Velkommen, Detroit Norwegians. Nordkap Lodge is the Detroit chapter of the Sons of Norway fraternal organization. It serves as a meeting place and social network for
Norwegian and Scandinavian enthusiasts from the entire metro-Detroit area. Nordkap Lodge is a place to celebrate Norwegian culture. It is an all-ages family friendly nonprofit organization dedicated to community service and cultural education. You don't need to be Norwegian to join the Sons of Norway. You just need to have an interest in Nordic culture. Learn about our traditional "Cod Toss"Part of Nordkap's Constitution Day celebration has been our very own incredible game, the "Cod Toss." See why it's more fun than playing horseshoes or the Corn Hole game.
See this modern day 'Viking Funeral'Have you ever had a close relative pass away and you wanted to celebrate their life in a special way? That was the issue Nordkap member Debra Kraft faced following the death of her father. Debra wanted a hold something like a Viking funeral for her parents, but wondered how to do it. See the creative result Debra and her family came up in this PowerPoint presentation she made at our November 2019 meeting.
Finding Your Norwegian Roots:Here's a clear explanation about the sometimes confusing naming traditions in Norway (see PowerPoint slides below). Understanding these traditions can be very helpful in searching for your Norwegian ancestors. This presentation was given by Nordkap Treasurer Carmen Collins at our February 20, 2019, meeting.
Another helpful resource is The Norwegian National Archives www.digitalarkivet.no/en. This was demonstrated in January 2019 by Norkdap President Haley Vingsness.
Reviving the Viking Chess GameThe Vikings had a great way to amuse themselves between raids and working on their farms. It was a board game similar to chess called Hnefatafl, which they spread around the world on their travels. Here's the presentation that Connie Hart and her family recently made at our lodge. ,
Living in Norway with "Polar Nights"What’s it like to live in near total darkness for weeks at a time? That’s what people in Northern Norway grapple with each winter, as the sun barely creeps past the horizon during “Polar Nights.” Nordkap officer Merete Stenersen is a veteran of Polar Nights, having grown up in Tromso, Norway. She shared her experiences at Nordkap's January meeting with the following presentation::
What kind of swords did Vikings use?Derrick Hendricks provided insight into this question in November when he spoke about "Medieval Weapons and Defenses" and exhibited examples from his collection. (See photo below.) He also helped dispel some myths about what the Vikings wore and how they fought. Here's Derricks presentation:
Norse Explorers Led the WayNordic explorers Erikson, Nansen, and Amundsen opened our eyes and our world to greater possibilities and adventures with their heroic achievements. Here is Carmen Collins' fascinating presentation on their lives, presented at the October 2017 Nordkap meeting.
Learn about the Rite of Passage Norwegian Kids ExperienceThink American kids go crazy when they graduate high school? See how Norway's grads get their kicks--responsibly--while still enjoying high jinks and fun. This presentation was made by Mary Morehead on April 23, 2017.
The "Open Air Life" in Norway offers benefits here, tooLearn about "Friluftsliv" the Open Air Life that you can experience, too. This presentation was made April 23, 2017, by Mark Eelnurme on behalf of his wife Merete Stenersen.
The Story of Norway's Royal FamilyThis is a presentation made by Carmen Collins at our January 2017 meeting. It highlights King Harald's recent speeches and the leadership position he has taken on diversity.
The following is a video of the King's speech on diversity. Carmen showed this video at our meeting.
Finally, here is the King's New Year's Speech that Carmen referenced. It was translated by Nordkap member Finn Roed.
Draken Comes to DetroitThis is the story of the replica Viking ship Draken Harald Hårfagre and how it came to Detroit, thanks to the work of two Nordkap members, Geir Gronstad and Honorary Norwegian Consul to Michigan Dennis Flessland. This presentation was made by Geir at Nordkap's Oct. 23, 2016, meeting attended by Sons of Norway 5th District President Andy Johnsen.
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Upcoming Events:Cross-Country Skiing Event
Join us for Cross-Country Skiing and Après-ski at a Brewpub
Rediscover your Norwegian roots and join Nordkap’s cross-country skiing event on Saturday, February 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at Huron Meadows Metropark at 8765 Hammel Road, Brighton, MI Whether or not you ski that day, you’re welcome to join us with your family at the park and afterwards at a brewpub in Brighton. Not interested in skiing and friluftsliv (free-loofts-leave) “life in the free air”? Just meet up with us at the brewpub around 1 p.m. For skiers and non-skiers alike, the Metropark has a nice Ski Center offering a heated lounge, restrooms, and a concession stand (even with adult beverages). If you need a little instruction, Nordkap’s Co-Youth Director David Thompson will be on hand between 10 a.m. and noon to help. Stay as long as you like. The park is open for Saturday skiing from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, after Nordkap wraps up our event around noon, everyone’s invited to Brewery Becker at 500 W. Main Street in Brighton to purchase ales and lagers, or non-alcoholic beverages. There’s also a light food menu to choose from. Huron Meadows offers miles of groomed trails for skiers. Not enough snow? You can buy a $5 pass and ski on Bucks Run, the park’s 1.5-mile loop refreshed with snow guns. You’ll need a $10 daily vehicle pass. Bring your own ski equipment, otherwise ski rentals are available at the Ski Center at $15 for adults and $9 for youths under 16. You must reserve ski rentals, but no more than five days in advance. To reserve, call (810) 231-4084 or reserve online. Be advised that ski reservation times can fill up fast, so do plan to reserve a few days in advance. For more information, see https://www.metroparks.com/huron-meadows-metropark/#cross-country_skiing 
Nordkap Book Club virtual meetingsMarch 5th at 7 p.m. Meeting on Zoom. The book for discussion is the Norwegian best-seller, The Bell in the Lake by Lars Mytting.
April 6th at 7 p.m. The book club on Zoom will discuss Naïve. Super. by Erlund Loe. Movie Night April 22ndTentatively set from 7 to 9 at the Swedish Club--with popcorn and other snacks.
Nature Hike, Saturday, May 20Save the date: Details to come.
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