Calendar
Subject to change! Check back frequently for updates.
November Outing to the Emily Dickinson Museum
The Museum is opening especially for us and is planning a program to teach us about Emily Dickinson’s life and work through a tour of her home and study of facsimiles of her poems. Due to a generous scholarship from the Museum, there is no charge for this outing; however, the Museum is charging North Star a $100 administrative fee. If you are able, please make a donation of whatever amount works for you to help defray this cost.. All classes and one-on-ones will be canceled this afternoon. The building will remain open for those who don’t want to go on the outing.
Bake-a-Thon for Amherst Survival Center
We will spend the whole day baking 40 pies for Amherst Survival Center’s annual Community Dinner. Participation in the Bake-a-Thon requires a commitment to stay the whole day and stay focused on this one activity. We will bake up the road at Sunderland Congregational Church, and we will get to sample one of our delicious apple and pumpkin pies!
December Outing
Details TBA. All classes and one-on-ones will be canceled this morning. The building will remain open for those who don’t want to go on the outing.
January Outing
Details TBA. All classes and one-on-ones will be canceled this afternoon. The building will remain open for those who don’t want to go on the outing.
March Outing to Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College
We’ll leave North Star at 12:30 and return by about 3:30. All classes and one-on-ones will be canceled this afternoon. The building will remain open for those who don’t want to go on the outing. Families are welcome, and driving help is appreciated. Reach out to Melanie if you can help with driving.
April Outing
Details TBA. All classes and one-on-ones will be canceled this morning. The building will remain open for those who don’t want to go on the outing.
October Outing: Mike’s Maze!
We’ll walk together (rides for those unable to walk) to Mike’s Corn Maze for a fun afternoon exploring the maze and enjoying the other attractions on offer. There is a cost (TBD); if cost is a barrier, please talk with your advisor or Ellen. Bring extra $ for snacks if you wish. All afternoon classes and one-on-ones will be canceled. The building will be open for anyone who does not wish to go on the outing. We’ll walk back to North Star together at 3:30.
September Outing
Our first outing of 2026-27. We’ll be kayaking on Millers River in Orange with Billy Goat Boats. The cost is $20 per person, or free if you have your own kayak. Let Saleem or your advisor know if cost is a barrier. Families are welcome! All classes and one-on-ones will be canceled this morning. The building will be open for anyone who doesn’t choose to go on the outing.
First Day of Classes and One-on-ones
We’ll start our first full week of classes, advisor meetings, and maybe even a few tutoring sessions. Also, if you’re on Monday cleaning crew, you’ll start today. Plan to be picked up at 4:30.
30th Anniversary Party
Members, Alumni, Families and Friends are invited to celebrate 30 years of North Star helping teens start their lives without school! Food, music, memories, and fun!
Potluck Lunch for Teens and Families
North Star officially opens! Please bring food to share! Meet the staff, get a t-shirt, say hello to other members, be officially welcomed to 2026-27 by Ken!
Warm-Up Day 2
Another day of getting used to North Star 2026-27. It’s a short day, come or as much or as little as you like. We’ll have activities you can join in, or you can just hang out.
Volunteering at Franklin County Fairground
Every year, North Star helps set up the recycling system for the Franklin County Fair. In return for this vital function, everyone who helps gets free admission to the Fair on the date of their choice. Let Loran know (loran@northstarteens.org) by September 8 if you are interested in coming. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water bottle, lunch, and money to go for ice cream afterward!
Warm-Up Day 1
Our first day all together! It’s a short day, come or as much or as little as you like. We’ll have activities you can join in, or you can just hang out.
New Members and Families Welcome Pizza Party
A special event for new members and their families to meet the staff and each other. More details coming soon!
The Shindig
Our end-of-the-year celebration. We say goodbye to those who are not returning in the fall, enjoy some performances, and share a potluck meal.
Special Activities and Family Meetings
Two weeks of family meetings (including teens and as many staff as are able to participate). Simultaneously, we’re offering a variety of activities teens can choose from when they’re not in family meetings.
Presentations
An opportunity for teens to share whatever interests them! A hobby, maybe, or something about their year at North Star, a performance, or their art…
April Outing: Foxtrot Herb Farm
Details TBA. North Star will be open; all morning classes and one-on-ones will be canceled.
The Mystical Arts of Tibet at UMass
As Buddhist monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery create an intricately designed sand mandala from more than a million grains of colored sand, we will have the opportunity to observe the process and learn about Buddhism through sacred art. We will also create and take home our own mandalas and participate in a brief introduction to mindfulness. The cost is $3.
March Outing: Eric Carle Museum
Details TBA. The North Star building will be open; afternoon classes and one-on-ones will be canceled.
Service Trip to San Juan
(Revised dates) Service Trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Commitment required by September 30, 2025)
Cirque Flip Fabrique: Blizzard performance at UMass
Imagine a storm so powerful it creates a wintery canvas in which anything is possible. Now step into the mesmerizing world of Blizzard by Cirque Flip Fabrique, in which acrobatics, artistry, and awe inspiring performances combine to create a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience of visual poetry. Tickets are $10. Let your advisor or Loran know if you want to go and this is not affordable for you.
February Outing: TBA
North Star will be open, all morning classes and one-on-ones will be canceled
January Outing: Ice Skating
Details TBA. North Star will be open. All afternoon classes and one-on-ones are canceled.
