by Dennis Dalman
Like many others, Dan Hudson of St. Joseph is gung-ho about a summer retreat called Star Lake Wilderness Camp at Pequot Lakes north of Brainerd.
Part of Hudson’s love of the camp is that it is located on the same lake property that he and his two brothers explored and played on so happily when they were just toddlers once upon a time. Many years ago, Hudson’s parents were members of the Methodist Church organization that owned that property since the 1960s. The family would stay there for a good portion of each summer.
And now, for the past three summers, a new bunch of children and parents are enjoying summer retreats on Little Star Lake at the wilderness camp. Most are Somali-Americans who live in St. Joseph and who are acquiring new skills, talents and making friends at the camp. All children are welcome to join the camp retreats.
Hudson works at the St. John’s University Library as Associate for Access to Services. He is also chair of the board of directors for the Star Lake Wilderness Camp organization. In addition, he serves on the board of directors of Cultural Bridges, a group of mainly St. Joseph residents who work to make healthy connections among Somali-Americans in St. Joseph and any other children or families who live in the area. Cultural Bridges, Hudson explained, is a committee of the larger Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization.
Making healthy connections is a cause close to Hudson’s heart. When he was a boy growing up in Northfield, there were many Vietnamese immigrants in that area. Hudson’s mother volunteered as a tutor to help those newcomers to America learn English. He has seen first-hand then and now the tremendous successes of promoting healthy connections and education among people.
In an interview with the Newsleaders, Hudson said an immediate need is for donations for the nonprofit Star Lake Wilderness Camp. That is because there is a growing need to expand the camp’s summer retreats to more people. In the summer of 2022, the camp accommodated 17 participants from St. Joseph. Last summer there were 25 participants.
“We would like to expand the camp opportunities to more kids in central Minnesota, but we need more resources to do that,” Hudson said. Funds are needed to hire an executive director (the current one is only part-time), for hiring and training supervisory staff at the camp and many other needs in order to expand the camp services.
Hudson gave just one example of the need to expand. Last summer, there was a special camp at Little Star Lake just for children who struggle with stuttering problems. Those children are being guided by a speech pathologist in Becker whose name is Bekah Knable, who is on the board of Star Lake Wilderness Camp. Living and playing together at the summer retreat can have a huge impact on those children learning to overcome their stuttering problems.
Each camp retreat lasts about a week. Activities abound. They include swimming, fishing, hiking, canoeing, arts-and-crafts projects, progressive story hours and more. The land for the camp surrounds Little Star Lake, thanks to the Methodist Church who years ago sold the land and leased it for $1 per year to the Star Lake Wilderness Camp organization, which began 12 years ago.
Children who go to the camp are between the ages of 10 to 15. They sleep in tents and are not exposed to television or any other technologies, including cell phones.
“They learn to be with one another and just have fun and learn,” Hudson said. “It can be challenging, but the camp helps kids grow emotionally, intellectually and physically.”
The children are constantly monitored by trained staff, at least two counselors, a cook and certified lifeguards. Most kids do not know how to swim yet and must wear life jackets any time they are near or on a lake in canoes.
Volunteers help get the camp ready each summer.
Hudson said he is gratified that so many residents in St. Joseph – and others – have contributed so generously to Star Lake Wilderness Camp. Stearns Electric’s Round Up program contributed $1,500. And Magnifi Financial in both St. Joseph and Waite Park gave a total grant of $1,000.
Those who want to donate to the cause can visit its website at starlakewildernesscamp.org and scroll down to a click-button that states “DONATE NOW.”
People can also donate by sending a check made out to “Star Lake Wilderness Camp Fund,” c/o Becky Mix, treasurer, 2721 105th Ave. SE, St. Cloud, MN 56304.
jump enthusiastically into the water. Dan Hudson of St. Joseph is chair of the board of directors for the camp.
Dan Hudson
