In our last blog post we shared great advice for our new North Star campers from our veteran campers. The suggestions and guidance were extremely helpful because our returning campers can speak from personal experience about what it’s like to spend a summer under the pines for the first time.
We are very fortunate at Camp North Star to not only have a high percentage of running campers but also to watch many of those campers make the transition from being camper into our Leadership Training Program to our Counselor-in-Training Program and then join our staff. It is a rite of passage that brings great joy to our directors.
These staff members enjoy the perspective of being a former camper who vividly remembers their first summer, as well as the perspective of a North Star staff member who goes through ongoing staff training both before and during the camp season. As staff members, they go through a comprehensive training program to learn best practices to care for and give guidance to our campers. Some of them have spent over 10 summers at Camp North Star. They were happy to share and impart their wisdom from their many years at camp.
“My advice for first time campers is to take classes outside of your comfort zone and to pack some clothes for Wacky Wednesday. And don’t stress about making friends, everyone at camp is super welcoming!” Hannah W.
“The friends I have made at North Star keep me coming back year after year! There is something for everyone at camp, and we have built a community where we want to see each other succeed and try new things.” Cailley L.
“When packing, pack a lot of socks! When you are active all day your socks can get muddy or just dirty in general and you might just want to put a clean pair on. When you think you have enough, pack a few more pairs, you definitely can’t have too many socks! And make sure you have both heavy and light pajamas. The weather is very unpredictable in Maine and some nights it gets very cold and other nights you will be sleeping on top of your sheets because it’s warm out, so make sure you are prepared for it all.” Danielle J.
“Come in confident in your own choices! You are going to get the opportunity to pick your own classes and make your own friends, so come into camp confident that you have the capability to make these amazing choices.” Kate A.
“Making friend can be a little scary at first, but at North Star all the campers and staff are so friendly. I remember walking into my cabin as a first time camper and immediately feeling so welcomed. It’s important just to be yourself and you will make friends in no time!” Natalie J.
“We’re all here to help you make the most of your time at Camp North Star. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Before you know it, CNS truly will feel like a second home.” Greg B.
“Camp is the place where you can be your truest self. It’s a totally judgment-free zone where you can put yourself out there by wearing a swimsuit over your clothes on Wacky Wednesday or by singing for the first time in public at the campfire, and everyone will cheer you on. It’s a truly special place, and I can’t wait for you to experience it this summer!” Emily A.
New campers are welcomed by their fellow campers, counselors, directors, and support staff…everyone at North Star who works together as a team and family. We can’t wait to welcome our first time campers as the newest members of our North Star family.