June 2 - 9 . . . Work Week: This Old Cabin
Program Leaders: Steve Schreurs, Alex Gross, & Morgan L'Argent
DISCOUNT: Reduced fees for young adults (age 18 to 35).
 The cabins at UniStar are all about 75 years old. We'll focus on one cabin this year for a complete top-to-bottom make-over from roofing to painting, staining, window and screen repairs, doors, floors and foundation repairs. Our rejuvenated cabin will be enjoyed by campers throughout the entire summer and beyond. In addition to our cabin project there will be firewood to cut, lots of woodworking, cleaning, grounds keeping, sailboats to set up, and plenty of other tasks for campers of all ages and abilities. After morning work, there's time to relax in the afternoon. Although there are no formal youth or children's programs, enthusiastic young workers are welcome. Camper fees are reduced for Work Week and participants may also apply for a regular Program Week at UniStar.

June 9 - 16 . . . Youth Week 1
June 16 - 23 . . . Youth Week 2
 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 work 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.

June 23 - 30 . . . Impressive! A Week of Printmaking
Program Leader: Gwen Partin
DISCOUNT: Reduced fees this week.
 Come explore printmaking and make a mandala or greeting card print in this week of collecting our camp experiences into a work of art. We'll sketch ideas and then translate these to designs using various printmaking techniques. We'll print from found objects or cut stamps and blocks. No art experience is required. This is suitable for all ages; younger children may attend the program with an adult. All the supplies will be on hand and you'll learn how to use them. You can choose your level of complexity. The week will culminate in an art show of our print impressions. Gwen Partin has over 27 years of experience in art and graphic design and teaches at Dakota County Technical College. She gleans most of her artistic direction from the natural world and hopes to inspire you to do the same.

June 30 - July 7 . . . Graceful Energy: Ballroom & Latin Dance
Program Leader: Tom Larson
 Enjoy learning fun ballroom and Latin dances like swing, hustle, foxtrot, tango, waltz, salsa, rumba, cha-cha, & merengue. Begin with just the basics and add fun and interesting turns as you progress. All levels are welcome. Program leader Tom Larson has been teaching dance for over 10 years and is the owner of the "Ballroom & Wedding Dance Studio" of Minneapolis. Tom led his first UniStar dance program in 2010, to rave reviews.

July 7 - 14 . . . Assembling Minnesota: A Geologic History of the North Star State
Program Leader: Justin Revenaugh & Kelly MacGregor
 Minnesota has a rich geologic history spanning nearly 3 billion years. It has risen up in mountains (really!) and lain under intercontinental oceans, has been torn apart by Africa-style rifting, planed flat by intense glaciation, singed by voluminous volcanism and, like every other place on Earth, has weathered some dull patches on its winding road to the present. In "Assembling Minnesota," Justin Revenaugh and Kelly MacGregor will guide participants on a journey through this history and impart an understanding of nature's grand processes. The program will feature multimedia presentations, short excursions around the island, and hands-on work.
 Justin Revenaugh is a Professor of Geophysics at the University of Minnesota. He studies earthquakes and earth structure. Jusitn is currently overseeing a major project that includes installing over 100 seismometers in Minnesota.
 Kelly MacGregor is a Professor of Geology at Macalester College. She studies glaciers and rivers, how they shape the landscape, and how they are affected by climate change.

July 14 - 21 . . . You, Me, & Us: Intimate Relationships Through the Lifespan
Program Leader: Tai Mendenhall
 This week, we'll discuss the interpersonal and contextual dynamics of couples and families across the lifespan, exploring how intimate relationships evolve and develop, and how they succeed or fail. We will devote special attention to how couples negotiate, survive, and grow through time - from early courtship and dating to marriage, parenthood, retirement and old age. Important issues related to interpersonal authenticity and communication, conflict resolution and sexuality will be integrated throughout.
 Tai Mendenhall is an Assistant Professor in Family and Social Science at the University of Minnesota. His first UniStar program, in 2010, made the staff want to skip their shifts! This year Tai will reprise the most popular topics from that week, while adding emphasis on relationships through the lifespan.

July 21 - 28 . . . Strength, Sound, & Silence: Yoga & Meditation
Program Leader: Bryan Gerber
 Experience yoga and meditation in the beauty of the north woods! Basic yoga poses will be introduced to start the week off and more challenging poses will be added throughout the week. In addition to breathing and postures, we'l try chanting and learn the ancient sounds of Sanskrit. In addition, we'll explore the chakras (energy centers) within the body and how to awaken them, and practice poses that are helpful in keeping body and mind in balance.
 Bryan Gerber received his training at Sun Moon Yoga in Mankato in 2005, and has been teaching ever since at community centers, colleges, corporations, and his favorite place, Camp UniStar.

July 28 - Aug. 4 . . . Winds of Change: Sailing & Social Justice
Program Leaders: Amy Shulz, Dave Welo, & Tom Esch
 Experience the the joy and ease of sailing while sharpening your wits about social justice. Learn about the parts and rigging of a sailboat and the basic mechanics of sailing. Develop your piloting skills playing sailboat sponge tag, scavenger hunting and/or practicing capsizing. Later in the week, race your fellow seafarers or joyride around Cedar Island. Sailing instruction will be provided by Amy Shulz and Dave Welo of Madison, WI, who enjoy sharing their love of sailing with their fellow UniStar campers. While on dry land, join Tom Esch of Minneapolis in an exploration of fun, easy and effective ways to put your UU faith into action. Tom Esch is a social justice consultant (for the UUA), conflict resolution specialist, and guitarist with Catholic roots and UU wings. He is also half time Executive Director of City House, an organization that connects people from the margins with people from the mainstream for mutual spiritual growth.

Aug. 4 - 11 . . . What Moves Us: UU Theology
Program Leader: Rev. Paul Johnson
 This workshop will explore the life experiences of six UU theologians, highlighting that which caused in them a change of heart, a new direction, new hope, and a deeper understanding of their liberal faith. "Theology" is broadly defined as a systematic reflection on religious experience. Participants will be encouraged to engage with and bring their personal experiences to bear on the questions explored by each of the theologians. Considered will be Hosea Ballou, Margaret Fuller, Sophia Lyon Fahs, James Luther Adams, Forrest Church, and Thandeka.
 Rev. Paul Johnson, a UU minister for 37 years, is the senior minister of the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset, NY, and served as the director of Camp UniStar during the summers of 1976 and 1977.

Aug. 11 - 18 . . . Laugh Lines: Sailing and Comedy Writing
Program Leaders: Sean Brown & David Walbridge
 Let the summer wind blow away your worries and cares as you glide across Cass Lake on one of the camp's many sailboats, and find your inner comedian!
 Whether you are a veteran or a beginner sailor, Sean Brown's experience as an artist-In-residence, youth coach and wilderness leader, along with his patience and enthusiasm for sailing, will help you reach your sailing goals. Sean spends much of his summer racing catamarans and encouraging and assisting others. He returns to Camp UniStar to lead another fabulous week of sailing fun!
 A sense of humor is a wonderful tool - you can use it to entertain, learn about yourself, or study humanity. We will discuss, write and listen to comedy every day. Beginners welcome! Bring a notebook and a knock knock joke. David Walbridge is a professional comedian with his own entertainment company (Big Fun Show); he served as emcee and chief jokester for UniStar's 50th reunion party in 2011. Both Sean and Dave have led multiple programs at camp.

Aug. 18 - 25 . . . Everyone's an Artist
Program Leader: Westy Copeland
 Find your artistic mojo this week as Westy Copeland shows you myriad ways to paint, print, color, letter, and collage your way to creative nirvana. There are no limits to the ways you can use art to document your experiences, emotions, or aspirations. This will be a week of exploration, experimentation, and sharing of ideas and techniques. Learn how to fill a page with color and expression - no previous artistic experience needed! Bring a sturdy blank book and an open mind. Camp will have paint, markers and other supplies available. Westy is a professional artist who divides her time between creating, teaching art and creativity at local schools, and skydiving.

Aug. 25 - Sept. 1 . . . Food, Glorious Food! Healthy, Local Eating
Program Leaders: Dee Smith, JoAnne Berkencamp, & Tracy Yue
DISCOUNT: Reduced fees this week.
 Enjoy bread-baking with Dee Smith, conversation about local foods with JoAnne Berkencamp, and healthy cooking with Tracy Yue. In addition to cooking and baking up a storm, we'll talk about what local foods are and aren't and why everybody seems to want them. We'll also learn about federal food and agriculture policy and how we can contribute to sustainable food systems locally and globally. Dee Smith is a retired professional baker who has taught many UniStar campers how to bake gorgeous loaves. JoAnne Berkenkamp is Program Director for Local Foods at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (www.iatp.org). Tracy Yue is a healthy cooking coach who has her own catering business in Minneapolis, One Dish At A Time.
 This week is intended for adults. There will be no programming for children or youth. Please consider signing up with a friend or family member; solo campers may be asked to share a room.