Submitted by: Mark Sanderson
For those who may not know, Unistar is a rustic and beautiful camp for UU individuals , families, and other like-minded people, nestled in the Chippewa National Forest of Star Island, surrounded by the clear waters of Cass Lake in Northern Minnesota.
The lake encourages water activities; the forest trails attract hikers; sunrises and sunsets invite meditation; adult programs attract the curious and life-long learners; children’s programs tap the young learners; AND the gourmet food attracts healthy eaters!
Members of All Souls attended at various times this summer;; I’ll just reflect on my own week there.
The program topic for my week was, The Gospel of Mary Oliver , led by poet Thomas R. Smith and Rev. Ted Tollefson (who will speak at All Souls and do a workshop with us, on November 5 — don’t miss it!). The instructors explored the connection of Unitarian Universalism with Mary Oliver’s works.
The intimate scholarly atmosphere in the Lodge around a fireplace was a catalyst to discussion about connection, about the spirituality of our 7th Principle —“we affirm and promote the interconnected web of all existence of which we are a part.”
I enjoyed the food — only gained two pounds, even with strenuous exercise. Also, early morning “polar” swims, quiet meditative times, canoeing with Susan, hiking the trails around Lake Windigo (the largest lake inside an island inside a lake in the North American continent), and informal conversation with interesting people all day long.
Our son, Randall, was four years old when we attended our first week at Unistar. Now, 34 years later, he was there with us again, helping build a rock levee to protect the beach near the boat area. It was good family time which we appreciate so much.
When information on the 2018 programs is sent out in February, we will be checking our calendars to demarcate another week at Unistar. Hey, you might consider it also?