We have just concluded a fantastic camping season. This past year we had 34 returning cabin counselors, 4 Big Ten Guys and a full camp of 170 campers. The fun and excitement that you remember is definitely still alive in the North Woods. You remember the key log ceremonies, don"t you? Well, someone timed this year"s final key log program at 2 hours and 4 minutes.... obviously a great summer.

First of all, I throw this key log into the fire to thank all of you that have already made very generous contributions to the Lou and Renee Rosenblum Fund or who have signed up for the Fall Alumni event.

Your contributions to the Lou and Renee Rosenblum Fund help support organizations such as Children's Outing Association in Milwaukee and the Camp for All Kids Foundation.All net proceeds will be used to provide "camperships" to boys and girls who are members of minority groups that historically have been excluded from the tradition of summer camping.

The majority of the Fund will pass through to Camp for All Kids, a non-profit organization that provides renewable, 4-week "camperships" to 6 private camps, including North Star and four other camps that are owned and directed by North Star alumni. Camp for All Kids finds prospective campers by partnering with selected schools and youth organizations in Chicago and St. Louis. These organizations recommend kids for the program, and help their families learn about the camps. Once a child is enrolled at a camp, he is guaranteed a place for as long as he wants one. For example, this summer North Star had 5 boys in the Pine-Manor age-group who took the traditional 9 day Canadian Canoe trip. This summer Camp for All Kids sent 70 kids to camp, including 11 to North Star. The camps accept a significantly discounted rate for their tuition.

Alumni

The difference between this program and the traditional scholarship fund program is profound. The traditional program provides about 10 days at an agency camp, with no guarantee of return. It's a great opportunity for kids, but limited. On the other hand, through Camp for All Kids, minority kids get the same opportunity as any full-time, full-tuition camper at North Star or the other camps. They are cabin-mates, friends, U.N. Day Captains whatever fills each campers’ dream. Best of all, at the end of the summer, they can say, "See you next year!" to their buddies  just like the rest of the kids