Take A Break From Organized Youth Sports This Summer

By Alex Kvanli
February 11, 2020 (comments)

I love to play sports. I’ve participated in, coached, watched, and learned about sports my whole life. I even have a degree in physical education. I’m not denying the beneficial role of sports in our lives. Many of us believe that sports play an integral role in developing fundamental values in our children such as teamwork, commitment, and effort. They build character and keep kids out of trouble. Certainly, participating in sports has its merits. It’s easy to glorify sports and professional athletes. They dominate the media. Athletes are constantly in the limelight and one who has made it to...

These Old Shoes

By Alex Kvanli
February 04, 2020 (comments)

I bought my new shoes in 2012 at Scheels in Mankato on the cusp of my first solo backpacking trip. Merrells, size 9.5. Walnut grey with black soles. Mom didn’t believe I was actually going, until we walked out of the shop with my new hiking shoes. Then my new backpack, tent, and ultralight sleeping bag arrived in the mail. Who knew paying tuition on a credit card could rack up so many travel miles? Who knew donating plasma twice a week could be so profitable? Away I flew atop my new shoes, to the islands of Puerto Rico. My...

Why Excess Screen Time Damages Your Child's Brain

By Alex Kvanli
January 28, 2020 (comments)

Nature is an environment that often demands awareness and being in the moment. We must be aware of dangers such as wild animals, the weather, obstacles, our location, etc.… In other words, we have to be on the lookout for new occurrences or novelty. When in this state of awareness, we are cognizant and focused on our surroundings. Human evolution was largely driven by the fact that our ancestors spent large amounts of their time outside. Being aware of new occurrences was necessary for survival and we still operate on many of those same genes that allowed our ancestors to...

Leave No Trace Principles

By Alex Kvanli
January 14, 2020 (comments)

Never Leave Trace. Leave No Trace is a set of outdoor ethics promoting conservation in the outdoors. We practice minimum impact camping and follow the Leave No Trace policies: Plan Ahead and Prepare Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups. Repackage food to minimize waste. Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

2020 Trip Options

By Alex Kvanli
January 07, 2020 (comments)

Hi from the Trip Director! Winter is flying by and summer is fast approaching. In a couple of weeks, the National Forest Service will open wilderness reservations for the 2020 summer season. In addition to our most popular wilderness routes, CV will offer an array of options for traveling outside of our region. Please note that each trip has age and other requirements. Each permit we make requires the names of four registered campers, so we ask that you select your son’s preferences from the options listed below. Please to sign up or if you have any questions!

One Big Reason Why Summer Camps Work

By Alex Kvanli
December 31, 2019 (comments)

He drew a circle that shut me out- Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle and took him in! Edwin Markham

7 Cool Treasures Found on the Trail

By Alex Kvanli
December 17, 2019 (comments)

The Superior-Quetico Region of North America has been inhabited by people for around 10,000 years. From Paleo-Indians to French Voyageurs, many cultures have left their mark on the U.S.-Canada Border region. History buffs and common folk alike can appreciate the rich history of the area. The region also contains unique animals not seen in other parts of North America. Below we feature some interesting historical artifacts and other cool treasures we’ve encountered on recent wilderness adventures. Note: It is unethical and sometimes unlawful to remove or damage these treasures. We leave them right where we found them.

6 Stocking Stuffers for the Voyageur in Your Family

By Alex Kvanli
December 10, 2019 (comments)

These 6 gifts are sure to make the Voyageur in your family one happy camper! Note: Links to shopping websites are for informational purposes only.

11 Proven Ways Wilderness Adventure Camps Can Transform Your Kid’s Life

By Alex Kvanli
December 01, 2019 (comments)

Experiential education programs like wilderness adventure camps have ways of inspiring kids in ways that are not possible at home, school, or through traditional sports. Canoeing, hiking, and kayaking with a group through wilderness environments like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) of Northern Minnesota is much more than just fun. It can be a profound experience with lifelong lessons. By banning electronics, detaching participants from their normal patterns and behaviors, and connecting them with nature in a supportive group setting, wilderness adventure camps are designed to cause participants to confront their self-concept and motivate them to explore and...

5 Things We're Thankful For

By Alex Kvanli
November 26, 2019 (comments)

Too often, we focus on what we don’t have versus what we do have. It’s important to take the time and show gratitude for some of the things we take for granted. Here you’ll find 5 things to be thankful for, Camp Voyageur Northwoods Edition.

Alex Kvanli

Assistant Director & Blog Editor