that all of our campers stay healthy this summer.
Caitlin recently ran the Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago. She’s also been spending some time at UIC’s recreation center to go rock climbing as well as  helping a family friend, who is a third grade teacher, design lesson plans for her class. Of almost equal importance, Caitlin is an experienced softball player, having played in a fast pitch league for several years. The staff table and the “Overs’ softball team are both looking forward to adding her skill and experience!
More About Caitlin
Your three favorite movies of all time: Remember the Titans, The Little Rascals, & all of the Harry Potter movies
What is your dream job: Pediatric Nurse
Best place you’ve ever traveled to: The Cayman Islands
Favorite cartoon character: Squirt from Finding Nemo
If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be: Jenny Finch (the softball player) & Emma Watson
How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: My older brother, Jeremy, works at North Star as a camp counselor and told me about the job. I want to become a pediatric nurse and love playing sports and being outside, so I figured this would be the perfect job for me over the summer!
What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held: Babysitter & Nanny
What did you do last summer: Played on a travel softball team and had a job as a nanny

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: I attended last summer’s post camp & had a ton of fun!

A canoe full of Palgens

The May ’13 Siren is Online

Spring came to the Northwoods… and then it disappeared, all in time for Andy’s trip to camp. Over the course of his few days there he had 80 degree days with sun, followed by a snow fall that dumped upwards of eight inches. 
Check out the May 2013 Siren to check out some great pics of Andy’s trip to camp (or check out our “winter in spring” album on Facebook). You can also read about lots of new and returning staff that will be joining us this summer, including our great group of Counselors in Training and Wilderness Trip Leaders.

Despite the cooler temps, we’ll have staff arriving at camp starting at the end of May. If you have any questions as you prepare for the summer, do not hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help!

The May ’13 Siren is Online

Spring came to the Northwoods… and then it disappeared, all in time for Andy’s trip to camp. Over the course of his few days there he had 80 degree days with sun, followed by a snow fall that dumped upwards of eight inches. 
Check out the May 2013 Siren to check out some great pics of Andy’s trip to camp (or check out our “winter in spring” album on Facebook). You can also read about lots of new and returning staff that will be joining us this summer, including our great group of Counselors in Training and Wilderness Trip Leaders.

Despite the cooler temps, we’ll have staff arriving at camp starting at the end of May. If you have any questions as you prepare for the summer, do not hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help!

Staff Spotlight: Kyle Beecher

Kyle Beecher was born in Georgia before moving to Indiana in 7th grade. In high school he took a camping trip to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, and this is where his outdoor interests were born. He took up back packing, rock climbing and mountaineering. He’s done solo backpacking trips and has led small groups on multiple day trips He’s hiked extensively in Colorado and also spent two weeks hiking in New Zealand. 
A graduate of Ball State University, he worked at Uncle Dans Outfitter in Chicago and remembers outfitting some of our campers before they headed to camp for the summer. He’s also got extensive video editing experience, so in addition to being one of our trip leaders, he’ll be responsible for our summer video.
More About Kyle

Favorite TV show: Its a toss up between Top Gear and almost anything on the Science Channel

Best place you’ve ever traveled to: South Island of New Zealand

Sports team(s) that you root for: Manchester United and Chicago Bulls

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: I use to work for an outdoor store in Chicago where I would outfit the campers of NSC for the summer.  I applied to North Star because I knew it would give me the opportunity to do what I love, be in the outdoors and share my skills and knowledge with the youth.

What did you do last summer: I spent the summer backpacking on the Colorado Trail and ascending 14ers.  Also spent some time sport climbing in Boulder Canyon and Clear Creak Canyon.

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: I sold sweet corn from a trailer on the side of the road in a really small town outside of Lafayette, IN.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: When I lived in Georgia, I attended a camp for a few years offered thru the YMCA. 


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


Best Christmas present that you’ve ever gotten: ENO Doublenest Hammock


Preferred chicken nugget dip: Honey mustard

Staff Spotlight: Kyle Beecher

Kyle Beecher was born in Georgia before moving to Indiana in 7th grade. In high school he took a camping trip to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, and this is where his outdoor interests were born. He took up back packing, rock climbing and mountaineering. He’s done solo backpacking trips and has led small groups on multiple day trips He’s hiked extensively in Colorado and also spent two weeks hiking in New Zealand. 
A graduate of Ball State University, he worked at Uncle Dans Outfitter in Chicago and remembers outfitting some of our campers before they headed to camp for the summer. He’s also got extensive video editing experience, so in addition to being one of our trip leaders, he’ll be responsible for our summer video.
More About Kyle

Favorite TV show: Its a toss up between Top Gear and almost anything on the Science Channel

Best place you’ve ever traveled to: South Island of New Zealand

Sports team(s) that you root for: Manchester United and Chicago Bulls

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: I use to work for an outdoor store in Chicago where I would outfit the campers of NSC for the summer.  I applied to North Star because I knew it would give me the opportunity to do what I love, be in the outdoors and share my skills and knowledge with the youth.

What did you do last summer: I spent the summer backpacking on the Colorado Trail and ascending 14ers.  Also spent some time sport climbing in Boulder Canyon and Clear Creak Canyon.

What noteworthy/menial/random job(s) have you previously held: I sold sweet corn from a trailer on the side of the road in a really small town outside of Lafayette, IN.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: When I lived in Georgia, I attended a camp for a few years offered thru the YMCA. 


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


Best Christmas present that you’ve ever gotten: ENO Doublenest Hammock


Preferred chicken nugget dip: Honey mustard

Staff Spotlight: Andy Stern

Andy Stern returns to North Star after a two summer hiatus. A native of Highland Park, IL, Andy graduated from The University of Illinois with his teaching degree. Over the past year he’s been substitute teaching as he looks for a full time teaching job. He’s had a few sub positions, including his current long term job in Highland Park where he’s worked with some of our campers.
This will actually be Andy’s 10th year at camp, so add him to our slate of “Big Ten” guys. He’ll be a cabin counselor and waterski and golf instructor, however he’s also a big disc golfer, so he’ll be spending some time there, too. We’re glad to have Andy back!
More About Andy:
Favorite tv show: All time favorite- The Simpsons, Current Favorites- Suits & The Good Wife
Best place you’ve ever traveled to: About a dead tie between Venice, Italy and Vienna, Austria.
Sports team(s) that you root for: Chicago White Sox and the New Jersey Devils
Favorite camp meal: Margo’s Cinnamon Buns, with tacos a close second
Favorite spot at camp: The Council Ring at sunset

Favorite all camp/special program to do at camp: Capture the Flag
Earliest camp memory or notable camp memory: Sleeping through a birthday pizza party with my bunk mate, Doug, while the rest of the cabin were out on the tennis courts looking at the stars. It was actually Doug’s birthday pizza party that we slept through.
If you had a super hero power, what would it be: The ability to selectively read minds, nothing like What Women Want where you have to hear everything.

Best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you’ve ever gotten: A 400 disc blu-ray player
Preferred chicken nugget dip: Ketchup is the answer to everything.

Andy with camp alums Beth Shefcyk, Spencer Schneider, Jeff Glickman and Adam Heldman

Staff Spotlight: Andy Stern

Andy Stern returns to North Star after a two summer hiatus. A native of Highland Park, IL, Andy graduated from The University of Illinois with his teaching degree. Over the past year he’s been substitute teaching as he looks for a full time teaching job. He’s had a few sub positions, including his current long term job in Highland Park where he’s worked with some of our campers.
This will actually be Andy’s 10th year at camp, so add him to our slate of “Big Ten” guys. He’ll be a cabin counselor and waterski and golf instructor, however he’s also a big disc golfer, so he’ll be spending some time there, too. We’re glad to have Andy back!
More About Andy:
Favorite tv show: All time favorite- The Simpsons, Current Favorites- Suits & The Good Wife
Best place you’ve ever traveled to: About a dead tie between Venice, Italy and Vienna, Austria.
Sports team(s) that you root for: Chicago White Sox and the New Jersey Devils
Favorite camp meal: Margo’s Cinnamon Buns, with tacos a close second
Favorite spot at camp: The Council Ring at sunset

Favorite all camp/special program to do at camp: Capture the Flag
Earliest camp memory or notable camp memory: Sleeping through a birthday pizza party with my bunk mate, Doug, while the rest of the cabin were out on the tennis courts looking at the stars. It was actually Doug’s birthday pizza party that we slept through.
If you had a super hero power, what would it be: The ability to selectively read minds, nothing like What Women Want where you have to hear everything.

Best Christmas/Hanukkah present that you’ve ever gotten: A 400 disc blu-ray player
Preferred chicken nugget dip: Ketchup is the answer to everything.

Andy with camp alums Beth Shefcyk, Spencer Schneider, Jeff Glickman and Adam Heldman