Camp UniStar 2015

Camp UniStar
2015
Camp UniStar is a place of natural beauty and serenity nestled on Star Island, surrounded by the clear waters of
Cass Lake. Here amidst the pine forests of northern Minnesota, Unitarian Universalists and like-minded friends gather
to relax and regenerate. The dark, clear nights are perfect for star-gazing, while sunrises and sunsets invite meditation.
Water activities abound and there are miles of trails through the quiet forest. Campers enjoy sailing, swimming,
kayaking, canoeing, hiking, volleyball, horseshoes, crafts, card games, board games, conversing or quietly reading on
screen porches... all on an island with no roads or commercial enterprise.
Camp UniStar was established in 1961 when the Anderson family of Houston, Texas generously donated the
land and rustic buildings to what is now the Camp UniStar Foundation. It is a non-profit, volunteer-managed camp
for people of all ages. Families and individuals come seeking personal growth, community and friendship as well as a
deeper connection to nature. They leave with changed lives, new friends, and lifelong memories of a magical place.
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Program
2015
Youth Weeks
• Youth Week 1, June 13 - 20
• Youth Week 2, June 20 - 27
These weeks offer youth entering grades 7 through 12 time with peers to work and play while building
community and lifelong friendships. The morning is spent on service projects like painting and landscaping
that contribute to camp. Activities for the rest of the day center on enjoying time on the island: hiking, kayaking,
sailing, canoeing, swimming, playing ping pong, volleyball or games, or just relaxing on the dock.
Youth Week Registration
Youth Week registration is online. There are two dates for registration:
• Returning Youth Week campers may register beginning on March 8, 2015.
“Returning Campers” are defined as those campers who attended Youth Week in 2014.
• New Youth Week campers may register beginning on March 15, 2015.
The fee for Youth Week 2015 is $440 per camper. (Partial scholarships are available.)
To register for Youth Week, go to the Youth Week web page http://www.campunistar.org/youth/registration
and follow the instructions. If you don’t have access to a computer, please call the Youth Week registrar, Abby
Olson at 612-454-0922.
Program Weeks
The week’s leader-facilitated programming runs each day from 10 a.m. to noon. A children’s program for ages 3
to 11 is provided during this time. Parents are responsible for their children at all other times.
Programming for youth ages 12 to 18 is planned each week to meet the interests of those attending. Activities
may include overnight camping, a trip to Cedar Island, evening campfires, baking, canoe or kayak excursions,
and more.
June 6 - 13.......... Working Together, Growing Together:
Work Week 2015
Program Leaders: Sonja Blackstone, Bob Friedman,
Morgan L’Argent, & Steven Mosborg
DISCOUNT: Reduced fees this week, plus additional
discounts for young adults (age 18 to 35).
This year Work Week takes place after most school
districts have dismissed classes, so we’re extending
a special invitation to families to work together on
projects for campers of all ages and abilities. Major goals
for the week include a new bathroom for Cabin 5 and
renovations to our staff housing building. In addition,
there’s always something that needs painting, porches
that need screening, tools and materials to organize,
sailboats to set up, leaf raking, or even working on
recording camp history. After morning projects there’s
ample time to relax in the afternoon and evening.
Although there are no formal youth or children’s
programs, enthusiastic young workers are welcome.
Join us and participate in projects that will benefit the
camp for years to come.
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June 27 - July 4..............................How We Make Camp:
Stories & Art
Program Leaders: Ann Klefstad & Westy Copeland
DISCOUNT: Reduced fees this week.
Two programs are offered this week; sessions will be
concurrent.
Have you ever wanted to write a short story? We all
are fascinated by the long history of life on our island.
This week we will have an opportunity to imagine those
lives lived more deeply, and use on-site experience
and the UniStar archives to create short stories, led
by writer Ann Klefstad, author of Island in the Stream:
Camp UniStar’s First Fifty Years. Your stories can be for
children or adults, set in the deep past or the present,
with human characters or animal protagonists.
The urge to create art is innate in all of us, yet too
often it is stifled by a lack of time, lack of space, or
that little voice that says “I can’t.” This week will be
full of spontaneous art-making sessions including
drawing, collaging, painting, journaling, and more.
Westy Copeland is an artist and teacher who enjoys
encouraging creativity in everyone.
Program
July 4 - 11...................... Natural Wonders of Star Island
Program Leader: Dianne Rowse
DISCOUNT: Reduced fees this week.
Walk with naturalist Dianne Rowse to discover the
hidden treasures of Star Island. Explore the Windigo
bog, use a hand lens to view insects, moss and lichen
up close, and take a boat excursion to a unique floating
plant community. Discover traditional uses of plants
and how to use a key and field guide to identify trees,
flowers and dragonflies. Learn to identify bird, insect
and frog songs. A night hike may include moth baiting
and stargazing. Dianne Rowse is recently retired from
working as an Interpretive Naturalist for Three Rivers
Park District at Lowry Nature Center.
July 11 - 18....................................................... Game On!
Program Leader: Dave Walbridge
Play is central to being human; all cultures have games
for friends and families. Even as adults we need time
out to relax, socialize and learn. This week we’ll play
card games, board games, strategy games and a few new
games. We’ll also look at games that teach, inventing
ones to explore creativity and build community. Come
to play and have fun. Bring a favorite game to share
with others. Teens welcome.
Dave Walbridge has a lifetime of play experience; a
professional clown and comedy writer, and a pretty
fair game player. He invented the game “Fish Pants!”
July 18 - 25.......................The Songs & Stories of Justice
Program Leaders: Mick Caouette & Carol Caouette
Justice movements throughout American history have
always been powered by music. Witness the stories
and music of civil and human rights movements
through film, photos, music recordings, circle singing,
and songwriting. PBS documentarian Mick Caouette
and White Bear UU Church principal musician Carol
Caouette will share the music and stories of social justice
from our early history to the present. Explore and share
your commitment to justice as we sing and memorize
songs. Try your hand with others at writing lyrics and
creating melodies. Come away with a repertoire of old
and new songs that call us to bear witness.
2015
July 25 - August 1..............................Waves of Wellness:
Sailing & Hatha Yoga
Program Leaders: Dave Welo, Amy Schulz, & Kirsten
Lakso
Two programs are offered this week; some sessions will
be concurrent.
Dave Welo and Amy Schulz have been sailing for a
dozen years. They will share their passion for sailing
this week, with lots of hands-on opportunities to learn
both the parts of the boat and how to harness the wind
in your sail. We’ll play sponge tag and do a little racing.
This is your chance to learn sailing in a relaxed and
encouraging environment.
Join Kirsten Lakso, a certified Integral Hatha Yoga
instructor, for a week of daily yoga practice. Kirsten
has taught yoga since 1992, and draws on her
background in Integral Yoga and various other yogic
teachings, dance, as well as Vipassana and Mindfulness
meditation practices. Kirsten combines inspirational
readings, soothing music, stretching, strengthening
and balancing postures, yogic breathing, exercise,
chanting, laughing, guided relaxation and meditation
in a relaxed, supportive, light-hearted spirit. All levels
and abilities are welcome.
August 1 - 8............... Future Earth: Science & Solutions
Program Leaders: J. Drake Hamilton & Patrick Hamilton
Humanity is now the leading driver of change at all
scales - local, regional, continental, and global. J. Drake
Hamilton and Patrick Hamilton will lead a multifaceted
exploration of the science of the Anthropocene and
engage you in lively policy discussions about how we
can imagine, design, implement and realize a more
sustainable future. J. is the Science Policy Director
for Fresh Energy, a Minnesota nongovernmental
organization that advances practical strategies to fight
global warming and expand clean energy solutions
to benefit all. Patrick is the Director of Global Change
Initiatives at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
August 8 - 15.....................................Living with Purpose
Program Leaders: Carole Anne Broad & Pam Berry
We will take a close look at what it means to lead a
life of purpose and find greater meaning in all aspects
of our lives. Purpose is the ability to know yourself,
know what you know, reflect on this knowledge,
Continued on next page...
Volunteer Opportunities
UniCorps is the Camp UniStar volunteer program. By becoming a UniCorps volunteer, you can earn discounts
on your Program week fees and UniStar will benefit from your volunteering efforts.
If you’d like to share your talents in cooking, maintenance, or help with other tasks at camp this summer,
please visit http://www.CampUniStar.org/volunteer for more information.
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Program
...Continued from previous page
and base your judgments, choices and actions upon
this understanding. We will explore the context and
meaning of our own lives, explore other peoples’ ways
of living on purpose, and consider the big questions
that shape their present and future. Participants will
define their own purpose at this time in their lives and
build a framework to lead a purposeful life now and
in the future. Carole Anne Broad is an undergraduate
academic adviser at the University of Minnesota and
developed and teaches the course, “Living on Purpose:
An Exploration of Self, Purpose and Community” for
the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University.
Pam Berry is interested in helping others explore their
thoughts about purpose as a co-leader of this session.
Both leaders hold Masters of Social Work degrees.
August 15 - 22..... Ojibwe History, Spirituality, & Crafts
Program Leader: Sally Fineday
Join us as we trace the threads of Ojibwe history from
their East Coast origins westward to the Great Lakes
region and the present day. Learn about the impact
of federal treaties and policy and about the cultural
relevance of local historical sites, including those on
Star Island. We will also explore Ojibwe spirituality and
try our hands at Ojibwe crafts, including a birch bark
basket and a beaded necklace or bracelet. Sally Fineday
is a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and has
spent much of her adult life exploring the history of her
people. Her life experiences have led her to resurrect the
Midewewin Lodge (a healing society) and she is one of
the founders of Moon Daughters, a women’s leadership
organization based on the matriarchal society of the
Ojibwe.
August 22 - 29........................................................ Fairies:
Spirits of Nature, Messengers of the Unconscious
Program Leaders: Rev. Ted Tollefson & Kristen Eide
Tollefson
This week, we’ll use fairy tales and fairy lore to explore
how “fairies” connect human beings to the hidden,
spiritual dimensions of Nature and Mind. Sessions will
include readings in fairy lore, retellings of fairy tales,
discussion, group storytelling and opportunities for
fieldwork in the woods of UniStar and our own dreams.
Our mission is to establish a renewed relationship with
the Wild without and within.
Rev. Ted Tollefson has served as campus, community
and parish minister in UU congregations since 1980.
Kristen Eide-Tollefson has collected fairy books for
decades and owns The Bookhouse in Dinkytown,
Minneapolis. They commune with fairies in Frontenac,
MN and are the co-founders of Mythos Institute.
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2015
August 9 - September 5............. Skills for the Good Life:
Photography, Fiber Arts, and Yoga
Program Leaders: Dan Zimmermann, Kim Christensen,
& Julie Hartmans
DISCOUNT: $40 discount per person for double (or more)
occupancy; applies to cabin/lodge rooms and tents. We
encourage you to invite friends or family members to join
you for a fun week at UniStar!
This week is reserved for adults (age 18+).
Three programs are offered this week. Some sessions
may be concurrent.
Photography: We will cover the basics of photography:
composition, light, camera settings, depth-of-field,
contrast, etc. We will also cover the basics of digital
cameras. Dan Zimmermann is an avid photographer
whose evocative images of UniStar can be found
throughout camp as well as online.
Fiber Arts: The basis of much knitting is wool. Let’s
dye our wool with plant materials to see what kind
of palette nature provides. There will be a supply of
wool available for purchase, to be used in the dye pot
with plants from the island, the mainland, and beyond.
Let’s see what colors we can find! Kim Christensen is
an expert knitter and fiber artist who has studied at the
North House Folk School.
Kundalini Yoga: Experience yoga in the beauty of the
north woods! Kundalini Yoga is designed to effect
profound changes and is accessible to all ability levels.
Sessions will feature yoga postures, meditation, and
mantra. Modifications will be taught to fit participant
needs. No prior yoga experience is necessary, simply a
willingness to be open and do your best. Julie Hartmans
has been practicing this type of yoga for five years. She
recently completed her training to be a yoga teacher, so
will be coming to camp with fresh knowledge and skills.
Fees & Information
2015
Life at Camp UniStar is simple, rustic and comfortable. Campers share space in one of five cabins,
Anderson Lodge, or pitch a tent near the lakeshore. The cabins and lodge feature a common room, simple
kitchenette, sleeping rooms for each family, and a bathroom with a tub. Campers bring sheets, mattress pads,
pillowcases, and towels. Pillows and blankets are available. The tent area has five tent platforms (bring your
own tent, sleeping bags, etc.) with nearby bathrooms, shower, a basic kitchenette, and screened gazebo.
There is a communal dining hall serving three delicious, healthy meals a day. In addition to the regular
offerings, at each meal we provide gluten-free baked goods, almond and soy milk, and vegetarian and vegan
entrees and desserts. If you have a diet that is very limited, bring some food to supplement the meals camp
provides. For questions or more information about the facilities, visit our website at: www.CampUniStar.org.
Camp Fees
Adults 18 & over
Youth 12-17
Children 3-11
Work Week
Weeks 6/27 and 7/3
cabin/lodge tenting cabin/lodge tenting
$379 *
$289
$139
$299 *
$229
$109
$499
$380
$175
$399
$299
$135
Weeks 7/11 thru 8/29
Deposit
cabin/lodge tenting Per Person
$535
$405
$195
$430
$325
$155
$200
$150
$100
* Young Adult Discount: For Work Week, the youth fees apply for 18 to 35 year-olds - cabin $289, tent $229.
Please write “Young Adult” after your name on Registration Form.
Some suggestions for increasing your chance of attending camp:
• Choose more weeks. Your flexibility makes it more likely there will be space in one of your preferred weeks.
• Choose weeks early in the season. The late July and August weeks are the most requested.
• Send in your registration form before priority registration ends on March 7, 2015. Registrations received after
that date will have fewer weeks to choose from.
If the weeks you select are oversubscribed, you’ll be placed on a waiting list. If this happens, we’ll notify you.
Deposits are nonrefundable once you have received your registration confirmation. Refunds for cancellations
will be considered only if your spot can be filled by another registrant.
Information:
FGeneral
• IMPORTANT: Campers drive to SailStar Marina and are ferried from there to Camp by pontoon. (See map
on page 8.) There will be three trips to Camp each Saturday at approximately 2:30, 3:45, and 5:00 p.m. If you
live in the Twin Cities or northern Minnesota please try to take the earlier trips, leaving room later for those
coming from farther away.
• Canoes, sailboats, and kayaks are available. Campers may also bring their own, but no jet skis.
• Campers arrive late Saturday afternoon and leave the following Saturday morning. Private boaters should
follow the same schedule.
• A program for children ages 3-11 is available each day 10 a.m. to noon. Parents are responsible for their
children at all other times.
• Pets are not permitted.
• Smoking is limited to outdoors only.
• First aid is available at camp. Medical emergencies are taken to the Cass Lake Clinic or the North Country
Regional Hospital in Bemidji.
• Single registrants may occasionally be asked to share a room.
• Financial assistance may be available. Please contact the Camp Registrar.
• Requests for a second week (not counting Work Week) may be submitted to the Registrar after March 7 or
to the Camp Director after May 23. (See addresses on page 6.)
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Registration Information
2015
Program Registration Notes - Please Read!
• Priority Registration ends March 7 for all Program weeks.
The Registrar must receive your form with deposit by this
date. Postmark does not apply.
• After March 7, you may still apply to attend. Please check
the website, www.CampUniStar.org, or contact the Registrar
(until May 23) or the Director (after May 23) to find out
which weeks have space available.
• Make checks payable to Camp UniStar. Contact the Registrar
to pay by credit card.
• Registration confirmation letters will be sent out in March.
They will include a statement of your balance due, more
information about camp, and may include additional
information about the program. Your balance will be due on
Friday of the program week you attend. Payment by check is
preferred.
Mail completed registration forms to:
Chris Bremer, Registrar
6001 Ewing Ave. S.
Edina, MN 55410-2739
Phone: 612-399-6116
E-mail: Registrar@CampUniStar.org
After May 23, additional requests go to:
Director, Camp UniStar
25816 Star Island SE
Cass Lake, MN 56633-3339
Phone: 218-335-2692
E-mail: Director@CampUniStar.org
• If you require accessible housing or have other special needs, please attach a note.
• We make every effort to accommodate groups who wish to attend camp together. Please see “GROUPS”
instructions on the Program registration form. Use separate form and deposit for each family, please.
Work Week Notes:
• To assist with the planning of housing, those applying for Work Week and wishing to arrive late or leave
early must enclose a letter with their application stating the exact dates and times they wish to arrive and
leave.
• Campers who apply for Work Week may also apply for a Program week at the same time. Please use a
separate registration form and deposit for the additional week.
Page 6
Program Registration
2015
ONLY ONE HOUSEHOLD PER REGISTRATION FORM.
Total # in your party _________
Adult Name(s) ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________
Phone ____________________ E-mail ________________________________________ Congregation _____________________
Attach same information if registering additional adults. Visit www.CampUniStar.org to print additional forms.
Children:
B-Day
M/F
B-Day
M/F
Name ______________________________ __/__/___ ____ Name _______________________________ __/__/___ ____
Name ______________________________ __/__/___ ____
Name _______________________________ __/__/___ ____
New to UniStar?
Deposit $ ________
Has your contact info changed since last year?
Week Preferences:
$ $ June 6 - 13 : Work Week

(see page 5)
$ = Discount available

(Work Week campers may register for another week as well. Use separate form.)
$ $ June 27 - July 4 : How We Make Camp
Preferred
Good
Acceptable
Aug 1 - 8 : Future Earth
Preferred
Good

$ July 4 - 11 : Natural Wonders of Star Island

Preferred
Good
July 11 - 18 : Game On!
Preferred
Good
Acceptable
Acceptable
Aug 8 - 15 : Living with Purpose
Preferred
Good
Acceptable
Acceptable
Aug 15 - 22 : Ojibwe History, Spirituality, & Crafts
Preferred
Good
Acceptable
Aug 22 - 29 : Fairies
Preferred
Good
July 18 - 25 : The Songs & Stories of Justice
Preferred
Good
Acceptable
$ $ Aug 29 - Sept 5 : Skills for the Good Life (adults only)
Preferred
Good
Acceptable

July 25 - Aug 1 : Waves of Wellness
Preferred
Good
Acceptable
Would you prefer to stay in: Cabin/Lodge
Acceptable
Tent
If 2 adults, would you prefer: 2 single beds
Double bed
I understand that Camp UniStar is on a remote island with limited services, and I accept responsibility for the safety of
my minor children and myself. In case of accident or injury, I agree to hold Camp UniStar blameless, and I hereby release
Camp UniStar from liability for accident or injury resulting from my own actions. Each adult please sign below:
Signature(s) _______________________________________________________________________________________________
GROUPS: If you wish to attend camp with another family, all families involved must agree on one “group name” and
must then write that group name on each registration form here: Group Name _________________________________
Each family in a group must send a separate deposit check. If your group has special housing needs, please attach a note.
Diet
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten-free
Names
Allergies
Dairy
Names
Peanuts
Shellfish
Vegetarian or vegan meals must be requested when registering. Other (specify)
FIf you have a limited diet, please plan to bring some of your own food to supplement the provided meals.
Page 7
Camp UniStar
c/o Chris Bremer, Registrar
6001 Ewing Ave. S.
Edina, MN 55410-2739
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CALENDA
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March 14t
Priority Registration ends March 7, 2015
Camp UniStar Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization
serving the MidAmerica Region, Unitarian Universalist Association
Camp UniStar
Mission
The mission of Camp UniStar is to nurture intergenerational
community that lives Unitarian Universalist principles while
promoting personal and spiritual growth and love of nature.
Camp UniStar
Potato Islands
Operating Principles
1.Camp UniStar operates consistent with UU principles for
the enjoyment and enrichment of Unitarian Universalists and
like-minded people.
Duluth
130 miles ➤
Twin Cities
200 miles
5. Camp UniStar has limited rules and regulations. Those that
are established are primarily for the purpose of satisfying legal
requirements, concerns for safety, protection of the rights of
others, and protection of the camp’s natural surroundings.
revised 4/2008
Page 8
Cass Lake
SailStar Marina
➤
4.Camp UniStar’s finances are managed prudently. Fees are
established with the goal of being both affordable to most
campers and adequate to ensure the perpetuation of the
camp. Therefore, the camp will continue to depend heavily on
volunteer help, financial donations and other contributions.
Bemidji
20 miles
M
3.Camp UniStar facilities are developed and maintained to
provide simple, communally-shared accommodations which
blend with the camp’s surroundings, and have a minimal impact
on the area’s natural environment.
Star Island
➤
2. Camp UniStar offers programs, activities and opportunities
for all ages that enhance personal and spiritual growth,
group involvement, and appreciation of nature. Campers
are encouraged and expected to initiate and facilitate camp
activities of interest to them.
Lake Windigo
le
ap
Cass Lake
2
371
1” = 1 mile
★