Guide to Mooseness

There once was a mythical moose who lived on a wooded peninsula in southern Michigan. Moose was sad because the children who came to play in his woods every summer for more than 60 years had stopped coming.

Summers passed. The woods remained quiet. Moose became very lonely. I know all this because Moose told me when I met him nine years ago. One spring day I was on a walk in his woods when he saw me and shared his story. He inspired me and others to create a place that would welcome back campers who were different from other children. Kids who live with serious illnesses and don’t have the same chance as other kids to go away to summer camp.

Along with an amazing community of donors, volunteers, medical partners and camp professionals, we opened our medically supported camp in 2016. Since then, nearly 3,500 children with complex medical needs have left their parents and caregivers, often for the first time, to enjoy an amazing summer sleepaway camp experience, all at no cost to their families. These experiences have been life changing for both campers and their families.

While we can’t gather together in the woods overlooking Patterson Lake during the pandemic, our virtual camp experiences aim to deliver the same opportunities for kids and family members to create lasting memories and friendships. And, yes, the same feeling of mooseness. Browse the videos below to learn more about the new spaces we’ve created for us all to gather, including Moose. While this new home away from home looks different, it’s a place where we can reach for the stars and remind ourselves that anything is possible.

Patrick Smith

North Star Reach Director of Camping

Photo: Eric Bronson, Michigan Photography

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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

North Star Reach Camp

1200 University Camp Drive
Pinckney, MI 48169

Stay Connected

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.

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Photo Credit: Leisa Thompson Photography