North Star Summer of 2025!
North Star’s 81st Summer is officially underway! Since 1945, North Star has taken great pride in being a place where nice boys from nice families can thrive, and we are thrilled to be kicking off another summer filled with fun, friendship, and growth.
The buses had a perfectly timed arrival with Chicago and Minneapolis travelers arriving just minutes apart. The campers were welcomed by an incredible staff that strikes a perfect balance between experienced returners and enthusiastic first-timers. This team is dynamic and is ready to bring a burst of energy while upholding North Star’s longstanding traditions. After gathering around the flagpole for introductions and cabin announcements, the boys headed to their cabins to unpack and settle in. Our amazing staff immediately began building relationships and helping campers feel at home.
Before we dive into regular programming, the boys will finish unpacking and new campers will receive a tour of camp. By bedtime, they’ll have played games with their cabins and begun to meet other boys in their age group. They are ready to play after a long day of travel.
Tonight’s dinner included burgers, fries, and jello. Our our signature salad bar and Sun Butter & jelly station are ready too. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are always available, as are alternatives for our campers with allergies. Plus brownies for dessert! After dinner, the campers will choose their first week’s activities.
In the coming days, we’ll continue to orient the boys to life at North Star, our routines, expectations, and most importantly, our culture and values. We emphasize how we treat each other, our approach to competition, and the importance of doing the right thing for the right reasons. These lessons feel more essential than ever in today’s world.
On the bus ride today, one of our 8-week campers was talking about how excited he was that his younger brother is coming to North Star for the first time. He said, “He needs to be off screens.” Then he added, “When I came to camp and did things like playing outside and going fishing, I learned that was way better than Fortnite. I prefer real life with real friends.” A nearby camper chimed in and said, “After camp, Fortnite kinda sucks.” We’ll work on the language, but moments like that reinforce for us the power of this place, where boys unplug, engage, and discover joy in real-world experiences and friendships.
At a bus stop, I had a short conversation with some of our Pine Manor campers who are gearing up for their 10-day Canadian canoe trip. They were talking about how excited, and also nervous, they are for the adventure ahead. One of them asked me what the hardest part of the trip is, and I told him honestly that it’s the mental component. Physically, there’s no part of it they can’t do, so it’s about mindset and pushing through when things feel tough. One of the campers smiled and said, “Sounds like every part of camp. You’ve got to be pushed to grow.” It turns out they really are absorbing what we’re saying! That same messaging applies all over camp. North Star is meant to be challenging and supportive, a combination that allows each camper to become the best version of themself.
Speaking of support, tonight’s evening will conclude with Candlelight Ceremonies in each cabin, a meaningful North Star tradition that helps set the tone for the session. Each cabin group will gather together for a conversation led by their counselors, where everyone will have the opportunity to introduce themselves, share what they’re excited or nervous about, and talk about their goals for the summer. Counselors will help establish a tone of kindness and mutual respect, sharing their own stories and encouraging thoughtful participation from each camper. These conversations are meant to begin building trust and connection within the group. The goal is for each camper to go to bed feeling more at home, knowing their cabinmates’ names, having a sense of belonging, and feeling comfortable reaching out to a counselor if they need anything during the night.
Tomorrow will be a full day! Campers will go through medical check-ins, take their swim test, and play plenty of dodgeball. The evening program will be our first All-Camp Capture the Flag. Later, each cabin will create their Cabin Charter, outlining the shared values and expectations for their group. On Wednesday, our wilderness trips begin with the oldest boys heading out for 10 days in Quetico Provincial Park, Ontario. That evening, the staff will showcase their talents during the Staff Show.
