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 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, please visit our Donate page here 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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Mar 2

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be partic

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be participating in the Probility Ann Arbor Virtual “Mile-A-Day” Marathon Challenge: Spring Edition! Starting on March 21th (the original date for the Probility Ann Arbor Marathon), we invite you to join us by walking, running, skipping, or jogging a mile a day for 26 days to help us raise awareness for mental health. On the 27th day, all participants are invited to gather on Epic Races Zoom channel to run the .2 together for a total of 26.2 miles, virtually crossing the marathon finish line. We are so honored to be chosen as one of the charity partners committed to “E-Race-ing the stigma” surrounding mental health. What's more, 10% of your race fee will be donated to North Star Reach when you sign up (be sure to designate your NSR as your charity of choice). Any amount truly makes a difference and helps us continue to provide free resources and services for our campers, families and caregivers. Plus, we’ve got a coupon code (NSRERACEsave10) for you to use and get 10% off your registration fee! For more information and to sign up, click link in bio.

#epicraces #mileadaychallenge #eracethestigma #onedayatatime #charitypartner #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness

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Mar 1

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: After what seems like weeks o

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: After what seems like weeks of cold and snowy weather, we’re thrilled to welcome a few signs of spring: robin sightings, blue skies, and—just this weekend—ice cream shops opening for the season! And with today being the first day of March, we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the approach of warmer weather than by asking our camp friends to share their favorite ice cream flavor or frozen treat for this week’s #MoosenessChallenge. 🍦🍨

Well, okay, there is another reason we picked this week to feature ice cream! In case you missed the news last week, The Tonight Dough, Jimmy Fallon’s Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream flavor, just released two new treats! And better yet, all proceeds from the Tonight Dough treats (including regular, non-dairy, and cookie dough chunks) support @seriousfun_camps – including North Star Reach. And drumroll please…so far, the Tonight Dough has raised more than $3.6MM for camp! Wow, incredible. Thank you to @jimmyfallon, @benandjerrys and @fallontonight for your support of our campers and families.

So, whether it’s The Tonight Dough, another Ben & Jerry’s scoop, a tasty sorbet or gelato, soft serve with special toppings, or even one of the ice cream sandwiches or popsicles our program team (pictured here) delivered to campers during past summers, tell us your favorite flavor or frozen treat and you’ll be entered into our weekly giveaway drawing. This week’s prize is another Jimmy Fallon gift to SFCN camps: one of his @hasbro Board Games (proceeds from sales also benefit camps like ours). Winner gets to choose from one of three popular games, all great fun for the whole family. And don’t forget to pick up one of the Tonight Dough treats next time you’re at the grocery store -- not only are the flavor combinations out of this world, but it's also an easy (and tasty!) way to support camp. We look forward to your delicious submissions this week!

#moosenesschallenge #supportcamp #seriousfuncamp

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Feb 28

Today, we shine a #BlackHistoryMonth spotlight on

Today, we shine a #BlackHistoryMonth spotlight on two leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting families impacted by sickle cell disease in Michigan and across the Great Lakes Region: The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America-MI Chapter Inc. (@sicklecellmichigan) and Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois (@scdai). We are honored that both organizations have been longstanding partners with North Star Reach in providing programs and services to families caring for children with sickle cell disease.

This year is a big milestone for SCDAAMI and SCDAI, as they are celebrating their 50th year since opening in 1971. Both organizations were founded by leading pioneers who helped to advocate and lead research for sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder which disproportionately affects Blacks, Hispanics and Native Americans.

SCDAAMI was founded by Dr. Charles F. Whitten, a pediatric hematologist whose work and dedication to supporting the health of sickle cell patients paved the way for advances in screening, education, and more. SCDAAMI is now run by Dr. Whitten’s daughter, Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney, who is continuing her father’s legacy serving as the CEO/Medical Director. SCDAI was founded by Howard D. Anderson as a community-based organization under the name Midwest Association for Sickle Cell Anemia. In 1971, Anderson and Whitten joined 14 other sickle cell organizations and together created the National Association for Sickle Cell Disease — whose name was later changed to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. in 1994. The SCDAA has now grown to a 57-member community-based organization in over 300 communities nationwide and in Canada.

Now, and every day, we give thanks to SCDAAMI and SCDAI for their dedication and valiant efforts in supporting families caring for children with sickle cell disease, as well as fighting for a cure. Click link in bio to read our blog to learn more about both organizations and their incredible leaders, past and present.

#sicklecellawareness #sicklecellwarriors #sicklecelldiseaseassociationofamerica

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Feb 25

CAMP CLUBS THIS SATURDAY (2/27): Camper families – we hope you’ll join us this Saturday from 1-3pm (EST) for our monthly camp clubs, hosted by our incredible volunteers. This month’s featured clubs are Music & Drama and Kids’ Kitchen. Our fun-filled activity hours will feature songs, story dice, and even a tasty treat! For supplies and ingredients, check out our story. To learn more and sign up for community-building fun, click link in bio.

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Feb 24

JOIN US FOR OUR VIRTUAL CONFERENCE NEXT THURSDAY (

JOIN US FOR OUR VIRTUAL CONFERENCE NEXT THURSDAY (3/4): In response to the global pandemic, we are hosting a half-day “Coping with Loss” virtual conference next Thursday, March 4th from 12-5pm (EST). Whether you are mourning the loss of a loved one or grieving a life-changing event or diagnosis, we invite you to join us for an afternoon of community-building and resource sharing. In collaboration with @elesplaceannarbor, Arbor Hospice, @mottchildren and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, the conference features licensed clinical social workers, Child Life Specialists, skilled grief counselors, poets, and speakers with experience helping themselves and others cope with significant loss and finding comfort in companionship with others. By listening, sharing, and connecting through presentations and discussions, we aim to hold a space to help one another navigate the difficult journey of processing significant loss. This half-day virtual conference is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, please click link in bio.

#griefandloss #griefsupport #supportgroup #bereavement #mourning #hope #mentalhealth #griefjourney #lifeafterloss #griefshare #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #community #careconference #serioussupport2021 #seriousfuncamp

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Feb 23

Continuing with our series of celebrating North St

Continuing with our series of celebrating North Star Reach volunteers, we’re shining a spotlight on another one of our incredible Young Professional Board Members, Jamie Buhr. Not only has Jamie been involved since 2017, but he’s also the mastermind behind our camp store! As a kid growing up in the eighties and nineties, Jamie recalls his own camp experience as a place that helped him discover who he was and what he was interested in – and always in an inclusive, judgement free environment. “The relationships I formed as a child during summer camp were among the most indelible of my lifetime. Even the friends I've since lost touch with and haven't seen in years, their friendship remains burned in my memory forever. I think anyone who has ever been to camp understands exactly what I'm talking about.” It’s because of this experience that Jamie is so passionate about North Star Reach. He explains, “That's why North Star Reach is such an important place to me because no child should ever be left out of the camp experience. North Star Reach makes it possible for countless families, and all without the burden of the expense that usually comes with it.” Throughout Jamie’s involvement, he’s helped plan outreach and fundraising events, donated his time and products from his company @midwestgraphicsa2, and most importantly – become part of our community. “I think that's part of what makes camp such a special place,” he says, “the sense of community becomes almost immediate whenever you step onto North Star Reach camp.”

Thank you, Jamie, for all your support throughout the years and for always helping spread the word about camp. We are honored to have you as part of our “campily!” In this terrific photo, Jamie is pictured with another dedicated North Star Reach volunteer and board member, Kate Henry. 💚

P.S. – Want to check out our camp store (a portion of all proceeds help support North Star Reach)? Click link in bio.

#youngprofessionalboard #supportcamp #seriousfuncamp #campcommunity

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Feb 22

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: Hey, Hey, Bo Diddly Bop! For

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: Hey, Hey, Bo Diddly Bop! For this week’s #MoosenessChallenge, we’re asking you to share your favorite camp song with us. We want to know what camp song makes you move your feet, dance to the beat, and sing enthusiastically! We know there’s so many good ones to choose from – with everything ranging from a baby shark, to a little red wagon, and even a sticky waffle – so feel free to share more than one, if you just can’t decide.

Comment your song below or send us a DM from now until Friday at 3pm to be entered into our drawing for a chance to win an awesome NSR camp t-shirt.

By sharing, you’re helping contribute to our campfire singalong, as well as joining us around our virtual campfire. We can’t wait to see, sing, and hear your submissions!

P.S. – if you’re missing camp songs, sign up and join us for our Music & Drama camp club this Saturday, February 27 from 1:00-2:00pm (EST)! For more info and to register, please click link in bio.

#campsongs #campfiresingalong #seriousfuncamp

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Feb 21

Hey there, camper alumni!👋 Have you filled out

Hey there, camper alumni!👋 Have you filled out the important research survey to help us understand the lasting impacts of camp on @seriousfun_camps 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. The deadline for the survey is February 28th. It will only 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. Thanks for helping out!

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Feb 20

Oh my, what fun we had last night with our friends

Oh my, what fun we had last night with our friends at @spinningdottheatre! Thank you to the talented actors and teaching artists for the enchanting evening. And thank you to our camper families and friends for sharing your beautiful shadow puppets and joining us for an amazing adventure on a snowy night (here are just a few of their wonderful creations).

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Feb 18

CAMP CLUBS NEXT SATURDAY (2/27): Campers and their

CAMP CLUBS NEXT SATURDAY (2/27): Campers and their families are invited to join us for our February Camp Clubs on Saturday, February 27th from 1:00-3:00pm (EST). Our fantastic volunteers will lead this month’s featured clubs: Kids’ Kitchen and Music & Drama. We know our volunteers are “cooking” up some good activities for next Saturday – and we look forward to having fun with our campers and their families. Camp Clubs 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! Camp Clubs can be attended by the whole family, part of the family, or the diagnosed child. Each activity will run for an hour. To learn more and sign up today, please click link in bio.

#campclubs #campconnections #seriousfuncamp

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Feb 17

ANNOUNCING UPCOMING CONFERENCE: During this global

ANNOUNCING UPCOMING CONFERENCE: During this global pandemic, loss is ever present. Whether you are mourning the loss of a loved one or grieving a life-changing event or diagnosis, we invite you to join us for an afternoon of community-building and resource sharing on Thursday, March 4th. This free conference features licensed clinical social workers, skilled grief counselors and speakers with experience helping themselves and others cope with significant losses and find comfort in companionship with others. By listening, sharing, and connecting through presentations and discussions, we aim to hold a space to help one another navigate the difficult journey of processing significant life losses. This half-day virtual conference is free and open to the public. Reserve your spot by clicking link in bio and filling out our form.

#griefandloss #griefsupport #supportgroup #bereavement #mourning #hope #mentalhealth #griefjourney #lifeafterloss #griefshare #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #community #careconference #serioussupport2021 #seriousfuncamp

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Feb 16

Dear Campily, Last Friday night, our sister @seri

Dear Campily,

Last Friday night, our sister @seriousfun_camps, @holewallcamp in Connecticut, experienced a fire that destroyed several buildings. In response to the outpouring of concern and inquiries about how to help during this difficult time, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp responded by saying, "Right now the answer is very simple - keep being a friend to Camp and one another in the same loving and loyal ways that you always have, and together we will build a brighter future for the children and families we are privileged to serve."

To show support for our friends in Connecticut, we hope our campily will take a moment to share some love, friendship and mooseness with those around you--and keep the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in your thoughts.

From our campily to yours, dear friends at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, we are sending you love, strength, and much mooseness.

#campily #lovethemooseness #weareseriousfun

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Feb 15

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: At camp, ice breakers are one

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: At camp, ice breakers are one of the first activities we lead when new people come together – whether as cabinmates the first day of camp, for a volunteer training, or even for a conference. We’ll start off our time together with a question, game, or activity to get people moving, talking and connecting in surprising ways. (Sometimes, as in this photo from family camp, it includes an ice breaker dance.) For this week's Mooseness Challenge, we're asking our camp friends to respond to--you guessed it!--an ice breaker question. This is one of our favorites:

If you could only eat one food, what would it be and why?

Comment your answer below or send us a DM from now until Friday at 3pm. As always, anyone who plays will be entered into our drawing for a chance to win an awesome NSR camp t-shirt. We look forward to hearing about the food you consider essential and why.

#moosenesschallenge #icebreaker #surprisingconnections

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Feb 14

Wishing our friends and camp community a sweet Val

Wishing our friends and camp community a sweet Valentine's Day!

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Feb 13

SPECIAL LIVE EVENT THIS FRIDAY (2/19): Please join

SPECIAL LIVE EVENT THIS FRIDAY (2/19): Please join us this upcoming Friday, February 19th from 7:00-8:00pm (EST) for a live performance by @spinningdottheatre, a terrific Ann Arbor-based theatre group. They will perform the modern-day fairytale “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing” for the whole family (recommended for ages 6 and up). Camper families who register by Monday, February 15th will receive a special packet in the mail with supplies to make your own shadow puppet as part of the show. We hope you’ll join us for an adventure led by one of the country’s top Children’s Theatre companies! As always, the event is free and open to our camp friends and community. RSVP to join us on Zoom by clicking link in bio now.

#liveevent #theatregroup #creativeexpression #communityandconnection

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Feb 12

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE DRAWING: Join Iffa, one of our

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE DRAWING: Join Iffa, one of our fabulous program volunteers, as she reveals this week’s #MoosenessChallenge winner! And don’t forget, camper families: there’s still time to join us for our Love the Mooseness Family Game Night tonight starting at 6:30 pm (EST). There’ll be dancing, singing, games, and of course, a whole lot of love!❤️ Link in bio.

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Feb 11

It’s #NationalMakeAFriendDay! At camp, friendshi

It’s #NationalMakeAFriendDay! At camp, friendships are the foundation of our caring community. We see friendships bloom every day, whether in person or virtual. Camp is often the first time campers meet others just like them. As one of our older campers, Marisa, said when explaining her summer 2020 camp-at-home experience, “just like in past years, within four days strangers became friends.” Here's to celebrating lasting camp friendships.

#friendship #campfriendbestfriend #makeafriendday

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Feb 10

It’s Heart Month! For today’s #wellnesswednesd

It’s Heart Month! For today’s #wellnesswednesday feature, we are spotlighting a presentation from our 2020 Family Care Conference by leading pediatric cardiologist, Courtney Strohacker, MD. In her session, Heart Warriors, she shares how she helps families cope with the challenges associated with a congenital heart condition, as well as providing education and resources. She encourages families to advocate for themselves and how they learn best – she explains that every appointment is a learning experience. She wants families to know to not be afraid to ask questions because that’s what they’re there for. Click link in bio to learn more and watch her entire presentation, including a Q&A at the end.

#heartmonth #heartwarrior #chdawareness #conqueringchd #chdwarrior #heartdefect #hearthealthmonth #congenitalheartdefect #congenitalheartdisease #childrensnonprofit #medicalcamp

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Feb 9

As part of our series celebrating North Star Reach

As part of our series celebrating North Star Reach volunteers, today we are shining a spotlight on the extraordinary Laura Jackson, one of the original members of our Young Professional Board. Laura’s been involved as a volunteer with camp for many years – as far back as when camp was just a dream and she’s been with us ever since. Laura understands the profound impact a camp experience can make in a child’s life, as she herself benefited from attending a medically-supported camp for ventilator-dependent campers. She is a beloved community leader dedicated to embracing diversity and inspiring others with her resilience and courage. “We aren't always able to choose the path we take in life,” she says, “but we always have the choice in how we ride it. I choose light, love and gratitude!” We are so thankful to have her love and light helping to guide our organization. Thank you, Laura, for all you do for our camper families, and for our community. We are honored to have you as part of our “campily!”

#youngprofessionalboard #supportcamp #seriousfuncamp #campily

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Feb 8

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: In honor of our “Love the M

MOOSENESS CHALLENGE: In honor of our “Love the Mooseness” Valentine’s themed Family Game Night this Friday, we’re celebrating small acts of kindness that make others feel…well, pretty sweet. For this week’s challenge, simply share something kind someone has recently done for you. Held out a hand if you’ve slipped in the snow? Sent you a text to lift your spirits? Baked you sugar-frosted cookies just because you’re you?

Comment or send us a DM from now until Friday at 3pm. As always, anyone who plays will be entered into our drawing for a chance to win a super soft NSR camp t-shirt. We look forward to your submissions and hearing what others have done to make your heart glow.

#moosenesschallenge #lovethemooseness

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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.

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