Julie Haller

Julie Haller is the mother of an Ogichi camper and wife to Rick Haller the head of the Foundation’s Transportation. Julie spent her first summer ever up at Kooch in 2024 and had some first impressions about Buddha and Mick that she wanted to share.

On Buddha:

Overcomer

Grit

Personable

Hard working

Leads by example

Strong

I loved watching Buddha lead young men last summer as we worked together at Koochiching.  Buddha sets an example of strength, perseverance and grit that others naturally want to follow.  

He is tough.  He has grit. He is an overcomer. Yet, he is personable and communicates in ways that show he genuinely cares about others.  

I can’t wait to hear how this strong, great guy who has overcome true challenges in life survives and thrives with his current band of brothers on this upcoming trip of a lifetime.

On Mick:

Brilliantly creative

Patiently persuasive

Open to new ideas (golf tourney)

Follows through

Calm communicator

Approachable

Delegates and trusts others to do things well

Outside-the-box thinker

Great sense of humor

“All in” mentality (rally, golf tourney)

I loved getting to know Mick last summer as we worked together at Kooch.  He welcomed and included this “fish-out—of-water” adult female at a camp for and on an island full of young males.  

Mick immediately impressed me with his creativity in his planning of unique evening activities for the camp.  His patient persuasiveness, calm communication and ability to follow through on his plans enabled him to involve and engage every camper and staff member on many occasions which led to unity and camaraderie between individuals of all ages and backgrounds.  

He is open to new ideas, delegates well and thinks outside of the box.  He demonstrated this by encouraging and equipping an enthusiastic camper to organize the first ever Koochiching Invitational Golf Tournament, complete with a bright green spray-paint glazed blazer for the champion.  

His “all in” mentality and enthusiasm are contagious.  His approachability, flexibility, humor and warmth are endearing.  I’m excited to see how his great personality traits and leadership skills contribute to the success of his team as they adventure together on this very challenging trip.  
~ Julie Haller