Watch Under the North Star

A virtual event hosted on Nov. 6, 2020

A Celebration of Thanks & Giving

Thank you for joining us for this year’s “Under the North Star.” The program showcases the incredible impact camp is making for families in need, all thanks to YOU, our generous donors.

You can view the recorded program below. A special thanks to the campers and family members who shared their stories as part of the program. If you’d like to make a donation to support camp, there’s still time to double your gift by clicking here. You can also view our program by visiting our YouTube Channel.

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The need is great. We can’t do it without you.

This year’s Under the North Star will launch a month of “Thanks & Giving” to share our immense gratitude with donors, corporate partners and volunteers for all they do to ensure North Star Reach can continue serving campers and their family members safely during the pandemic crisis through innovative alternative programming. You can see the latest Instagram stories in the panel below, or follow us on Instagram and/or Facebook to enjoy the complete series.

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Nov 29

THANKS & GIVING: MEMORABLE CLOSINGS – Closing ca

THANKS & GIVING: MEMORABLE CLOSINGS – Closing campfires are the culmination of our week together. Whether performing with their cabin friends or stepping on stage for a solo act, campers inhabit a new-found confidence. Often you can see it bloom in front of your eyes as the entire camp community cheers them on. We are deeply grateful to the Beaumont Health Foundation for its continuous support of our programs, including this special night when we gather one last time in the amphitheater to close out our time together. (Photo credit: Eric Bronson / Michigan Photography)
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#thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 28

THANKS & GIVING: COURAGEOUS OPENINGS – From a di

THANKS & GIVING: COURAGEOUS OPENINGS – From a distance, opening and closing campfires might strike an outsider as similar events. Same stage. Same gathering of campers, volunteers, and staff. Up close, the two evenings are worlds apart. Opening campfires mark a beginning. Every camper gets a chance to step on stage and say his or her name (as you can imagine, performing in front of more than 100 people takes courage) and contribute to a skit or song. In just a few hours, as each voice is heard, we transform from a collection of new arrivals into a camp family that has shared meaningful connections.

For helping us to create a magical space that brings our camp family together, we send our deepest thanks to North Star Reach Board Member Steven Berger, his wife Traci Menoch-Berger, and Steven’s family. Steven was instrumental in building North Star Reach. His construction company First Choice Building & Maintenance—which he owns with partners Louis Boudet and his brother, Michael Berger—produced a state-of-the-art facility, and Steven served as the general contractor during camp construction. In addition, Steven’s parents (Stanley L. & Phyllis) and their family foundation, The Polo Fields of Michigan, have generously hosted golf outings and contributed to our annual fundraising gala throughout the years. Steven and Traci (pictured here) have also both volunteered during summer camp sessions (Steven as a cabin counselor, Traci leading fishing activities).

Thank you, Steven, Traci, Stanley, Phyllis, Michael, and the rest of the Berger family, for your generosity of time, talent, and funding over the years. Because of your passionate support, generations of children have the chance to discover a new circle of friends and a place of belonging. #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 27

THANKS & GIVING: A PLACE TO SHINE – As we head i

THANKS & GIVING: A PLACE TO SHINE – As we head into the final stretch of our Thanks & Giving series, we turn to a corner of camp where memorable closings are celebrated. The Amphitheater is nestled at the bottom of a grassy hill just a short walk from the Dining Hall. As anyone who’s joined us at camp for a closing ceremony knows, our stage highlights one-of-a-kind, not-to-be-missed, astounding all-camp performances featuring impressive solos, silly skits, magic shows, standup comedy acts, and, of course, stories about courage, kindness, friendship, and other amazing camp adventures. The evening buzzes with support and encouragement, as everyone gathered cheers the stars on stage.

A huge thanks to founding donor MOTT GOLF CLASSIC, for generously supporting the construction of our amphitheater area and providing a space where our campers can shine. We look forward to walking you around our newly improved amphitheater space and sharing moments that happen on center stage. #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 25

THANKS & GIVING: ACCESSIBLE TREETOP ADVENTURES –

THANKS & GIVING: ACCESSIBLE TREETOP ADVENTURES – "Climb a tree not so the world can see you,” goes a twist on a famous quote, “but so you can see the world.”

For kids with serious illnesses, inhabiting the space between earth and sky—to see and be seen—often isn’t possible. But thanks to generous donors like @dmatum, Patti Harris and Susan E. Cooper, kids who otherwise couldn’t climb into the treetops get a chance to see the world from above.

Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan, the incredible student-run nonprofit dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pediatric rehabilitation therapies, contributed significant financial resources for the construction of our accessible treehouse. Patti Harris and her lifelong friend Susan Cooper were inspired to make a generous gift after learning about two young campers who reignited a friendship at camp, nearly a dozen years after they met undergoing heart surgery on the same day at the hospital as infants. Their gift supports our Hammock Village, a place for campers to relax during afternoon “Toes Up Time.”

Not surprisingly, the treehouse is one of our campers’ favorite spots at camp—a place where every kid can explore and see the world as never before. Visit link in our bio to learn more about the design and construction of the treehouse by local architect Jan Culberson (A3C - Collaborative Architecture) and @diynetwork’s @thetreehouseguys, led by Ann Arborite B’fer Roth.
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#thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude #cometogetherftk

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Nov 24

THANKS & GIVING: YURTS WITH A VIEW: A pair of canv

THANKS & GIVING: YURTS WITH A VIEW: A pair of canvas-walled yurts at our Outpost campsite provide most of the overnight shelter for our campers. A couple cool features: the accessible wheelchair ramp and the oculus inside each yurt for viewing the moon and stars. Portable generators support medical equipment, and medical team members are nearby to help when care is needed. Our sincere thanks to the donors who supported construction of our yurts, including the Buhr Family Foundation, Delta Air Lines Mechanics, Jan Herrick, and Dr. Edward “Skip” Walton. We are incredibly grateful to them for creating a space were generations of campers will have a chance to sleep under the night sky, some for the very first time. #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 23

THANKS & GIVING: SLEEPING UNDER THE STARS – If y

THANKS & GIVING: SLEEPING UNDER THE STARS – If you follow the wide dirt path past the Arts & Crafts building and along the shores of Woodburn Lake, you will arrive at our rustic Outpost campsite. In this beautiful clearing in the woods, our older campers spend one evening away from the main center of camp. They typically hike out after dinner, enjoy songs and stories around a campfire before sleeping under the stars. As part of the Outpost experience, they are also encouraged to complete challenges to earn their “Mooseness Explorer” badge. (The Explorer flag, pictured here, is used as a talking stick as campers take turns sharing stories.) We are indebted to the estate of David S. Rosen, M.D., for bequeathing a financial gift to North Star Reach to support exceptional camp programming for our campers. During the early 2000s, Dr. Rosen spent many hours with C.E.O. Doug Armstrong, as well as Dr. Skip Walton, former North Star Reach Medical Director, to work on the overall camp design. Dr. Rosen’s abiding belief in the immense value of giving kids with serious illnesses a chance to enjoy traditional camping experiences, including sleeping under the stars, will be felt for generations to come. #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 22

THANKS & GIVING: 105 ACRE WOOD – There is no pla

THANKS & GIVING: 105 ACRE WOOD – There is no place at camp where you aren’t surrounded by the splendor of trees. From the moment you pass through the front gate, tall oaks, maples and pines line the drive, transporting you back in time. In a tribute to the magical forest inhabited by Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends, the TED & JANE VON VOIGTLANDER FOUNDATION named our wooded spaces “105 Acre Wood.” We are immensely grateful to The Foundation, and to Gwen Haggerty-Bearden and Steven Bearden, for their generous and abundant support over the years. Beyond significant financial commitments, Gwen and Steven have personally invested their time, from volunteering to help check-in summer campers to organizing an annual Hockey Night in Brighton and hosting Facebook fundraisers. More than any other place at camp, these woods take up the most room in our hearts and dreams. “As soon as I saw you,” Winnie-the-Pooh once said, “I knew an adventure was going to happen.” Thanks to the Ted & Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation, our campers have enjoyed unforgettable adventures in our woods. In the coming few days, we look forward to sharing some of those adventures with you. #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 21

THANKS & GIVING – HOME FOR OUR MEDICAL HEROES: A

THANKS & GIVING – HOME FOR OUR MEDICAL HEROES: As well as housing a state-of-the-art health center equipped to provide urgent, emergent and routine pediatric care, North Star Reach’s Observatory provides apartments on the second floor for medical volunteers and staff. Just a short walk from our camper cabins, medical teams are ideally located to provide around-the-clock care for campers. We could not provide the quality medically supervised experiences our campers and families need without our incredible team of volunteer doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals, many of whom are now heroically providing care on the COVID-19 frontlines. To our family of medical volunteers—and to healthcare professional everywhere—we send our deepest thanks for all you do. And on this day in our series of recognizing donors who have supported our medical staff housing, we salute The Carls Foundation for its generosity in helping to construct our extraordinary “hospital in the woods.” #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 20

THANKS & GIVING: CAPTURING CAMP MAGIC – On the f

THANKS & GIVING: CAPTURING CAMP MAGIC – On the first day of any summer or family camp, we always make time for a cabin or group photo. We love these photos because for each person, campers and volunteers alike, they mark the beginning of a new adventure. When we look back on them--after a weekend, a week, or years--it’s amazing to see how each person has been transformed by their camp experiences. Shy smiles give way to exuberance. Formal poses break out into amazing dance moves. Strangers become lifelong friends. Today we send our gratitude to the tremendously talented professionals who capture the life-changing experiences that happen at camp. Thank you to photographer @leisathompson and videographers Tom Wille, Derek Juntunen and Scott Allen, of @constant_motion_productions, for their phenomenal work that allows us all to see (and re-see) extraordinary camp moments. A special thanks to our friends over at @abercrombie for supplying all our lovely (and super soft!) camp tees--just like a camp photo, each tee holds special memories. Our campers and volunteers loved receiving their t-shirts this summer in their camp-at-home care packages. It helped them feel connected to our camp community and family – or "campily" as we like to call it – during a time when they needed it the most. #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 19

BUILDING YOUR BUNCH: Friendships are always import

BUILDING YOUR BUNCH: Friendships are always important in our lives. During times of crisis, trusted friends become even more important. For parents and caregivers of children with serious illnesses, these friendships truly can be a lifeline. In this week’s featured recorded presentation, North Star Reach's Mary Ann Fithian and longtime program volunteer Jeni Sobbry discuss their own lifelong friendship and offer tips to help others find supportive relationships. This is the latest in a series of recorded talks from our two-day virtual Family Care Conference in October. Click link in bio to hear this and other excellent presentations (with still a few more coming soon!). #serioussupport #familycareconference #parentresources

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Nov 19

THANKS & GIVING: BRIGHTLY BURNING CAMPFIRES – Ea

THANKS & GIVING: BRIGHTLY BURNING CAMPFIRES – Each constellation unit in our Camper Village (middle, youngest, oldest) holds four cabins. These cabins are all connected by a central firepit. Each night after activities, campers walk up to their cabins to get ready for the night. And every night, they arrive to find a welcoming campfire. It is the perfect place to unwind from an adventure-packed day and bond with friends. Around the fire, stories are told, s’mores enjoyed, and songs sung. Memories are created that burn brightly long after campers return home. We are so thankful to all the donors who keep our campfires burning, with special thanks today to Kojaian Management Corporation and @yourchildrensfoundation, both of whom have made significant financial contributions over the years. The lasting friendships and memories made around the campfire every year are only possible because of the incredible generosity of our supporters. #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 18

THANKS & GIVING: THE GIFTS OF CABIN CHATS – Each

THANKS & GIVING: THE GIFTS OF CABIN CHATS – Each night cabins will do “cabin chats.” These can be as simple as talking about a highlight from the day, a moment of kindness, or even bonding over medical conditions. Camp is often the first-time campers meet other kids with serious health challenges just like them. It’s powerful and inspiring. A certain understanding is shared between campers – no explanation is necessary; they just get each other. We are thankful for these moments of connection that our campers experience and share – and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our donors, including the Friends of the U-M Health System, who contributed funds for the construction of our camper cabins. More than any other location at camp, the climate-controlled cabins are a special place where kids—many of whom are spending a night away from home for the first time (outside of a hospital setting)—feel safe and bond with kids just like them. The magic of camp comes alive in these home-away-from-homes. Many thanks to them, and to all our donors, for helping kids meet other kids just like them. #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 17

THANKS & GIVING: HOME AWAY FROM HOME – Today we

THANKS & GIVING: HOME AWAY FROM HOME – Today we leave the waterfront and head to the opposite end of camp, up the big hill (with a water break along the way!), past the Observatory and Dining Hall, to our Camper Village. The village includes three clusters of cabins (or “constellations,” as we like to call them), each dedicated to a different age group: youngest, middle, and oldest. These cabins are more than a place to rest for the night: It's where many of our campers first meet new friends and discover their "campily." Together, cabins come up with a name for the week and create a themed flag. (We’ve had everything from Moose Ninjas, to Helping Hands, to Friends 4Ever, and more!) Throughout the week, and each day, cabins are transformed from sleeping/hangout spaces to bustling hives of program activities, including spa nights, escape rooms, karaoke and dance happenings. As we continue our “Thanks & Giving” series, we extend our gratitude to the VERA AND JOSEPH DRESNER FOUNDATION, a transformational donor recognized at the entrance to our Camper Village. Thanks to the Foundation's generous financial support over the years, hundreds of children with serious illnesses have found a home away from home. For some, it is the first place they've slept overnight away from their own homes, outside of a hospital. We look forward to telling you more about what happens in these spaces as we head into the next chapter of our series. #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 16

THANKS & GIVING: OFF-SHORE ADVENTURES – While we

THANKS & GIVING: OFF-SHORE ADVENTURES – While we adore all the beautiful spaces at camp, we have a little extra love for the waterfront. Here, just past the athletic fields, you’ll find the boathouse overlooking Patterson Lake. Whether paddling, super soaking counselors, or challenging friends to kayak races, we encourage all our campers, no matter their medical challenge, to participate in the boating fun. We are deeply grateful to the generous donors who have helped to build and sustain our boating and waterfront programs, including Mike Morse, the Alvin L. Glick Foundation, @klavesmarina, and (North Star Reach’s first board chair) Sheri Mark. Because of their contributions over the years, hundreds of campers and their family members have discovered the joy of being on the water, many for the very first time. #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 16

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: Because we’re all working t

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: Because we’re all working together to keep everyone safe, Thanksgiving might look a little different this year for families. You might not be meeting with your extended family, but rather just those who live in your household. Or you might not be making as big of a feast as you normally would. For this week’s challenge, we’re asking you to comment below a Thanksgiving tradition you’re re-imagining this year. How will you celebrate safely this holiday season? Like camp, we need to be flexible and creative. Will you schedule a family zoom, send a meal to a family member or friend, or send a gratitude card? Let us know by commenting below from now until Friday at 3pm and you’ll be entered to win an awesome Hasbro board game. By sharing below, you’ll help to inspire others who are adapting their plans and traditions, too. #celebratesafely #moosenesschallenge #traditionreimagined #adaptability

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Nov 15

THANKS & GIVING: INSPIRING SERIOUS FUN – Our Ath

THANKS & GIVING: INSPIRING SERIOUS FUN – Our Athletic Field also houses special evening programming. These evenings are a chance for campers from the same cabin or group of cabins to enjoy some serious fun planned by their counselors. Festivities often feature shaving cream, water balloons, musical chairs, and much more! From Wacky Olympics to Color Games and Scavenger Hunts, these special activities are often inspired by ideas shared by our colleagues at SeriousFun Children's Network! Through this network of camps, all with the same mission to provide life-changing experiences to kids with serious illnesses free of charge, our program team receives support and inspiration. If it’s been done at one camp, it’s probably been done at others. We love collaborating with our sister camps all over the world to continually improve our fun and inclusive programming. Our gratitude today goes out to our friends at @seriousfun_camps, as well as to long-time camp supporters Diane and David Lusk. We are grateful for your support in helping to give children with serious health challenges a chance to have fun and just be a kid. #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 14

THANKS & GIVING: TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK –

THANKS & GIVING: TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK – Today we celebrate the spirit of teamwork that comes to life in our field of dreams. Here, groups working together accomplish things that one person, no matter how hard they try, simply cannot do alone. During team-building activities like walk-along trolleys, whale watches, and other low ropes challenges, campers learn how to create opportunities for others. Our donors embody that same team spirit, contributing financial support and resources that help our campers and their families thrive. For their years of generous support and spirited teamwork, we extend our heartfelt thanks Dr. & Mrs. Robert Kelch and Laura Jackson and her family. While they have each contributed in their own ways, they share a passion for the life-changing experiences our medically supported camp provides for kids with serious illnesses and their family members. We can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done to make camp possible. #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 13

THANKS & GIVING: A WORLD OF ALL-STAR MOVES – Our

THANKS & GIVING: A WORLD OF ALL-STAR MOVES – Our Athletic Field opens up a world of possibilities for our campers – from basketball games, to archery bullseyes, and gaga ball wins, there’s something for everyone! Our fully adjustable basketball hoops, generously donated by the Joan C. Banfield Foundation, allow any camper to make their dunk dreams come true. And new to camp last year, our Archery shelter, graciously donated by Hapag-Lloyd AG and delivered and painted by Farrow, allows campers to take a break from the sun and cool off. And of course, in the middle of it all, lives our Gaga Ball pit – one of our campers (and volunteers!) favorite spots. Here, campers and counselors jump into the accessible octagon-shaped "pit" to dodge, jump, and strike out competitors using a soft rubber ball until only one player remains to claim the Gaga Ball Champion title! Thank you to our incredible donors, including From the Heart, Save a Heart, and AR Brouwer, who help to make the cheers, laughter, play, and fun possible. #thanksandgiving #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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Nov 12

HEART WARRIORS: In this week’s featured recorded

HEART WARRIORS: In this week’s featured recorded presentation, we hear from a leading pediatric cardiologist, and one of our awesome medical volunteers pictured above during Wacky Wednesday from summer camp 2019, Dr. Courtney Strohacker! She shares insights for helping pediatric patients and families to cope with the challenges associated with a congenital heart condition. This is the latest in a series of recorded talks from our recent two-day virtual Family Care Conference in October.

Click link in bio for this and other excellent presentations (with more coming soon!).
#serioussupport #familycareconference #parentresources #congenitalheartdisease #congenitalheartdefectawareness #chd #heartwarriors

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Nov 12

THANKS & GIVING: FIELD OF DREAMS — Just across t

THANKS & GIVING: FIELD OF DREAMS — Just across the way from the Hangar, our winding dirt road will take you down to our Athletic Field. A field where teamwork happens. Games of gaga ball ensue. Nine-square dominates. Footballs are thrown. Soccer games are held. And victories are celebrated. Today, as we continue our “Thanks & Giving” series, we recognize another transformational donor, JACKIE & JAKE LONG, long-time supporters of North Star Reach who made a foundational gift to camp long before it was a reality. In addition to their generous financial support, the Longs dedicated themselves to hosting our signature gala, “Under the North Star,” which helped to build essential momentum prior to camp opening. Former University of Michigan offensive lineman and NFL number one overall draft pick for the Miami Dolphins Jake Long was inspired by visiting pediatric patients at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital when he was a student-athlete. Jake and Jackie became passionate about North Star Reach’s mission of providing life-changing camp experiences for kids with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Their generosity is recognized at the entrance to our Athletic Field, to honor the importance of sports in their lives and the impact it has on our campers, who are able to enjoy a wide range of accessible activities. We look forward to telling you more as we head into the next chapter of our series, focused on moments in this field of dreams. #thanksandgiving2019 #donorsmakeitpossible #30daysofgratitude

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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.

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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