Unorganized Free and Cabin Campfires
We wrapped up our first weekend of the session with two North Star staples: Unorganized Free and Sunday Night Cabin Campfires. The evening began with Unorganized Free. There were no scheduled activities and just one rule, which is to go outside and play. Counselors were present, but only to supervise for safety. Otherwise, the campers were on their own to decide what to do, where to go, and how to spend their time. In a time when we’re constantly trying to rid boredom from our kids’ lives, whether through screens or activities, Unorganized Free embraces this kind of unstructured time. It can feel unfamiliar at first, but that’s exactly the point.
It’s in that space between boredom and creativity that the magic happens. One highlight of the day unfolded during cabin time when I-3 launched an impromptu hair salon. Campers were styling each other with surprising flair, using hair gel, coconut oil, baby powder, and even temporary hair color to craft elaborate looks. Word spread quickly, and not to be outdone, I-4 opened a competing salon across the path. They claimed superior products, boasted of more experienced stylists, and even started advertising deals to attract clientele. What began as playful fun turned into a full-blown economic experiment. We used the moment to talk about capitalism, market competition, forms of government, and entrepreneurship, all under the guise of these salons (that aren’t allowed to cut hair, per camp rules). There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing kids remember that they’re allowed to create their own fun, and even more powerful when they realize how good they are at it.
After Unorganized Free, each cabin gathered at their own campsite along the Nature Trail for the first Cabin Campfire of the session. This isn’t just a chance to roast s’mores, although there were plenty of those, but it’s a time for the group to come together intentionally, reflect on the week behind them, and set the tone for the week ahead.
The structure is simple but meaningful:
• We start with accomplishments, where each camper shares something they’re proud of.
• Then we move to compliments, offering kind words and observations to others in the group.
• Next comes a reflection on personal growth—what’s something they learned, or a moment when they grew.
• After that, we open it up for discussion, giving space to talk through anything that needs attention or resolution.
• There’s a moment for quiet reflection.
Finally, we finish by setting goals, both personal and as a cabin, for the week ahead.
And then, of course, come the s’mores.
Our first round of cabin trips has reported back. S1 and S3 returned from the Brule with S2 coming back tomorrow. S4, S5 & S6 finished up their adventures in the Porcupine Mountains as well.
We also had some great new water-skiers behind our new Ski Nautique!
