Staff Spotlight – Mike Slakis

My name is Mike Slakis and this will be my first summer at North Star. I have just finished my first year at the University of Illinois Campaign-Urbana. I am studying civil engineering and I am a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. 

My hobbies include anything that will bring me into the outdoors. I love camping, fishing, hiking, climbing, shooting, biking, and water sports in general. At camp I’ll be instructing fishing and climbing.

More about Mike

What is your dream job

– My dream job would be to travel the world working for an engineering company designing buildings and bridges.

Your favorite TV character

– Ted Mosby from How I Met Your Mother.

A secret hobby or skill that you have?

– I can find a way to catch fish as long as I have fishing line, including making hooks from sticks, finding my own bait and making my own rod.

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

– I would bring a knife, fishing line, and a pan.

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

-From Jeremy and Michael Palgen.  I am in the same fraternity as them and I am also friends with their sister, Caitlin, from rock climbing at U of I.  Jeremey is an old camp counselor, and Michael and Caitlin will be a returning to North Star this year. I applied to North Star because I love spending time with kids, I enjoy the outdoors, and I love teaching people. Though, my main interest came from the fact that the Palgens are some of the most genuine people I know, and if North Star is a family that the Palgens proudly say that they are a part of, than it must be quite a special place.

Favorite Sports Teams

– I am from Chicago, so my favorite sports teams are the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks.

What did you do last summer?

– I worked at a local Mobil Gas Station and took classes at a community college.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had?

– I was a camper at the Grove.