Groundbreaking Magic

“Camp is magical” was the resounding message that guests took with them from the North Star Reach ceremonial groundbreaking. On July 30, 2014, founders, sponsors, volunteers, campers and friends all gathered to celebrate the start of construction and to commemorate all of the success the camp has seen in its fundraising campaign. The event was hosted at the Polo Fields Golf and Country Club in Ann Arbor on a beautiful summer day with plenty of sunshine. Decorated in a creative camp way, guests were reminded of the beauty and simplicity that camp offers.

As the event started, warm welcomes were given by Sean Byrne, the Board of Directors Chairperson and Doug Armstrong, CEO of North Star Reach. Doug shared the story of camp and reminded the audience that they were all there because of a dream – a dream to enable children with serious health challenges to experience all of the joys of a camp. “Everyone here has had a role in making this dream come true – together we have gotten to this point,” said Doug. The speeches of the day were filled with thanks to each and every person who has given a helping hand – from board members to volunteers to family members, all who have assisted North Star Reach in raising $21 million so far.

One of the most memorable speeches came from Jenna, a camper who has been able to attend Victory Junction, through the Camp on the Move program, four years in a row. “Those four weeks at camp changed my life. – Before camp I was always embarrassed of my scar. It was at my first camp that I realized I’m not the only one with a scar,” recalled Jenna. She also shared, “I made life-long friends at camp. They have created a support system that I can lean on.” Since Jenna will be too old to attend North Star Reach as a camper when it opens, she hopes to serve as a counselor. “North Star Reach will provide the opportunity for kids in Michigan to make friends who are similar to them. I’m excited for them to get to experience the magic of camp.”

The big moment of the day was when veteran and future campers revealed the renderings for the buildings at camp. This was the first time the public has been able to see what the buildings will look like when camp opens in fall 2015. The buildings have been designed to honor traditional camping and the natural beauty of the camp’s pristine surroundings. Most importantly, North Star Reach is a barrier free camp and is being constructed to empower the children to just have fun without having to worry about restrictions.

The event was concluded by a unique celebratory ceremony. Instead of the traditional “shovel in dirt” groundbreaking ceremony, the event was finished by lighting a campfire and throwing “wish chips” for the campers into the fire.

All in all, nearly 250 supporters attended the event and over 1,000 more have viewed the broadcast online. The day left people feeling inspired and with high anticipation for the opening of camp. Construction has officially started and we are well on our way to making those camp wishes come true… After all, Camp IS Magical.

-Amanda Washburn
Owner, Rough Draft Solutions and North Star Reach Marketing Volunteer