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. | "... 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." |
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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.
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.
Camp for All Kids (formerly known as the Camp Kids Foundation) was initially set up by NSC alum Mike “Moose” Jay, now owner/director of Camp Kamaji for Girls. The organization was incorporated in St. Louis in 1996. Former NSC camper and counselor Ken Doane is President of the Camp for All Kids Board of Directors.
We have taken on an ambitious project. We are attempting to raise 3 million dollars to establish an endowment in order to send kids to camp forever.
To kick off the Campaign The Carl and Fay Simons Family Trust has made a matching $100,000.00 contribution. Sue and I have matched their contribution and we have combined these two gifts to encourage others to join the cause. We will match contributions made to the Lou and Renee Rosenblum Fund or the Camp for All Kids Foundation/Camp Kids Foundation through December 30th, 2005 up to a total of $200,000. All additional pledges made to the Fund through the North Star Website and Fall event registration process, excluding the $300.00 & $50.00 registration fees, will count towards the matching funds. Carl and Faye Simons are not alumni of North Star but two of their sons, Michael and Paul are. Their family obviously feels strongly about the value of the camp experience and understands the value of providing a camp experience for less fortunate children. Their incredible generosity leads me to believe that there may be other families that may be looking for a charitable organization to support. Please let me know if your family may be interested in learning more about our organization. We would love to tell you more.
We need your help in raising 3 million. If you are so moved to make a significant contribution, please let me know and we can discuss the possibilities.
However, Lou and Renee would be the first to say that all contributions are of equal importance.
We would gladly accept checks made out to The Lou and Renee Rosenblum Fund. We can even accept stocks and bond securities if this works better for you. Ken Doane, North Star alumnus and President of the Camp For All Kids Foundation said to me recently that North Star provides all the great values that we respect in this world....... responsibility, sense of humor, friendship, respect for nature, tolerance, independence and so many more. The one value that was lacking was diversity and The Camp for All Kids Program fulfils this need. It"s almost as if we are fulfilling the final chapter in the legacy of Lou and Renee. They would be so proud of your involvement.
I throw this key log in the fire for all of you.
Best wishes and I hope to see you soon,
Leb
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