Leb's Ramblings

Staff Spotlight - Jake Malter

2013-05-22T23:11:00.004-05:00

Jake Malter is from Chicago, IL, where he’s a sophomore at Francis Parker School. It’s a bit of an understatement to say that Jake likes golf… he’s the only sophomore on the Parker varsity golf team. He’s also enjoying a documentary film course at school. Jake returns for summer number seven.

We're excited to have Jake joining us on staff instructing disc golf and athletics.

More About Jake

Favorite Tombstone pizza type:

Cheese

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): Riflery

Your three favorite movies of all time: The Hangover, Saving Private Ryan and Bridesmaids

Preferred wanegan offering: Jujifruits

Best evening program at camp: Glens game

Favorite cartoon character: Stewie Griffin

Favorite camp (card) game: B-S

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Mila Kunis and Morgan Freeman

What is your dream job: Pro sportsman

A little known fact about yourself: My favorite food is pizza

Staff Spotlight - Ethan Handler

2013-05-22T23:02:00.004-05:00

Ethan Handler comes from Northbrook, IL where he is a sophomore at Glenbrook North High School. There he is currently on the JV tennis team. He’s also on the state-bound math team. Ethan is an avid baker, and spent spring break skiing in Breckinridge, CO.

Ethan returns for his sixth summer at camp. He'll instruct tennis and climbing

More About Ethan

Favorite Tombstone pizza type: cheese

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): ultimate frisbee

Your three favorite movies of all time: The Incredibles, Psycho, Breakfast Club

Preferred wanegan offering: Reese's Peanut Butter Cup

Best evening program at camp: Glenn's Game

Favorite cartoon character: Bugs Bunny

Favorite camp (card) game: Euchre

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Roger Federer, Tina Fey

What is your dream job: World-renowned chef and baker

A little known fact about yourself: This may be my 6th year as a camper/CIT, but my first year at North Star was 1998 (when I was a year old), when my dad was camp doctor.

Staff Spotlight - Jacob Zionts

2013-05-22T20:50:00.002-05:00

Jacob Zionts is currently a sophomore at Highland Park High School, where he is on the tennis team. He was the captain of the freshman and sophomore scholastic bowl team. He’s also on the debate team and the school board of DECA. AS if that hasn’t been enough, he’s been doing lots of creative writing and also has been working at Uncle Dan’s Outdoor Store.

More About Jacob

Favorite Tombstone pizza type: Cheese

Favorite project at camp: Three way tie between wakeboarding, disc golf, and biking.

Your three favorite movies of all time: Office Space, Anchor Man, and The Untouchables

Preferred wanegan offering: York Peppermint Patties or Mike n’ Ike’s

Best evening program at camp: Predator vs. Prey or Glen’s game

Favorite cartoon character: Jimmy Neutron

Favorite camp (card) game: Egyptian Rat Screw

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Aristotle and Adam Smith

What is your dream job: Being Hillary Clinton’s future Secretary of State

A little known fact about yourself: I have an extensive shoe collection.

Staff Spotlight - Ian Michelson

2013-05-22T16:39:00.003-05:00

Ian Michelson comes to camp from Glencoe, IL where he is a sophomore at New Trier High School. He plays lots of sports, as he’s on the New Trier tennis team. He was recently elected on to the social service board at New Trier, we plan a huge amount of charity programs, tutor underprivileged students, and play sports with the physically disabled.He plays guitar and also has been picking up the ukulele. He’s also involved in social service projects and DECA.

At camp Ian will instruct tennis, athletics and some windsurfing.

More About Ian

Favorite Tombstone Pizza: The classic cheese

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): Windsurfing

Your three favorite movies of all time: Pulp Fiction, Beverly Hills Cop, and The Godfather

Preferred wanegan offering: Snickers

Favorite cartoon character: Jerry from Tom & Jerry

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Jimi Hendrix and Tony Larussa

Best evening program at camp: Friday night service

Favorite camp (card) game: Euchre

What is your dream job: Sportscaster on ESPN

A little known fact about yourself: Although I live in Chicago, I am a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan!

Staff Spotlight - David Shakno

2013-05-21T21:22:00.001-05:00

David Shakno will be back for his sixth summer. A native of Shaker Heights, OH, David is a sophomore at Shaker Heights High School. He runs cross country for his school team and is also the multimedia editor for the school newspaper. He recently qualified to participate in a National History Day competition in Washington D.C. Congrats David!

More About David

Favorite Tombstone pizza type: Cheese

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): Waterskiing

Your three favorite movies of all time: Dodgeball, Anchorman, Blazing Saddles

Preferred wanegan offering: Reeses

Best evening program at camp: North Star ball

Favorite cartoon character: Tommy from Rugrats

Favorite camp (card) game: Euchre

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Dick Vitale and Stephen A. Smith: We would have great conversations about basketball.

What is your dream job: Anything related to sports

A little known fact about yourself: I made an iPhone app called "Sports Central," which is on the Apple iTunes Store.

Staff Spotlight - David Glass

2013-05-21T17:22:00.003-05:00

David Glass returns for his 7th summer. From Highland Park, IL, David is a sophomore at Deerfield High School. He’s very active in biking, climbing and sailing and we’ll make sure to put his skills to good use there. He’s looking forward to joining the North Star staff.

More About David

Favorite Tombstone pizza type: definitely peperoni

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): climbing

Your three favorite movies of all time: The SpongeBob Movie, Forest Gump, and Step Brothers.

Preferred wanegan offering: I like my Butter Fingers

Best evening program at camp: North Star ball

Favorite cartoon character: SpongeBobSquarePants

Favorite camp (card) game: Euchre

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: I would have lunch with my parents because I always have to share them with my brother.

What is your dream job: My dream job would be the one that I have right now being a counselor.

A little known fact about yourself: I am the oldest person in my graduating class of 500.

Staff Spotlight - Jacob Byck

2013-05-20T17:45:00.005-05:00

Jacob Byck comes to camp from Deerfield, IL where he's a sophomore at Deerfield High School. He has a younger brother who is a camper at North Star as well as a twin sister that has been at Camp Birch Trail. Jacob is a big sports fan and has played several years of travel baseball and now plays for his school’s team. He also helps coach his brother’s team

We're glad to have Jacob on staff as one of our athletics instructors.

More About Jacob

Favorite Tombstone pizza type: Cheese

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): Basketball

Your three favorite movies of all time: Happy Gilmore, Miracle, 21 Jump Street

Preferred wanegan offering: Skittles

Best evening program at camp: Friday Night Service

Favorite cartoon character: Bugs Bunny

Favorite camp (card) game: Spit

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Pete Rose and Jackie Robinson

What is your dream job: Owner of a professional sports team.

A little known fact about yourself: I am on the sophomore baseball team.

Staff Spotlight - Sam Bricker

2013-05-20T15:19:00.002-05:00

Sam Bricker is back for summer number eight. From Deerfield, IL, he’s a sophomore at Deerfield High School. He’s got a pretty diverse set of interests. Sam plays on the school tennis team, is on student council, and DECA (business club). As a youngster, Sam was actually had none other than Andy Shlensky as his baby sitter, but he’s lived to tell the tale.

We're excited to have Sam join the North Star staff, instructing tennis, and disc golf.

More About Sam

Favorite Tombstone pizza type: Pepperoni

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): Archery

Your three favorite movies of all time: Dodgeball, The Sandlot, Star Wars

Preferred wanegan offering: Hershey's cookies and cream

Best evening program at camp: Predator vs. Prey

Favorite cartoon character: Jimmy Neutron

Favorite camp (card) game: Euchre

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be: Abraham Lincoln and Michael Jordan

What is your dream job: Spy

A little known fact about yourself: I have two middle names

Staff Spotlight - Josh Pollack

2013-05-19T19:42:00.000-05:00

Josh Pollack is a current sophomore at Deerfield High School. There he is on the varsity soccer team. They had a grea season, competing in and winning one game in the playoffs. In addition to that, he also plays club soccer for the Chicago Magic. He also loves playing basketball and football and is a big fan of the Indiana Hoosiers hoops team.

In addition to Josh's love of traditional sports, he enjoys the recreational sports, too, including bowling and mini golf. We’re excited to have join the North Star staff.

More About Josh

Favorite Tombstone pizza type: pepperoni

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): Disc golf because i rarely get to play it at home and there i can play it everyday.

Your three favorite movies of all time: The Lion King (original of course), Billy Madison, and The Natural.

Preferred wanegan offering: sour patch

Best evening program at camp: predator vs prey.

Favorite cartoon character: Roger Rabbit

Favorite camp (card) game: mao

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Lionel Messi and Abraham Lincoln.

What is your dream job: my dream job is to be a lawyer

A little known fact about yourself: I have 4 older siblings the farthest being 13 years older and closest being 5 years

Staff Spotlight - Jacob Baim

2013-05-19T16:05:00.002-05:00

Our Counselors in Training play a unique role at North Star. These are the guys that were campers last year and now find themselves on staff. They are a tremendous asset as they not only bring energy and enthusiasm, but being not too far removed from their camper years, they bring a great perspective and understanding what its like to be a camper. We consider our CITs to be members of our staff, and most of the time, our campers don't see them as "in training", but just as one of their counselors.

We are excited to introduce you to our CITs over the course of this week. We kick things off with Jacob Baim.

Jacob returns for his seventh summer at North Star. Currently a sophomore at Highland Park High School, Jacob has been in several North Star theatrical productions. This is something that he does at school, where he’s active in swing choir, chorale and acting. He’s also been in school musicals, S.T.U.N.T.S. and short play festival. During his camper years, Jacob was a top notch archery and waterskiier, and he'll instruct both at camp this summer.

More About Jacob

Favorite Tombstone pizza type: Pepperoni

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): Archery

Your three favorite movies of all time: Anchorman, The Dark Knight, and My Cousin Vinny

Preferred wanegan offering: Whatchamacallit

Best evening program at camp: Glen's game

Favorite cartoon character: Spongebob Squarepants

Favorite camp (card) game: Euchre

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Tina Fey and Nic Rouleau

What is your dream job: To be on Broadway

A little known fact about yourself: I write shows and music

Getting Ready for Camp, Some Tips to Help you Prepare

2013-05-19T09:32:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for the summer and sending your son to camp can be a cumbersome process. This will be my 29th summer at North Star and along with the many years that Andy, Vickie, Leb and Sue have spent at camp, we've learned a few things about what works...and what doesn't. Below are some tips and practical advice to help you prepare for the summer. Take a few minutes to read over these pointers. We believe that they'll help you through the process of getting ready for the summer and will set your son up for success at camp!

Take things one step at a time

When you look at all the forms, packing, labeling and just the overall idea of sending your son to camp, it can get overwhelming. There is a lot to do ahead of the summer, but if you jump in and just take things one step at a time, you’ll see that pretty quickly you start knocking things off the list.

Shop smart

We’re surrounded by great camping stores that sell fantastic gear that could last your son many years. Unfortunately, by next summer the odds that your camper will be wearing the same size hiking boots or fleece jacket are pretty low. Camp can be tough on equipment and things can get lost. While high end stores are fun, there are places like REI and campmor.com, along with many other traditional stores that are great for buying camp gear. One place not to skimp is on your son’s sleeping bag. A synthetic sleeping bag that DOES NOT have a cotton lining could last your son for many years.

Bonus tip: Avoid the metal cook kits with multiple plates and pans. Pieces tend to fall apart. A plastic plate, cup and utensil set is ideal. Campmor sells this set: http://bit.ly/11vG1xr. You can also buy these items individually at camping or sporting goods stores. Add a mesh bag to store these in.

Homesick Happens
Every parent wants their son to have the perfect camp experience. A top worry is that their son will be homesick. The fact is that campers, regardless of their age, may get homesick. This isn’t a bad thing. What is important is to, first off, let your son that he may miss home, family and their pets. Its important to tell them what they may feel as opposed to just using the word "homesick". Let them know that this is perfectly normal and if it does happen, there are lots of staff and other campers there to help them out. All they have to do is talk to them about it. Homesickness should be seen by parents as an opportunity. Once kids plow through it, they learn to be stronger and more self-reliant.

Recommended Reading! The book "Homesick and Happy" by nationally renowned child Psychologist Michael Thompson:

Don’t promise to “pick him up” if things aren’t perfect

Camp is fun, and it’s much more than that. Campers make friends, learn skills and grow. There are challenges that come at camp, but what’s great is that they are in a safe setting with plenty of support! Do not promise your son that you’ll pick him up if he’s homesick, unhappy or if things aren’t working out! You’ll be left with two choices if he calls you on this. One is to pick him up and take away a great learning opportunity. The other is to go back on your promise and risk damaging the trust that he has for you. Instead, let your son know that you’re confident that when these challenges arise, that he’ll do great.

Bonus Tip: Don’t burden your son with your emotions. Your son will miss you and you’ll certainly miss him. Let him know that. Please don’t overshare your worries and anxieties. This will likely lead to increased anxieties of his own that could lead to increased homesickness and challenges for him at camp.

Duffles, not trunks

Foot lockers are bulky and tough to store. Duffles withstand travel much better and can pack away easily. If you’re buying new, go for duffle bags!

Print and pack labels for letters

In an electronic age, campers aren’t used to sending out letters. We’ve seen lots of interesting attempts by campers to address envelopes in rather creative handwriting. Ahead of the summer, make labels for the different people that you want your son writing and then give him a short lesson on how to make sure the letter gets from point A to point B.

Be honest on camp forms

Being up front and open on medical and personality forms will ensure that we can provide the best summer possible for your son. All campers come to camp with a clean slate, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t help them to make us aware of issues that he’s been dealing with. We guarantee that this information will be shared only with those that need to know it. If you haven’t yet watched the Bob Ditter video on the importance of camp forms, we recommend you to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA-nB5fNWFE

Sharpies are your friend!
Label everything. You can either write it in or order labels from Mabel’s Labels or Stuck on You.

Camp rules have a reason

Like families, camp has rules that campers and staff need to abide by. These are detailed in the main spring info pack . From food in camp to cell phones, there are reasons we’ve put these rules into place. If you would like to better understand the reasons for these rules, don’t hesitate to contact us. We ask you to help set your son up for success at camp by ensuring that he’s following camp policies.

Call us, email us, let us know how we can help.

We know that preparing for camp can be a cumbersome process. If you have any questions about anything, do not hesitate to call or email us at any time. Whether you need advice on camp gear or have a question about a camp form, we’re here to help. We can be reached by phone at 715-462-3254 or via email at office@northstarcamp.com.

Staff Spotlight - Jason Mann

2013-05-17T14:29:00.002-05:00

This past year has gone by incredibly fast and I cannot believe its already time to be getting back to camp for another fun filled summer. This past year I was hard at work taking business and marketing classes so I can finish up my degree at UW- Stevens Point. If all goes according to plan I should be finishing up and graduating next May.

Along with school I was also hard at work repairing, re-building, cleaning and tuning up bikes for friends, family, students and various other customers. Our bike shop "Dr. Wheels" seems to be more of a hobby than an actual business but its a work in progress and allows me to further my experience and knowledge with bike maintenance and repairs. I also worked for Wheel and Sprocket (a bike company in Wisconsin and a new location in Illinois) at their spring bike expo sale in Milwaukee at the state fair expo center. Their was over 3000 bikes at the sale and it was an awesome opportunity and experience for me. Along with studying and various work I have been working hard to stay in shape and be ready for the summer of trip leading. I ride my bike as much as possible, run, go climbing, lift weights and practice several martial arts to keep myself disciplined. Other than that not much else is new, just looking forward to my fourth summer as a trip leader.

More About Jason

Favorite Tombstone pizza type: Veggie

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): Biking

Your three favorite movies of all time: The Big Lebowski, IP Man, Wizard of Oz

Preferred wanegan offering: Starburst

Best evening program at camp: Espionage

Favorite cartoon character: Bugs Bunny

Favorite camp (card) game: Malarky.... its a tripper thing

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Bruce Lee and George Washington

What is your dream job: Working for Trek (the bike company) or operating my own business

A little known fact about yourself: I have a terrible sense of direction... but not to worry this is more so in urban areas ha ha, particularly if I'm driving. Out in the woods with a compass and map I'm golden, so we don't have to worry about any lost campers or trippers ha ha.

Staff Spotlight - Stratton Shook

2013-05-16T20:14:00.001-05:00

Stratton Shook grew up in Southern Maryland and went to high school in Washington DC (about 10 blocks from the Capitol). He headed off to Washington State for college, where he went to Gonzaga in Spokane, WA. While at Gonzaga he joined the outdoor recreation dorm, went snowshoeing, skiing and climbing. Stratton graduated with his business degree, and after a year working in the corporate world, he moved to China to teach English. He hopes to complete his MBA in the future and combine business with his love for the outdoors.

Throughout his life, Stratton has been to 23 distinct countries (24 if you count North Korea at the DMZ) and 46 of the 50 states. Recently, he returned from a National Outdoor Leadership School course in Northern India and a side-trip to Everest Base Camp. This will be Stratton's first year at North Star as he joins us as a wilderness trip leader.

More About Stratton

Your three favorite movies of all time: Apollo 13, Ocean’s 11, Shawshank Redemption

What is your dream job: Owner of an adventure travel company.

Best place you’ve ever traveled to: Every place is so different that it’s hard to pick just one. The place I would go back to right now is Iceland. I drove around the island one spring break with a friend and had an amazing time.

Favorite cartoon character: Calvin and Hobbes (I know it’s cheating to pick two but you can’t have one without the other).

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: George Washington- would be awesome to hear his perspective on the current state of America. Michelangelo- I studied his works in college and got to see many of his sculptures in person.

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?: I learned about North Star through NOLS and applied because the camp seemed awesome. Also, who doesn’t want to spend the summer working in the great outdoors?

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?: Spent 2 summers umpiring Little League Baseball and Softball games, worked as an English Teacher in China, interned for a Congresswoman for one summer.

What did you do last summer?: Last summer I spent working at Casual Adventure (an independent outdoor retailer) while I trained for my NOLS Backpacking course.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had?: I played baseball all summer so I never got the traditional camp experience but did spend a week at a photography camp in Maine.

Staff Spotlight - Forest Lemon

2013-05-15T19:55:00.000-05:00

I grew up in the Pineywoods of East Texas in an off the grid home over a mile from the nearest telephone pole. I was raised to appreciate the outdoors and owned my own canoe paddle when I was 5 years old. I was too young to remember my first overnight canoe trip, but my parents tell me that it was a 5 day trip on the Rio Grande river below Big Bend National Park. Since then I have traveled around the US paddling on lakes and rivers, backpacking, fishing, climbing, and camping. The outdoors is one of my biggest passions.

Since the age of 15 I have spent my summer working at outdoor camps through Stephen F. Austin State University in my hometown and through the Boy Scouts where I had the opportunity to be a camp counselor in Texas and a canoe guide Canada. I love sports, and fishing is my favorite hobby. I am an engineering student at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where I love to go hiking and fishing in my spare time.

More About Forest

Your three favorite movies of all time: The old Star Wars Trilogy, A Knights Tale, and Django Unchained.

What is your dream job: Fishing Guide in Alaska or Australia

Best place you've ever traveled to: The Crow Land of Ontario Canada

Favorite cartoon character: Tom for Tom and Jerry

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Bill Dance and Bill Nye the Science Guy

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?: The Outdoor Pursuits Director At Stephen F. Austin State University, and I applied because I have a passion for the North Woods and love to teach and learn through the outdoors

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?: I've worked at a silkscreen t-shirt shop, I have been a farmhand on an organic chicken and cattle ranch, and I worked at Advanced Auto Parts.

What did you do last summer?: Last summer I was a canoe guide in Canada for the Boy Scouts of America

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had?: I worked as a Lifeguard and counselor at a day camp in my hometown, I was a Merit Badge teacher at two Boy Scout Camps, and worked at Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Canada.

Staff Spotlight - Christopher Rodriguez

2013-05-14T17:51:00.003-05:00

Christopher Rodriguez was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. He stayed in the Lone Star State and headed to Nacogdoches, TX to attend Stephen F. Austin State University. There he's a Junior majoring in Radio/TV Production. At school he also leads trips for the Outdoor Pursuits organization.

Lately Christopher has been busy working and schooling. In the past couple of months he hase been to Colorado for skiing, North Carolina for a WEA conference, and Jackson Falls, Illinois for rock climbing. He just celebrated his 26th birthday and rented out a roller rink so he could have a 70's Roller Disco. His favorite holiday is Texas Ranger's Opening Day, this year was his 15th year in attendance! We're excited tpo have Christopher join us as a trip leader.

More About Christopher

Your three favorite movies of all time: This is hard because I'm a big time cinephile.

1.) Good Will Hunting

2.) Shawshank Redemption

3.) Forrest Gump

What is your dream job: Outdoor Educator

Best place you've ever traveled to: In 2008, I did a cross country trip for two weeks with my mom. We went to St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, NYC, Nashville, and Memphis. That trip was the best because it was with my travel buddy and we got to see a lot of cities and ballparks.

Favorite cartoon character: Goofy

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: My mom, so I could talk and laugh with her again. Second, would be my best friend Jake Owens because we don't get to see each other that much and its always a good time when we get together.

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?: I found North Star through a NOLS job listing and after reading about the camp, I felt we would fit very well together. I love leading trips and spreading my passion and knowledge for the outdoors.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?: I was a technician on RV's without knowing anything about RV's. I also fried french fries for Fresh Fries at numerous fairs in southern Wisconsin and Minnesota.

What did you do last summer?: Last summer I stayed in Nacogdoches, Texas to take a full course of classes and work for SFASU Outdoor Pursuits.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had?: I grew up in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts going to a variety of monthly camps and summer camps. Now I lead outdoor trips for SFASU Outdoor Pursuits.

This guy was meant to be a trip leader!

Staff Spotlight - Kacy Lebby

2013-05-13T19:26:00.004-05:00

Kacy Lebby has been spending the last four months living in Guatemala and volunteering for Quetzaltrekkers where she was able to hike to some beautiful places while raising money for a local school and a children's home. Once she's done there, she be heading straight to the north woods. Kacy returns as our Trip Director.

Kacy was a camper at Camp Thundebird in Minnesota and worked as a wilderness trip leader there. Amongst the trips she led was their Pacific Northwest trip. She's also been a canoeing and backpacking guide for Outward Bound. Kacy is a graduate of Puget Sound University in Tacoma, Washington and next year she'll be going to graduate school for an Elementary and Environmental Education Masters program in Seattle, Washington called Islandwood.

More About Kacy

Favorite tombstone pizza: pepperoni

Favorite activity I don't instruct: fishing

Three favorite movies of all time: High Fidelity, Amelie and She's the Man

Preferred wanigan offering: twix

Best evening program: Friday night service

Favorite cartoon character: Mulan

Favorite camp card game: Farkle or yaniv (new game alert!)

If you could have lunch with two people living or dead: Robert "leb" Lebby age 23 and Sue Lebby age 23.

Dream job: National geographic photographer

Little known fact: My favorite pie at Norske nook is raspberry sour cream and my birthday is June 9th... Wink, wink.

Don't mess with Kacy!

Staff Spotlight - Nick Kasle

2013-05-12T16:01:00.002-05:00

Nick in one of his signature basketball jerseys

Nick Kasle returns for his eight summer and we're not sure if he's better known for his extensive wardrobe of basketball jerseys or unique sense of humor. Hailing from River Hills, WI, he just completed his freshman year at High Point University in North Carolina. Recently Nick learned racquetball and believes that we should get a court at camp.

Nick is going to Spain in May for a month. He'll be learning Spanish and flamenco dancing there. He still plays a lot of FIFA with Oliver Rockman and and claims to always be victorious. We're waiting for comment from Oliver. At camp Nick will be instructing Arts and Crafts as well as waterskiing.

More About Nick

Favorite Tombstone pizza type: Peperoni

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): Water skiing, Arts and Crafts, Swimming, Fitness Training

Your three favorite movies of all time: Inception, Dark Knight, Space Jam

Preferred wanegan offering: Skittles

Best evening program at camp: Organized Free

Favorite cartoon character: Batman

Favorite camp (card) game: Euchre

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Laney Shlensky and Summer McCormack

- Editor's note: We will be able to make Nick's lunch come true...and it looks like we have a new baby sitter!

What is your dream job: Trophy husband

- Editor's note: hopefully not for Laney Shlensky or Summer McCormack

A little known fact about yourself: Got third place in a competition where you had to balance a spoon on your nose.

Staff Spotlight - Kate Hovda

2013-05-11T13:34:00.002-05:00

Kate Hovda joins us for her first summer at North Star. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest, living in Washington State. She moved to the midwest to attend Knox College in Galesburg, IL. She's majoring in Visual Communication with minors in French and Gender & Women's Studies.

Kate recently because president of her school chapter of her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha. A few weeks ago she found out I was accepted for a study abroad program in Copenhagen for part of next year. As a visual communications major, she's a pretty artistic person.She's got a wide variety of artistic skills, from crafts to photography and we know that she'll do a great job this summer as our Arts and Crafts Director.

More About Kate

Your three favorite movies of all time: Skyfall, Love Actually, The Avengers

What is your dream job: Photojournalist for National Geographic working all over the world.

Best place you’ve ever traveled to: Rome

Favorite cartoon character: Kim Possible

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Robert Downey Jr. and Bell Hooks.

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?: Dan came to my college as part of a summer camp job fair and he told me about the Arts & Crafts Coordinator position. After looking at the website, I knew NSC would be a fantastic place to work over the summer because of the strength of the community. I'm determined to make the Arm & Hammer a very popular choice this summer.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held: - I work in the Archives of my college library, which means I get to handle all the really old books and artifacts.

What did you do last summer?: I worked at a framing shop/art gallery by building new frames for anything from amazing pieces of art to children's finger painting and restoring old frames. I also traveled down to Portland to help out my Aunt and went to Manzanita, OR with friends from high school.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had?: I spent a few summers at Camp Spalding in Washington State, including one year when I attended their Pioneer camp and spent a whole week sleeping in a tepee.

Staff Spotlight - Kathy Luy

2013-05-09T21:04:00.002-05:00

Joining us for her first summer is Kathy Luy. A native of Brookfield, WI, Kathy is currently a student at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She recently got accepted into the University of Wisconsin's Secondary Education Program and is very excited to get into the high school setting.

Her club soccer team just joined a soccer league, which will allow them to compete against other Big Ten Schools next fall. She also hope to run a half-marathon in either Milwaukee or Chicago in the fall. Kathy and her three roommates are currently planning a post graduation (aka in 2015) backpacking trip out west. Kathy will be assisting Robyn in the office this summer and will also be instructing waterskiing and some other activities.

More About Kathy

Your three favorite movies of all time: Sound of Music, Lion King and The Sandlot

What is your dream job: I would want to be a member of the U.S. Olympic Bobsled Team.

Best place you’ve ever traveled to: Yosemite: It had some of the most beautiful waterfalls I've ever seen and also had many great hiking trails and camping locations.

Favorite cartoon character: Pooh Bear

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Abraham Lincoln and Marcus Mumford

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?: I saw a job posting on the University of Wisconsin's Job Center and then when I checked out the website North Star looked like an awesome place to work! Being outside and working with kids all summer sounded like the best job ever.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?: I sold hot dogs and beverages at a kite festival one summer. I also ran a fair amount of lemonade stands when I was a kid.

What did you do last summer?: Last summer I worked at my local pool. When I was not working, I was either in Minocqua at a friend's lake house, boating closer to home, or traveling to Illinois to see two of my favorite bands; Coldplay and Mumford and Sons. I was also in two summer soccer leagues.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had?: I attended two overnight soccer camps when I was 12 and 13 and went to an adventure day camp when i was 9. Also, when I worked at the pool we always had a lot of camps swimming at the pool.

Staff Spotlight - Dylan Jacobs

2013-05-07T18:18:00.003-05:00

I am a junior, soon to be a senior, at Bradley University. My major is Interactive Media I have recently found a passion for creating special effects. When I graduate, I plan on being a technical director at a firm which does so. My long term goal is to eventually do effects work for Dreamworks, Pixar, or Insomniac.

I have spent a lot of this year getting better at both Piano and Guitar as well, which as of a few weeks ago, have started doing live at a coffee house with one of my fraternity brothers. I am the Senior representative for our fraternity standards board. This summer before camp, I am going to begin volunteering at the Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter (orientation is next Saturday), which I intend on continuing after I come back from camp next fall. This will be my tenth summer at North Star and I'll be instructing swimming and waterskiing at camp!

More About DJ

Favorite Tombstone pizza type: Brick-Oven Style Deluxe

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): Water-Games

Your three favorite movies of all time: The Dark Knight Rises, Into the Wild, and Electric Apricot

Preferred wanegan offering: Reese's (any kind)

Best evening program at camp: Friday Night Campfire

Favorite cartoon character: Zapp Brannigan

Favorite camp (card) game: Euchre

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Jimi Hendrix and David Gilmour

What is your dream job: Special Effects Director at Dreamworks, Pixar, or Insomniac Games

A little known fact about yourself: I just recently got stitches for the first time, having fallen out of a tree onto a pole. I had to get 5 stitches on my butt.

Staff Spotlight - Heather Solorio

2013-05-06T19:19:00.003-05:00

Heather Solorio will have a busy few weeks. At the end of May she'll graduate from Concordia University in Milwaukee with her degree is nursing. A few weeks later she'll take her nursing boards (exams) and start her first summer at North Star. She's well versed in summer camps, having worked at Camp Silverbrook last summer. She also has done extensive work in pediatric settings, having spent time at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. She shadowed a school nurse at St. John's Military Academy and worked at Penfield daycare/pre school.

These past few months Heather has been focusing on running for my half marathon and graduating school. She just completed my first half marathon this past weekend hopes to compete in another after summer. She's also starting my training to do a triathlon. We're thrilled to have Heather on board as our camp nurse. Our heath center will be well staffed with Heather and Caitlin working alongside Sue.

More About Heather

Your three favorite movies of all time: Picking top three movies is hard to do, but I would have to say Iron Man, Despicable Me, and Pitch Perfect.

What is your dream job: I would love to work down south in North Carolina at St. Jude’s Hospital.

Best place you’ve ever traveled to: Belize in Central America to provide nursing care for the families there.

Favorite cartoon character: Easily Tom and Jerry, they never get old.

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Bill Nye the Science Guy and Luke Bryan

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?: I actually heard of North Star through Google. I applied because I thought it would be a fun job to have before I get a traditional nursing job in a hospital setting. It is also a great place to start my nursing career and follow my love for kids and helping to keep them safe and healthy.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?: I worked the past 6 years in a fitness club as a lifeguard and then also as a swim instructor. I currently also do dog walks during the day.

What did you do last summer?: Last summer I worked at Camp Silverbrook as a counselor and lifeguard. Then as a chaperone for Camp Alice Chester we went up to the Apostle Islands for a weeklong Yacht trip.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had?: I have worked at Camp Silverbrook out in West Bend for a summer. At the start of summer I go camping with friends at Rock Island, which is off the tip of Washington Island.

Staff Spotlight - Caitlin Palgen

2013-05-06T15:19:00.002-05:00

Caitlin Palgen joins us for her first summer. A native of Manhattan, IL, she's currently a student at the University of Illinois - Chicago studying pediatric nursing. She'll be joining our health staff, working along side our nurse to make sure that all of our campers stay healthy this summer.

Caitlin recently ran the Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago. She's also been spending some time at UIC's recreation center to go rock climbing as well as helping a family friend, who is a third grade teacher, design lesson plans for her class. Of almost equal importance, Caitlin is an experienced softball player, having played in a fast pitch league for several years. The staff table and the "Overs' softball team are both looking forward to adding her skill and experience!

More About Caitlin

Your three favorite movies of all time: Remember the Titans, The Little Rascals, & all of the Harry Potter movies

What is your dream job: Pediatric Nurse

Best place you’ve ever traveled to: The Cayman Islands

Favorite cartoon character: Squirt from Finding Nemo

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be: Jenny Finch (the softball player) & Emma Watson

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply: My older brother, Jeremy, works at North Star as a camp counselor and told me about the job. I want to become a pediatric nurse and love playing sports and being outside, so I figured this would be the perfect job for me over the summer!

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held: Babysitter & Nanny

What did you do last summer: Played on a travel softball team and had a job as a nanny

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had: I attended last summer’s post camp & had a ton of fun!

A canoe full of Palgens

Staff Spotlight - Robyn Kirk

2013-05-05T20:03:00.002-05:00

My job as a teacher for kids who are deaf or hard of hearing keeps me busy during the school year. I continue to work and live in Twin Cities and I enjoy working with all sorts of families whose children have cochlear implants or hearings and are learning to talk.

In my spare time, I love to stay active. I've been running, playing broomball, taking salsa lessons, knitting, cross country skiing, reading and trying new restaurants as much as possible. This past year, I've made it back to Hayward in every single season but I'm convinced that summer is still the best. At camp I'm the office manager and also instruct on the waterfront and help coordinate programming.

More About Robyn

Favorite Tombstone pizza type: Plain Old Cheese

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): Waterskiing

Your three favorite movies of all time: The Sandlot, Elf & Zoolander

Preferred wanegan offering: Fun Dip

Best evening program at camp: Predator vs. Prey (Especially when I'm a hunter.)

Favorite cartoon character: Bobby's Mom from "Bobby's World"

Favorite camp (card) game: Euchre

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: The Queen of England and Alex Trebek

What is your dream job: When I was younger, I used to want to be a marine biologist or a horse farmer but now I'd love to be a house flipper.

A little known fact about yourself: I don't like the taste of water.

Staff Spotlight - Kim McCormack

2013-05-04T14:01:00.000-05:00

Every camp needs someone that helps with lots of different things. There is very little at camp that Kim McCormack doesn't help with. As our Program Assistant, she helps put the daily and weekly program together. When it rains at camp, Kim is the person making sure that our campers have something to do. She coordinates our weekly Cruiser (cabin) Day. She also heads up our horseback riding program. These are just some of the many things that Kim does to help keep camp running.

During the rest of the year Kim teaches 7th grade science in Evergreen, Colorado. One of her favorite off season activities has been taking groups of students from her school to Sea Camp. Kim and her husband Jeff (our CIT Director) are raising two great kids, Lake (who will be a camper for the first time this summer) and Summer (who will celebrate her first birthday in August). We're thrilled to have Kim back for her 15th summer.

More About Kim

Favorite Tombstone pizza type: Hamburger (hard to find, but well worth the search)

Favorite project at camp (that you don’t necessarily instruct): Waterskiing

Your three favorite movies of all time: Planes, Trains, & Automobiles, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Life is Beautiful

Preferred wanegan offering: Whatchamacallits

Best evening program at camp: Predator and Prey

Favorite cartoon character: Ducky from the Land Before Time or Phineas Flynn

Favorite camp (card) game: hearts

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be: any of my grand or great grand parents with my kids (sorry, I know that is more than two, but we can sit at different tables if table space was the reason for the limit. :))

What is your dream job: marine biologist

A little known fact about yourself: I was once bitten by an elephant seal.

Kim's favorite spice to cook with is minced bland

Staff Spotlight - Oliver Baylis

2013-05-03T16:15:00.001-05:00

I was born in Surrey England 31st July 1994 I moved about quite a bit when I was younger, but have done the majority of my schooling in suffolk, in a small town called Beccles. I studied two years of outdoor adventure in college and then went on to do a qualification in sports massage (which I'm now coming to an end of).

I have loved outdoor sports all my life and regularly climb, kayak, canoe and sail. I am a qualified instructor in kayaking, canoeing, sailing, mountain biking and Taekwon-do. I am currently in the process of applying to the Royal Navy as a medical assistant and hope to get in within a year or so. I have not yet been to the USA and am very much looking forward to joining the team at North Star. This summer. At camp I'll be instructing canoeing and sailing.

More About Ollie

Your three favorite movies of all time: Watchmen, Silver linings playbook, & Million dollar baby

What is your dream job: To work as a military medic and psychologist, then bar/pub owner when I retire.

Best place you’ve ever traveled to: Perth, Australia

Favorite cartoon character: Any from the dil, 'Emperors new groove'

If you could have lunch with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?: Newton Faulkner and Jennifer Lawrence.

How did you learn about North Star and why did you apply?: I signed up at Camp Leaders (international staffing agency) and was put on to North Star through them.

What noteworthy/random/menial jobs have you held?: I worked as a waiter and barrister in a coffee shop called 'Truly Scrumptious' I have also worked as a sailing, kayaking and canoeing instructor for a water sports centre. This job gave me some of the best memories I have.

What did you do last summer?: I worked as a sailing, kayaking and canoeing instructor for a water sports centre.

What, if any previous camp experiences have you had?: Unfortunately I have none.

Don't mess with Ollie (R)