Swim Test, Health Checks, and Day One Activities
We had a beautiful day here in the Northwoods to kick off the second session! Temperatures reached highs of 83, perfect for our Swim Tests today. We began the day around the flagpole as we always do, where we continued introducing many of our core camp values and expectations. Two guiding principles we always emphasize from the very start:
- If something is bothering you, tell a staff member
- Do the right thing for the right reasons
So much of what makes North Star special stems from these two simple ideas. They serve as the foundation for how we treat one another, how we build trust, and how we create the safe and supportive camp community that we constantly strive for.
Throughout the day, each camper participated in their swim test, visited the Health Center for entry physicals, and joined their village in one of our favorite first-day traditions—continuous dodgeball. This every-man-for-himself spin on dodgeball takes place out on the athletic fields, with a North Star twist: when you get someone out, you introduce yourself. It’s fast-paced, a little chaotic, and the perfect way for boys to start learning each other’s names and building relationships. Whether they were dodging, diving, or introducing themselves between plays, the fields were full of smiles and laughter.
Meanwhile, our 8-week campers, who already completed their swim tests and health checks during first session, got to enjoy a special excursion. They either got to hike and swim at Meyers Beach, or tube the Namekogan River. When campers returned for an organized free around 5 o’clock, they reported that both were an absolute blast!
After our delicious banquet dinner of pasta and caesar salad with dirt and worms for dessert, we took advantage of the post-dinner sunshine for a game of All-Camp of Capture the Flag. We split into temporary Green and White teams, stationed one behind the Junior Village and the other on the athletic fields, and let the game unfold. As our 8-weekers welcomed our second session campers into their home for the next four weeks for another great session, the field buzzed with excitement and great sportsmanship––exactly what we’ve come and continue to expect from these boys.
In between the fun, our new campers were introduced to North Star’s community expectations. As staff met with Junior and Intermediate Village cabins to talk through and create their cabin charters, which are an agreement on norms and expectations for the cabin that allows every member to feel the way they want to and should feel.
Our newly elected President and Vice President of the Great and Glorious North Star Party Sam Jacobson and Josh Kandelman called a meeting with the Senior Village to discuss their village’s role as leaders this session. They emphasized their commitment to getting to know the younger campers and setting the right example for them and the entire camp community. We’re looking forward to seeing that leadership take shape in the days ahead.
Tomorrow, the campers will dive into regular programming, with personalized schedules in hand and excitement ready to go. It’s shaping up to be a good one!
A Note From Your Parent’s Counselor:
While we’re busy taking care of your kids, we want to make sure you’re also taken care of. Here’s some friendly advice for making the most of this camp experience:
- If you’re on a text thread about camp, mute it
- Check the photos at your own pace. Nothing happens if you go to bed without checking.
- Don’t over-analyze the pictures.
- Trust your kids—and yourself!
- Enjoy the break. You’ll be a better parent having taken some time for yourself.
