Sample daily itinerary:

• Breakfast 8:30 – 9:30am
• Writing Exercises
• Lunch noon – 1pm
• Writing Exercises 1-3pm
• Ely Outing Wolf Center or
• Wintergreen Dogsledding 3:30 – 5pm or
• Guest Author and Marine Veteran FJ Fitzgerald
• Dinner 5-6:30pm
• Evening writing exercise

Lodging

The Rock House – Veterans On The Lake Resort

Website Link click here: https://www.veteransonthelakeresort.org/5-bedroom-cabins

Each Participant has their own bedroom.

Meals

⇒ 4 breakfasts    ⇒ 3 lunches   ⇒ 4 dinners

⇒ 11 meals total

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free.  When the schedule dictates we might find ourselves at a restaurant in Ely.

Sample Menu:

We know that independence matters, especially when traveling. The decision to use group transportation isn’t about control—it’s about safety, connection, and logistics. Parking is limited at Camp du Nord, and keeping everyone together helps avoid travel complications, weather surprises, or emergencies on remote roads. More importantly, the shared ride up north is the start of the experience—it’s where conversations begin and friendships start forming.

We travel together in a large, Suburban/Tahoe SUV.  On very rare occasions we’ll allow a participant to drive separately (for example proximity to Ely vs. MSP).

Alec Johnson Founder of NSV Since 2018 Alec has volunteered with Honoring Our Veterans and is now the Executive Director and Founder of North Star Valor.  He lives in Saint Paul, MN and is a part-time professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas.  He is also a freelance automotive and architecture photographer, and award-winning fine art landscape and portrait photographer.  Early in his career, Alec was a professional test driver for Goodyear Tire Co.https://www.acjohnsonphoto.com

Paul Van Dyke, founder of Veterans Telling Stories.  Your instructor.  Paul Van Dyke holds a BFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University. His collection of short essays A Thousand Sunsets is available through Red Bird Chapbooks. His fiction and nonfiction has appeared in numerous literary journals, including Water~Stone Review, Upstreet Magazine, Hippocampus, O-Dark-Thirty, and Proud To Be. He is an Army Veteran of the Iraq War and a Purple Heart recipient. He turned to creative writing as a facet of his therapy plan after the war.

Shinwon Noh Director of Operations and Volunteer Bridging the worlds of business and arts, Dr. Noh bring a unique perspective to business education that emphasizes cultural insight and human-centered approaches.

With a focus on artistic thinking and experiences, she drives meaningful organizational outcomes for NSV participants. Shinwon is passionate about revealing how arts-based approaches can transform traditional therapies for trauma vicitims.

Frequently Asked Questions – North Star Valor

1. Do I have to share a room with another veteran?

We understand that privacy and personal space are important. In Ely, lodging options are limited, and finding a location that meets all our needs—comfort, accessibility, proximity to nature, and ADA compliance—is no small task. That being said, we do everything in our power to provide each participant their own bedroom.  But on occasion, we may have to double up a room.

2. Why can’t I drive my own car to the program?

We know that independence matters, especially when traveling. The decision to use group transportation isn’t about control—it’s about safety, connection, and logistics. Parking is limited in Ely, and keeping everyone together helps avoid travel complications, weather surprises, or emergencies on remote roads. More importantly, the shared ride up north is the start of the experience—it’s where conversations begin and friendships start forming.

4. Do you offer gluten-free or vegetarian options?

Yes, we do! Our goal is to make sure everyone feels well cared for—body, mind, and spirit. We accommodate gluten-free and vegetarian needs (and others as possible) so that you can focus on the experience, not your diet. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

5. Is the founder, Alec Johnson, a veteran?

No, Alec is not a veteran. Before founding North Star Valor, he volunteered for seven years with another wounded veterans organization and has a deep personal commitment to this community. Alec also lives with PTSD himself, which has given him a personal understanding of the healing power of creativity, nature, and connection—the foundation of every NSV experience. And he has surrounded himself with board members and volunteers who are veterans.

6. Why a week in Ely instead of day events in the Twin Cities?

North Star Valor programs are intentionally immersive. Getting away from daily routines and urban environments gives you space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect—with nature, with others, and with yourself. A week in Ely offers quiet mornings, clear skies, and the kind of focus and calm that’s hard to find in the city. It’s not just a trip—it’s a reset.

7. What if I need to leave early?

Life happens—we understand. If you anticipate needing to leave early, please let us know as soon as possible. Because the program is built around shared experiences, early departures can affect the group dynamic and logistics, so we handle these on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to make sure you still have a meaningful and positive experience while minimizing disruption for others.

8. Do I need prior writing experience?

Not at all. Our workshops are designed for every level—from total beginner to experienced author. We start with the basics and build together, focusing on seeing differently rather than technical perfection. The goal isn’t to make you a professional writer—it’s to help you reconnect with curiosity, patience, and beauty in the world around you.

9. Is there internet or cell service?

Cell service in Ely can be spotty, and that’s part of the design. This is a week to step away from constant notifications and focus on the present moment. Our lodging provides reliable WiFi service.