Camper Meetups
An extension of our camp programming, these virtual meetups give North Star Reach campers and their siblings, who are between the ages of 7 and 17, a chance to connect with peers in small online gathering spaces.
All meetups, which are exclusively for participants who have previously attended a North Star Reach summer or family program, are supervised by a minimum of two trained adults and are offered free of charge. Participants will be placed in groups with their peers of similar ages/developmental abilities. (To be eligible, campers must be aged 17 or younger prior to the start of the winter/spring virtual meetup season.)
Groups are small and all participants are asked to commit to regular attendance at each of the 60-minute sessions, which will meet every other week during the winter/spring (Jan. – Apr.). All sessions will be recorded for security and oversight purposes; however, information, as well as what is shared, is kept strictly confidential.
The benefits of participating in the meetup group include:
- Gain sense of belonging while decreasing feelings of isolation that children who live with serious illness and their siblings often experience
- Develop friendships and social connections with peers
- Have fun playing games and trying new activities
- Opportunity to share experiences with others who have had a similar journey
Register your camper today by completing the form below.
Winter/Spring 2022 Camper Meetups

Camper Meetup for 7-12 Yr. Olds
When: Mondays, 6:00–7:00 p.m. (EST), every other week, starting January 17
What: A chance for North Star Reach campers to meet and connect with their camp friends in small online gathering spaces. The group is supervised by a minimum of two trained adults.
Who: Facilitated by North Star Reach’s Monica Philipp and assisted by experienced program volunteers
Facilitator Bio:
Monica Philipp has been involved with camp since summer 2016 when she joined as a program volunteer. Whether through creative expressive activities or team building games, Monica loves to inspire a caring community where meaningful connections are possible. (When she’s not gathering around a campfire, real or virtual, with campers, she works to sustain meaningful relationships with our donors.)

Camper Meetup for 13-15 Yr. Olds
When: Mondays, 7:00–8:00 p.m. (EST), every other week, starting January 17
What: A chance for North Star Reach campers to meet and connect with their camp friends in small online gathering spaces. The groups are supervised by a minimum of two trained adults.
Who: Facilitated by Sami Eron and assisted by experienced program volunteers
Facilitator Bio:
Sami Eron began volunteering at North Star Reach in 2016. She has returned year after year as a volunteer (for both in-person and virtual camps), was seasonal staff member in 2018 and 2019, and wrote her thesis about the power of camp. One of her greatest joys is to help campers make lasting connections with their peers who have been through similar experiences and to see the growth in confidence that happens through the magic of camp.

Solstice Meetup for 16-17 Yr. Olds
When: Tuesdays, 7:00–8:00 p.m. (EST), every other week, starting January 18
What: A Drop-in Session focused on keeping connected to camp and one another. If you just want to hang out, this is the meetup for you. Open to North Star Reach campers and siblings who are 16 and 17 years old. The group is supervised by a minimum of two trained adults.
Who: Facilitated by Mike “Coach” Parker and assisted by experienced program volunteers
Facilitator Bio:
Mike “Coach” Parker is a graduate of University of Michigan-Dearborn. He joined North Star Reach in 2019 as our volunteer director and plays a leadership role delivering our on-site and virtual camp programming.
Camper Meetup Registration
Parents and caregivers who wish to register more than one child will need to complete a separate registration for each eligible child. Spaces are limited and filled on a first come basis.
Get in touch!
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.
Stay Connected
PHONE
North Star Reach Camp
1200 University Camp Drive
Pinckney, MI 48169
Stay Connected
FAX
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.

North Star Reach is a platinum-level
GuideStar participant

American Camp
Association Accredited
