Family Care Conference

When: October 7 & 8, 2020

What: Designed specifically for parents and caregivers of children with serious health challenges, this two-day virtual conference will offer caregivers a thoughtfully-crafted program of presentations by leading medical and mental health professionals.

Program events begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, with keynote presentations at 11 a.m., followed by breakout sessions (1-3 p.m.), panel and feature speakers (4-6 p.m.) and evening musical entertainment and social mixers (8-10 p.m.). All times are Eastern Standard.

Free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here for more program details and to register so you will be admitted from the waiting room.

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Jan 26

Happy Birthday, Paul! Today we celebrate what woul

Happy Birthday, Paul! Today we celebrate what would have been Paul Newman’s 96th birthday. His vision for creating a place where children living with serious illness could “raise a little hell” has inspired a global community of independently managed and financed camps and programs. North Star Reach is proud to be part of that extraordinary community, @seriousfun_camps, and honored to continue Paul’s legacy, vision and compassion for campers with serious health challenges.

Thank you, Paul, for seeing that the need is great and, as you said yourself, “so are the opportunities to make a difference one smile at a time.”

#weareseriousfun

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Jan 25

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: For this week’s challenge,

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: For this week’s challenge, we’re playing a game our campers know well from this summer called “Close Up.” We’ve zoomed into a photo taken at camp and it’s your job to figure out where it’s at! We’ve given you some clues with a riddle below.

Where am I?
I’m surrounded by the color of the sun,
Hear the crunch below campers’ feet,
Some choose a target, hoping to not be outdone,
When it gets too hot, campers can escape the heat.
Water jug nearby, with a bench to rest your feet,
Wait for the signal, for the blow of a whistle,
Safety first or you can take a seat.
Now, can you solve this riddle?

To enter our challenge this week, simply comment your guess below at where you believe this picture was taken. We’ll reveal the place and the photo during our drawing this Friday afternoon. Let us know your guess by commenting below or sending us a DM from now until Friday at 3pm. Anyone who plays will be entered into our Friday drawing for a chance to win a cozy NSR camp t-shirt.

We look forward to your submissions! #moosenesschallenge

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Jan 24

Hey there, camper alumni! Have you filled out the

Hey there, camper alumni! Have you filled out the important research survey to help us understand the lasting impacts of camp on SeriousFun Children's Network camp alumni yet? If so, we thank you. If not, your voice is important, and we want to hear from you! The survey is for North Star Reach campers who have previously attended an overnight session since 2016 and are at least 18 years old. It will take you about 20 minutes and you will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card as our way of saying “thanks!” Click link in bio to take the survey now. Thank you for helping out!👏

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Jan 23

CAMP CLUBS THIS SATURDAY (1/30): Campers and their

CAMP CLUBS THIS SATURDAY (1/30): Campers and their families are invited to join us for our first monthly Camp Clubs on Saturday, January 30th from 1:00-3:00pm (ET). Camp Clubs offer popular camp activities, hosted by staff and volunteers, and give kids and family members a chance to create, make, share and learn new skills, all while meeting other awesome kids and families on a similar life journey! Each Saturday features two clubs with a variety of different online experiences. Camp Clubs can be attended by the whole family, part of the family, or the diagnosed child. January’s featured clubs are Story Studio and Arts & Crafts. Each activity will run for an hour. Join us and together we’ll create, draw, and record stories that transport us to unexpected, magical places. To learn more and sign up today, please click link in our bio.

#campclubs #winterprograms #seriousfuncamp

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Jan 21

CALLING ALL CAMP FRIENDS: Please join us this Frid

CALLING ALL CAMP FRIENDS: Please join us this Friday at 7:00 PM (ET) for a performance by the talented singer/songwriter Jonathan Kingham, followed by a Q&A session with Director of Camping Patrick Smith. (Patrick, Jenny and Jonathan have known each other for years, and we couldn’t be more excited to have Jonathan kick off our first Live Event of the year). Based in Nashville, Jonathan plays keyboard and slide guitar for @toadthewetsprocket and is a popular touring solo artist. You can check out his beautiful music by heading to his website (link in bio).

The event is free and will be live streamed on Facebook. Camp friends (families, volunteers, donors) are welcome to join the conversation on Zoom by clicking link in bio to RSVP. We hope you’ll stop by for some great music and conversation. Thank you, @iamthehamking 💛🔥🙏

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Jan 20

It’s no surprise that most people don’t get en

It’s no surprise that most people don’t get enough sleep – especially our caregivers. For today’s #wellnesswednesday feature, we are spotlighting a presentation from our 2020 Family Care Conference by Kathy DeRue, MD, MS. She explains the importance of getting a good night’s sleep and setting a healthy bedtime routine. As she says, our bodies really like routine, and this is especially true when it comes to sleep. Click link in bio to learn sleep techniques and sleep habits to help re-charge your body battery. You’ll come away with helpful advice on how to improve your sleep health.

#needforsleep #healthyhabits #sleephealth #sleeproutine #wellbeing #caregiversupport #parentinglife #supportcaregivers #seriousfuncamp

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Jan 19

CALLING ALL CAMPERS: It’s not too late to come j

CALLING ALL CAMPERS: It’s not too late to come join us and other North Star Reach campers for our winter session of virtual camper meetups, which begin tonight, January 19. Our age-specific meetups are hosted by a staff member and two seasoned volunteers. Parents can register their camper(s) today by clicking the link in our bio.

In the meantime, we’re excited to spotlight another incredible program volunteer who helps to host our online gatherings. Today’s feature is the fantastic Mike, who will be with our middle group, ages 13-15. He’s pictured here in the summer of 2017, after diving headfirst into a plate of spaghetti during our famous No-Hands’ Spaghetti Dinner.

Mike volunteered during our virtual camper meetups last fall and is excited to connect with another group of campers. “The camper meet-ups have been a great way to connect with campers and other volunteers. They really help to bring the camp spirit during a time that we're unable to meet up in person.”

Mike will be joining us all the way from New York City, where he works for Google. He’s been tuning in from his hybrid bedroom/office for our bi-weekly gatherings. In the next round of meetups, he’s looking forward to “seeing familiar faces, making new connections, and coming together to bring a little bit of that camp magic.” The best thing about camp magic? Once you find it, you can bring it anywhere! One lesson from camp that Mike applies to his life is unabashedly being yourself. “So often we focus too much on what other people may think of us and worry about how we might change to meet the expectations that other people have set for us. Sometimes you just need to put on a onesie, apply a glitter beard, and be the one who sets the trend!” Thank you, Mike, for the inspiring words and always encouraging our campers to do the same.

We look forward to welcoming back Mike and seeing our campers very soon.

#virtualfun #stayconnected #campconnections #bethetrend

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Jan 18

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: In honor of Martin Luther Kin

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we’re asking you to share how you give back in your own way. “Everybody can be great,” as Dr. King famously said, “because anybody can serve.” There are many ways to serve safely: Something as simple as checking in with grandparents, sending homemade cards to loved ones, or creating a gratitude sign for a healthcare worker, teacher, mail delivery person or grocery clerk – these are all important acts of personal and civic kindness that make a big difference, especially during these times of social isolation (like Joshua’s beautiful message here: Live Life!). It doesn’t have to take a lot of time! As Dr. King said, it only takes “a soul generated by love.”

To enter our challenge this week, we want to hear how you’re serving and giving back to your community. Let us know by commenting below or sending us a DM from now until Friday at 3pm. Anyone who plays will be entered into our Friday drawing for a chance to win a cozy NSR camp t-shirt.

We look forward to your submissions, as we know they will inspire our community!

#MLK #giveback #dayofservice #community #moosenesschallenge

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Jan 18

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is,

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

#MLKDay

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Jan 17

Another magical snow day ❄️ #enjoythelittleth

Another magical snow day ❄️

#enjoythelittlethings

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Jan 16

SPECIAL LIVE EVENT THIS FRIDAY (1/22): Popular Nas

SPECIAL LIVE EVENT THIS FRIDAY (1/22): Popular Nashville-based folk, pop and jazz musician @iamthehamking is coming to perform around our virtual campfire! We’re thrilled to kick-off our new series of monthly live entertainment events with this award-winning musician, who is also a keyboardist and slide guitarist for the rock band @toadthewetsprocket. The event will be live streamed on Facebook, so you can tune in there at 7 PM (EST). Camper families are encouraged to register online to join us on Zoom for a special post-performance Q&A with Jonathan. We're so grateful Jonathan is taking time to share his talents with our community. Come enjoy the show and say hi! Click link in bio to RSVP today.

#seriousfun #livevirtualcampfireperformance #toadthewetsprocket

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Jan 16

Join Patrick as he announces this week’s #Moosen

Join Patrick as he announces this week’s #MoosenessChallenge winner from the set of our “SuperMoose Sweep: Home Edition” Family Game Night. Special thank you to all the families and volunteers that joined us tonight.🌟

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Jan 15

Winter wonderland ❄️

Winter wonderland ❄️

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Jan 14

Our winter sessions for Camper Meetups start next

Our winter sessions for Camper Meetups start next week, following a successful run last fall. There’s still time and spots left to sign your camper up for one of these age-specific groups! Join Nella, and dozens of other North Star Reach campers, as they meet up for one hour every other week to hang out with camp friends – both old and new. Listen to one of our camper parents explain why these meetups are important: “It was great to hear my daughter laughing and seeing the joy on her face in what has been a very isolating year for her.” For more information and to sign up, click link in bio.

#campermeetups #virtualfun #campconnections

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Jan 13

ON YOUR CART! GET SET! GO! North Star Reach camper

ON YOUR CART! GET SET! GO! North Star Reach camper families (including alumni) are invited to join us this Friday for the premiere of “SuperMoose Sweep: Home Edition.” Family teams will be given timed challenges, including hunting for household and food items in their pantry and answering trivia questions and riddles (check out our Story to get warmed up!) Enjoy an evening of silliness, laughter, and connection with other families caring for a child with a serious illness. Host Patrick Smith will kick things off on Zoom at 6:30 pm (EST). Click link in bio to RSVP today!

#familygamenight #seriousfun #stayconnected #lovethemooseness #supermarketsweep

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Jan 12

CALLING ALL CAMPERS: Sending out another reminder

CALLING ALL CAMPERS: Sending out another reminder to join us and other NSR campers for our winter session of virtual camper meetups, which begin January 19. Our age-specific meetups are hosted by a staff member and two seasoned volunteers. Parents can register their camper(s) today by clicking link in bio.

In the meantime, we’re excited to spotlight another incredible program volunteer who helps to host these online gatherings. Today’s feature is the amazing Meiko, who will be with our oldest group, ages 16-17. He’s pictured here in the summer of 2017, sporting a banana costume and a mermaid tail – famously referred to as Mermana!

Meiko volunteered during our virtual camper meetups last fall and is excited to connect with another group of campers. “Being able to listen and interact with their stories has been so filling for me. I learn more about myself each week, it really doesn't even feel like volunteering I feel like I should be paying to participate."

Meiko will be joining us all the way from Gainesville, Florida! “Living 1,059 miles away makes it difficult to volunteer at camp, but camper meetups have been a blessing,” he says. It’s allowed campers (and him!) the opportunity to take camp with them wherever they go, continuing the community that camp inherently creates. “Camp has always been my favorite three months of the year. Camper meetups have expanded my favorite three months to the ENTIRE YEAR!”

As Meiko pointed out, camp is a feeling that can travel with you anywhere. For Meiko, camp not only gave him an enormous (and festive!) onesie collection, but also taught him to treat everyone like they are family. At camp you meet hundreds of campers and counselors who, many of them, you have never met before and by the end of the week you have built lasting friendships. “If there is one thing the world needs more of it is camp! We can be the campfire that shines light on those around us.” We couldn’t agree more! We look forward to welcoming back Meiko and seeing our campers very soon.

#bethecampfire #virtualfun #stayconnected #campconnections

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Jan 11

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: Our challenge this week is in

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: Our challenge this week is inspired by our first Family Game Night of the year, taking place this Friday, January 15, from 6:30-8:00pm (EST). We invite our camper families to join us for “SuperMoose Sweep: Home Edition,” a spin on the classic Supermarket Sweep game show where your pantry will become your own personal grocery store.

To enter our challenge this week, simply share two favorite items--one healthy, one special treat--that are almost always on your grocery list each time you shop. Here are a few combinations contributed from our staff: bananas/pretzels, carrots/chocolate bar, and (a leading favorite) oatmeal/pizza.

Let us know by commenting below or DM us from now until Friday at 3pm. Anyone who plays will be entered into our Friday drawing for a chance to win a cool NSR camp t-shirt. We look forward to hearing your answers and don’t forget – registration just opened for our winter programs, including family game night! #moosenesschallenge

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Jan 11

Hey, Hey Listen Up, Listen Up! We’re thrilled to

Hey, Hey Listen Up, Listen Up! We’re thrilled to share that registration for our 2021 alternative winter programs and special events just went LIVE on our website. From January through April, we will host three new monthly online programs, all at no charge. These include Family Game Nights, Camp Clubs, and Special Live Events.

This Friday, we kick things off with our first Family Game Night of the year. We invite our camper families to join us for “SuperMoose Sweep: Home Edition," hosted by Supermarket Sweep veteran Patrick Smith. Get ready for a spirited game night featuring shopping in your own home, scavenger hunts, trivia and lots of laughs! To register for this event and many more, please click link in bio.

#stayconnected #staysafe #lovethemooseness

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Jan 10

Hello, camper alumni! We are reaching out to North

Hello, camper alumni! We are reaching out to North Star Reach campers who have previously attended an overnight session since 2016 and are at least 18 years old. We would be grateful if you could fill out an important research survey to help us understand the lasting impacts of camp on SeriousFun Children's Network camp alumni. It will take you about 20 minutes and you will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card as our way of saying “thanks!” Click link in bio to access the survey. Thank you so much for helping out!🙌

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Jan 9

We 💙 snowy days at camp. Enjoy these photos tak

We 💙 snowy days at camp. Enjoy these photos taken earlier this week.

Get in touch!

EMAIL

info@northstarreach.org

PHONE

FAX

North Star Reach Camp

1200 University 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 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

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Photo Credit: Leisa Thompson Photography