Welcome

North Star Reach
Camp-At-Home

Wherever you are, come celebrate what it means to be connected to one another. Together, we’ll create a community where friendship, laughter and kindness are what matter most. A place where we’ll reach for the stars and remind ourselves that anything is possible. We’re so glad you’re here.

Photo: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography

Love the Mooseness

Welcome from Our
Director of Camping

We’ve always known that our camp is not about the place, but the people. People who clear away the everyday to make good things happen for children who live with serious illnesses and often miss out on chances to just be kids. That feeling of community coming together to create a brighter world for others, and ourselves, is something we call “mooseness.” After you’ve experienced our programs, we hope you too will come to love the mooseness.

Patrick Smith

North Star Reach Director of Camping

Photo: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography

Love the Mooseness

We Are Here for You

Parents & Caregivers

We are proud to announce a series of new programs designed to deliver support, resources, improved well-being and hope to parents, guardians and caregivers of seriously ill children.

Parents & Caregivers

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Jul 1

Let's hear it for these incredible campers and vol

Let's hear it for these incredible campers and volunteers who kicked off our 2022 camp season. There's nothing better than being together! CAMP IS BACK!!!

#transplantcamp #campmichitanki #cardiologycamp #siblingcamp #seriousfuncamp #summercamp #loveourcampily #allstarvolunteers #donorsmakeitpossible

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Jun 30

More smiles and mooseness than there are minutes i

More smiles and mooseness than there are minutes in the day. (Oh, yes, and fish too—records were broken today!) With dinner just wrapping up, camp is buzzing with excitement for tonight’s closing campfire. We can’t wait to see all our camperstars shine. 💫

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Jun 29

What a gorgeous Wednesday we’re enjoying, on and

What a gorgeous Wednesday we’re enjoying, on and off the water. 💦🐟🛶

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Jun 28

We’re enjoying picture-perfect blue skies and as

We’re enjoying picture-perfect blue skies and as much summer fun as we can pack into the day: gaga ball, fishing adventures, archery, basketball, and so much more. To be with our friends after two years apart, what could be better?

#bestsummerever
#gratefulforourvolunteers
#donorsmakecampmagic
#transplantcamp
#cardiologycamp
#campmichitanki
#siblingcamp #loveourcampily

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Jun 27

Say hello to our first session campers! What an am

Say hello to our first session campers! What an amazing day we’ve had, with much more fun planned for the cabin night festivities after dinner. 🙌

#cabinphotos #newfriends

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Jun 27

WELCOME BACK CAMPERS! We are so excited to have ou

WELCOME BACK CAMPERS! We are so excited to have our campers back after two years! We had a BLAST tonight at our opening campfire. Our memory-making fun together has just begun!

#lovethemooseness #bestsummerever #thankyoucamperfamilies

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Jun 25

VOLUNTEERS ARE HERE!!! Say hello to the dedicated

VOLUNTEERS ARE HERE!!! Say hello to the dedicated program and medical volunteers giving their time and talents this week to making sure our first session campers have a safe and amazing camp experience. We are grateful to each and every volunteer, as we are to the donors who play an equally vital role making camp possible for kids with serious health challenges. We can't wait to welcome campers tomorrow! 💛 💚 💙

#loveourcampily #changemakers #seriousfuncamp #campmichitanki #transplantcamp #cardiologycamp

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Jun 25

Volunteers of all ages and from all backgrounds po

Volunteers of all ages and from all backgrounds power North Star Reach’s mission. That includes the incredible group of program and medical volunteers training with our staff at camp today before campers arrive tomorrow. ✨

It also includes younger volunteers, like Sam and Gabe Fitzpatrick of Troop 456 in Dexter. As part of his Eagle Scout Service Project, Sam designed a portable paddle rack for North Star Reach and led a team of volunteers to build it. (His brother Gabe built two boat racks for our neighbors at Friends Lake Cooperative Community.) Thank you to @thesuntimesnews for celebrating the brothers contributions to North Star Reach and their achievement of earing rank of Eagle Scout, the highest @boyscoutsofamerica honors.

On the eve of our first summer camper arriving for in-person camp, we're sending a HUGE cheer to Sam, his brother, and the volunteers who contributed a gift that will help power our campers’ boating adventures. See link in bio to read this week's Sun Times News story.

📷: 1) Brothers Mike and Sam with Eagle Scout Chris Short early this spring beside the paddle rack in North Star Reach’s boathouse; 2) NSR’s Patrick Smith with Sam and Chris.; 3) feature story in this week’s Sun Times News.

#volunteersmakeitpossible #everyonehassomethingtogive #gratefulforourcommunity #eaglescout bethechang

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Jun 24

Camp friends, be sure to stop by @zingmailorder Wa

Camp friends, be sure to stop by @zingmailorder Warehouse Shop today to enjoy some very tasty deals, with all sales donated to support North Star Reach’s no-cost camps and programs. ZMO Warehouse is one of the best kept Zingerman’s secrets, a retail store tucked away at 710 Phoenix Drive in Ann Arbor featuring delicious local treats and fantastic food gifts. The sale fundraiser for North Star Reach runs today only (Friday, June 24, from 9 am-10 pm), and is just one of the many ways @zingermanscommunity is supporting North Star Reach’s mission all month long. Thank you, Zing friends! You are the best!

#communitypartner #seriousfuncamp #seriouslygreattastingfood

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Jun 23

Spotted this afternoon: Moose already waiting in t

Spotted this afternoon: Moose already waiting in the woods along the road into camp to welcome campers back to North Star Reach. Oh, how he has missed his friends these past two summers! Along with Moose, the rest of our staff and an incredible team of program and medical volunteers can’t wait to see our first session campers in just THREE DAYS!!! 🌟 🌟 🌟

#summer2022 #bestsummerever #lovethemooseness #seriousfuncamp #campmichitanki #cardiologycamp #transplantcamp

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Jun 22

GETTING TO KNOW SAS 5 (2/2): And we're back—high

GETTING TO KNOW SAS 5 (2/2): And we're back—highlighting 4 more of our seasonal staff members! Once again, we asked each of them what they are most looking forward to about the summer. Here is what they had to say (from left to right):

"Creating a camp community, with the help of campers, staff, and volunteers that is safe, kind, and inclusive. I also hope to see Big Brownie out at fishing!" -Kathryne (Cabin Leader)

"Making connections with campers and having fun" -Jeannie (Cabin Leader)

“Creating a safe space for campers to share their stories and taking photos that are worth a thousand words” -Katie (Activity Leader: Story Studio & Photography)

"Passing down some knowledge in archery and being back at camp" -Miguel (Activity Leader: Archery)

Thank you, Kathryne, Jeannie, Katie, and Miguel! We look forward to seeing you create camp magic for so many wonderful campers this summer!

#WelcomeBack #SAS5 #FindYourCampfire

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Jun 20

GETTING TO KNOW SAS 5 (1/2): Today we are highligh

GETTING TO KNOW SAS 5 (1/2): Today we are highlighting 4 of our seasonal staff members! We asked each of them what they are most looking forward to about the summer. Here is what they had to say (from left to right):

"Helping form new relationships & experiences" -Michayla (Cabin Leader)

"Seeing our campers in-person and seeing camp magic in action! (and some s’mores on the side)" -Ashley (Cabin Leader)

"Providing support, establishing a sense of belonging for the campers, and being a part of something bigger than myself." -Therese (Behavioral Support)

"Experiencing the camp magic of North Star Reach and bringing joy to campers!" -Lauren (Cabin Leader)

Thank you Michayla, Ashley, Therese, and Lauren for helping us provide an amazing and safe summer back at North Star Reach!

#WelcomeBack #SAS5 #FindYourCampfire

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Jun 19

On this day last year, Juneteenth became a federal

On this day last year, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, commemorating the anniversary of the end of slavery in America in 1865. We honor this day to celebrate freedom, remember, and reflect. #happyjuneteenth

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Jun 19

Happy Father’s Day! Thank you to all the Camp Da

Happy Father’s Day! Thank you to all the Camp Dads who inspire our play, adventures, and dreams.

📷: Isabelle with her dad during North Star Reach’s 2021 spring family camp-at-home session.

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Jun 16

The countdown to camp continues and we are only 10

The countdown to camp continues and we are only 10 days away from safely welcoming campers back!

To celebrate, let's give a BIG camp welcome to the 10 members of our SAS 5 team—Miguel, Katie, Jeannie, Kathryne, Lauren, Ashley, Michayla, Casey, Kenzie, and Therese! The team is hard at work learning the ins and outs of all things camp. Keep an eye on our social media pages to learn a little more about them before campers arrive!💛 💚 💙

#WelcomeBack #Summer2022 #FindYourCampfire #SAS5

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Jun 14

We can’t wait for our Teen Conference “You Wil

We can’t wait for our Teen Conference “You Will Be Found” in just three days!!! Hosted online this Friday starting at 5 pm (EST), participants who register by tomorrow morning (6/15) at 10 AM can still receive FREE activity supplies and some terrific camp swag, all part of the event’s fun, self-discovery, story-making activities. See link in bio for more details and to register for free.

#teenconference #communitybuilding #findyourstory #shareyourstory

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Jun 14

We send our support to the LGBTQ+ community and ce

We send our support to the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate your true selves--this month, and all months. #happypridemonth🌈
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

#inclusivity #diversity #respect #placeofbelonging #allpronounswelcome

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Jun 13

Say hello to this summer's Unit Directors, Kenzie

Say hello to this summer's Unit Directors, Kenzie (left) and Casey (right)!👋

Today, they begin their training on how to ensure our SAS and campers have a safe and fun summer! We asked what they are most excited for and they had this to say:

"I am most excited to see campers back on camp grounds and experiencing that camp magic again. I am also excited to give campers a sense of normality in all the chaos of the covid world." -Kenzie

"I am most excited to meet our amazing campers and spend the summer at North Star Reach!" -Casey

Let's give them a huge camp welcome in the comments below!💛 💚 💙

#WelcomeBack #Summer2022 #CampfireTogether

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Jun 10

Only 15 s'more days left until campers return to N

Only 15 s'more days left until campers return to North Star Reach for an amazing and safe summer!🍫🔥While the countdown continues, we're excited to begin our seasonal staff training next week and welcome our first group of volunteers in just two short weeks!

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Jun 7

Dr. Patricia Richardson is our keynote speaker at

Dr. Patricia Richardson is our keynote speaker at our upcoming Teen Conference: You Will Be Found, next Friday, June 17th (5-10 pm, EST). This free virtual conference is designed to help support teens and young adults (ages 14-21) explore who they are, and how to share their story with others. Also featured on the program: Minute Me presentations by a dazzling lineup of celebrity guests offering reflections on what’s most important for defining self across many different lives—and hopefully inspire your own Minute Me! Follow the link in our bio to see the full program and register today! We hope to see you next week!

#teenconference #inspirethenextgeneration #community #identity #storytelling

Get in touch!

EMAIL

info@northstarreach.org

PHONE

FAX

North Star Reach Camp

1200 University Camp Drive
Pinckney, MI 48169

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

North Star Reach is an independent nonprofit medical speciality camp based in Pinckney, Michigan. We provide life-changing camp experiences for children living with serious illnesses and their families, at no charge to them. You can support us today by making a donation.

Click Here & Donate

Stay Connected

PHONE

North Star Reach Camp

1200 University Camp Drive
Pinckney, MI 48169

Stay Connected

FAX

EMAIL

info@northstarreach.org

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

North Star Reach is an independent nonprofit medical speciality camp based in Pinckney, Michigan. We provide life-changing camp experiences for children living with serious illnesses and their families, at no charge to them. You can support us today by making a donation.

Click Here & Donate

GuideStar Platinum

North Star Reach is a platinum-level
GuideStar participant

American Camp Association

American Camp
Association Accredited

Visit North Star Reach

Photo Credit: Leisa Thompson Photography