Apply to Summer Camp

2023 Season Announcement 

Due to a lack of vital financial resources, North Star Reach has made the difficult decision to suspend in-person camp program in 2023 while the organization focuses on restructuring and improving fundraising to drive long-term success. Please read the full announcement here and see details below for 2023 alternate program opportunities for our camper families.

A New Way to Connect to SeriousFun in 2023

We are excited to share a new way for North Star Reach camper families to connect with SeriousFun in 2023, thanks to our amazing friends at Flying Horse Farms. During our on-site programming pause in 2023, FHF–our sister SeriousFun Children’s Network camp–would like to invite our community of campers and camper families to join them at their camp, just three hours away from Pinckney in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. To learn more and apply today, visit our blog.

2023 Winter/Spring Virtual Camper Meetups

Our bi-weekly meetups give North Star Reach campers and alumni, between the ages of 7 and 24, a chance to connect with peers in small online gathering spaces. Visit our Camp-At-Home website to learn more and register today.

 

 

Below, you will find information about medical eligibility for North Star Reach in-person residential summer programs, currently on pause in 2023.

Residential Summer Camp

Programs are entirely free of charge and open to children who have a diagnosis within the areas associated with one of the following medical conditions: Transplant, Cardiology, Epilepsy/Neuro-Oncology, and Sickle Cell/Hematology/Pain Management. Campers must be 7-15 years old by the first day of the session. Siblings (brothers or sisters of a North Star Reach medically eligible camper) may also apply.

When operating at full capacity, North Star Reach also offers Solstice programming for 16- and 17-year-olds.

Medical Eligibility

Campers must have one of the following qualifying medical diagnosis:

  • Transplant (Camp Michitanki) Camp is for campers who have received a solid organ transplant.
  • Cardiology Camp is for campers with congenital and acquired heart disease, transplantation and pre/post surgical repair.
  • Epilepsy (Camp Discovery) / Neuro-Oncology Camp is for campers who have a diagnosis of epilepsy/seizure disorder or neuro-oncology.
  • Sickle Cell/ Hematology/Pain Management Camp is for campers with hematologic diseases including sickle cell disease, bleeding disorders, anemias (blood cancers excluded). This week is also for campers with a diagnosis of chronic pain that is under the care of a pain management specialist.

 

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be 7-15 years old (or 16-17 if applying for Solstice Camp)
  • Must be medically unable to attend a summer camp for healthy children.
  • Must be non-violent: not currently a danger to self or others.
  • Must be able to function and participate successfully in a group setting.

North Star Reach is an inclusive camp. We have resources to accommodate the needs of campers with serious health challenges, however, not all campers may be safe to attend a summer camp session. Campers who do not meet the following criteria will require a thorough medical review in order to assess each camper’s ability to have a safe, fun camp experience:

  • Ability to communicate needs independently.
  • Have a minimum developmental age of 7 years old

COVID-19 Vaccinations & Immunizations

COVID-19 Safety Protocols

New in 2022! Are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and may require a booster as well.
New! Can successfully wear a mask throughout the day.
New! If first booster was more than four months ago, a second booster is required.
New! We are monitoring community COVID-19 spread in our own region as well as regions from which campers will be travelling. If a camper resides outside of Michigan, we will evaluate the application based on local community spread, travel restrictions and mode of transportation.

Immunizations

At North Star Reach, we strive in every way to create the safest environment possible for children with medically complex conditions. As such, we uphold the Center for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on immunization schedule.

During the 2022 season, eligible campers must be fully immunized with the exception of Influenza and HPV vaccines. In the past, we required a minimum of immunizations (MMR, Varicella, Tdap). Your camper’s health care provider will be familiar with standard immunization forms and with what immunizations are recommended. Please ask your health care provider if you are unsure if your camper has been fully immunized. Please note: All summer campers must be fully immunized unless there is a physician documented medical reason not to do so.

Please be advised that no child is guaranteed acceptance to camp. Applications are reviewed and acceptance is based upon health care needs, space, and staffing ratios.