United Nations Day: A Boys Summer Camp Tradition
At a good overnight camp, competition and character go hand in hand. Few days show that better than United Nations Day at North Star Camp for Boys, a summer camp in the Wisconsin Northwoods. It is a day of all-camp competition, but the scoreboard is only part of the story. For families curious about what a boys summer camp really cares about, United Nations Day is a good day to watch, because it sets the tone for how we talk about teamwork, sportsmanship, and friendship all summer long.
A Northwoods Morning Under the Flags
This morning, the center of camp was adorned with flags for United Nations Day. Zimbabwe, Germany, Barbados, and Jamaica gathered in their team colors under a nearly perfect Northwoods sky, with few clouds above us and 83-degree weather that made the boys especially happy whenever their schedules brought them near the lake.
We began with the traditions the day always opens with. The captains carried the torch, the United Nations Day Scroll reminded us why this day exists, and before a single point was scored, every camper committed himself to being a good sport, a good teammate, and a good friend. From there, campers headed out to their first series of events.
One Day, Every Kind of Talent
Throughout the day, campers represented their countries in events across nearly every corner of North Star. Some found themselves on athletic fields, others at Swim Point, on the climbing wall, at the archery and riflery ranges, or competing in activities that showcased completely different talents. One of the things I love most about United Nations Day is how many kinds of contribution end up mattering to the final score, so a boy who never thinks of himself as an athlete can still turn out to be exactly the person his team needed for a particular event.
Competing Hard, Cheering Harder
The tug-of-war matches were epic, with campers and staff pulling so hard that there were moments when the teams came to a total standstill. The staff speedball game had the same spirit, with the guys playing hard and competing with intensity while still carrying themselves the way we want the campers watching them to.
The final event of the day was the Inner Tube Relay, which closes out the swim meet. Nine campers from each team and their advisor paddle their hearts out in an inflated tube, trying to get across the lake as quickly as possible. When one team ended up way ahead, Alex M, the advisor from another team, had his campers cheering on the opposing team, which was a fitting picture of how we want this particular day to look. And because this is camp, one of the great surprises of the evening was Dylan B getting his haircut live at evening announcements, which for a few minutes competed with the final scores for the room’s attention.
Crowning a Champion, Keeping the Spirit
When the final results were announced, Germany came out on top. They had a healthy lead at lunch and maintained it throughout the day. Congratulations to Advisor Ethan A, and captains Noah S, Max S and Leo K on leading their teams proudly. It was an option packed weekend and we had an absolute blast. Tomorrow we’ll catch our breath with a great Cruiser Day.
Days like this show North Star at close to its best, with boys competing hard for their teams and then turning around to celebrate campers on the other side of the field. Holding those two things together, effort and kindness, is a tradition worth protecting, and it is a big part of what keeps families coming back to the same overnight camp session after session.
Learn More About North Star
United Nations Day is one of many traditions that make a summer at North Star Camp for Boys memorable. If you are researching overnight camps in Wisconsin and want to see how your son might spend his summer, we would love to connect. Explore our activities, read about our traditions, or schedule a tour to see the Northwoods in person.
“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.” — Pierre de Coubertin, Founder of the Modern Olympic Games
FAQ
What is United Nations Day at summer camp?
United Nations Day is a North Star tradition in which campers are divided into teams named for different countries and compete in events across camp. It emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendship as much as winning, and includes the tug-of-war and Inner Tube Relay.
What activities are part of a camp competition day?
Events span the whole camp, including athletics on the athletic fields, Swim Point swimming and the Inner Tube Relay, the climbing wall, archery and riflery ranges, and team challenges like tug-of-war. The variety gives every camper a chance to contribute.
What makes a Northwoods camp special?
The Northwoods offers a lake-and-forest setting with warm summer days that are ideal for Swim Point activities, outdoor sports, and traditional overnight camp life.
