Your monthly snack of stories about what's happening at North Star Reach! | |
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North Star Reach is excited to be recognized as a Detroit Tigers Charity of the Game on Thursday, September 26 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Currently one of the hottest teams in baseball, the Tigers could be in the middle of a playoff race entering the second to the last series of the season.
Thanks to a generous sponsorship by Kalitta Air, we have a limited number of tickets for camper families interested in attending the game in section 113. To reserve tickets, please reach out to Patrick Smith, Chief Program Officer, and let him know how many tickets you are interested in. Tickets will be distributed on a first come first served basis. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 pm.
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An Evening Under the Stars Open House
Friday, September 20 | 6 - 9 PM
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Join us for a fun-filled evening under the stars at North Star Reach. Come enjoy live music, a food truck, campfires, s'mores, and door prizes.
With hiking trails, yurts, kayaking, archery, bunk houses, a charming tree house, swimming pools, kid’s kitchen, amphitheater, firepits, a state-of-the-art medical center & so much more, North Star Reach makes the impossible possible for children living with serious illnesses and their families, entirely free-of-charge.
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This casual, family-friendly open house is free to the public. We invite our community to come explore our 105 lakefront wooded acres so that you, too, can experience the magic that is camp with a night of firepit fun & fellowship!
Live music will be provided in the amphitheater by Darwin Mamassian along with food by Papi's Taco Parrillero, who will donate 10% of all sales back to North Star Reach.
Special thanks to our friends at Applied Innovation, Lake Trust Credit Union, and MAD Creative Concepts for joining our campily as event sponsors!
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We’ve partnered with renowned local artist Susan Pominville and ART Doing Good to create a special work of art that beautifully captures the essence of our camp. | |
We have only 17 hand-signed and numbered limited-edition prints available in a stunning 24" x 36" format. You might wonder, why just 17? It’s a playful nod to one of our beloved camp speed limit signs, reminding us that it takes 17 muscles to make a smile!
If a limited-edition print isn’t quite right, we’re also offering open-edition prints at 12" x 18", perfect for any space. 100% of the proceeds from both options come directly to North Star Reach to support our work!
And here's the best part: if you make your purchase before Friday, September 20, Abercrombie & Fitch will double your donation, amplifying the impact of your generosity.
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Find Your Campfire
Volunteer Profile | McKenzie Lampe
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Mackenzie Lampe applied to volunteer at North Star Reach in 2018 saying, "I am a 19-year-old girl who has experienced four open heart surgeries, loves kids, and enjoys anything to do with camp."
Diagnosed at birth, Kenzie had the first of those four surgeries at just 8 days old. As she grew up, she found her way to Camp Odayin in Minnesota, a camp for children with heart disease. It became a second home, a place of belonging filled with friends who understood what it was like to have congenital heart disease. "Camp has always been a place of love and support for me, "Kenzie shared.
When North Star Reach opened in 2016 and offered a cardiology session, she was excited to volunteer at a camp like hers so close to home, but she wasn't old enough. When 2018 came around, she applied within days of the application opening and discovered that camp can continue to be life changing place filled with magic and mooseness.
She has filled many roles over the last seven years: counselor, activity leader, seasonal staff, unit director, event volunteer, big check picker upper and now, future camper mom. Just over a year ago, her son Jeremiah was born with a similar heart defect and is being cared for by the same doctor who took care of her as a baby. While no one would wish for their child to come to North Star Reach, she's glad it is here to support and serve kids and families like hers. Kenzie reflected, "This whole experience is a full circle moment for me and knowing that I found my people at camp, I know my son will too."
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Lasting Impact
In Our Own Words | Jenny Ward
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The last time Nick was at North Star Reach, he was at a crossroads, and you truly reached him. I believe that the time he had at camp that summer was the beginning of a complete turn-around for him.
Nick moved to an alternative high school program and has absolutely THRIVED in it. He has discovered his passion for the fine arts, performing in the school theater and blowing everyone away with his singing voice. In spite of having a poor GPA his freshman year, he GRADUATED on time with his class and has received a very generous scholarship towards a degree in music education. He is working and going to school. It's been tough, but my guy is coming through and going to be amazing!
As always, thank you for your care and concern for Nick. His time at North Star Reach has been a "core memory" for him and he treasures it dearly.
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North Star Reach is Michigan’s only barrier-free, fully accessible medical camp serving children with significant health challenges and their families, entirely free-of-charge. Our programs are more than just fun. They’re purposely designed to foster independence, resilience, and personal growth, helping children and their families to see beyond the limits of their medical conditions and experience all that life can offer.
As a member of SeriousFun Children’s Network, we are part of a trusted global network of camps and programs for children with serious illnesses.
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