The Art of Cooking on the Trail

By Tom Brandt
June 12, 2019 (comments)

From person to person, a love for cooking and a love for diverse food is ambiguous. Everyone has a taste for something different, so exploring these palates on the trail is fun, yet challenging. In most cases, cooking and eating on the trail is limited, so the need for creativity and experimentation is fun and necessary for a delicious and enjoyable trail feast. After all, food is life, and good food is love, so a masterful trail-chef is quite the treat in a place such as the BWCA, where perishable ingredients, and outstanding cooking is scarce.

Camp Voyageur Featured on Minnesota Bound

By Alex Kvanli
June 10, 2019 (comments)

Minnesota Bound is a television series that seeks out destinations and explores what makes them special. Watch Camp Voyageur’s story!

Safe Travels and Safe Returns: A Wilderness First Aid Experience

By Tom Brandt
June 04, 2019 (comments)

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a beautiful, pristine and remote area which becomes home to more than 250,000 visitors with every summer. Although sublime, Minnesota’s pride and joy, the BWCA, is a dangerous place for the exact reason we as campers, counselors and visitors appreciate it; it’s remote, untapped and uninhabited by everything outside the wonders and glories of the great outdoors and those who adventure around it. After all, our beloved north woods are considered a pristine wilderness. This information is not made to scare you, but in fact, is there to reassure you of the staff’s...

Staff Training Begins!

By Charlie Erdmann
May 30, 2019 (comments)

The paths are raked, the cabins swept and the stage is set for 2019 staff training. As the second week of work camp comes to an end, we say goodbye to generous CV friends and alumni who volunteer valuable hard work and time to prepare facilities for incoming staff. Thanks to Phil Dodge, Tom (N’orleans), the Clarks, Jim and Jim, Kerry Claros and Will Carls. Mikey Meves, along with his crew from Menomonie, and Alex Kvanli cleared brush, downed trees, then cut and moved the logs from the depths of the forest to the sauna. Although hauling wood is back-breaking...

Camper Insights: How Grand Portage Changes You

By Alex Kvanli
May 15, 2019 (comments)

We all experience defining moments in our lives, when we realize our journey has begun a new chapter. For adults it may be marriage, or a child being born. For many kids it could be going from elementary to middle school, getting their driver’s license, or making a certain sports team. But for campers at Camp Voyageur, a defining moment is without a doubt completing the Grand Portage. There are many benefits of wilderness adventure camps, and one is that is quickens emotional maturation. It is no exaggeration to say that the Grand Portage turns boys into men.

5 Old Camp Traditions

By John Burgman
May 08, 2019 (comments)

In many ways, Camp Voyageur prides itself on continuing in much the same manner that it has for decades. Although there have been necessary changes in order to adhere to new standards set by organizations such as the American Camping Association, the rhythms of any day in camp or on the trail are very similar to what they were in the 1950s. There is a reason for that. While technology and trends change, the principles of building good character do not, and enjoyment of the outdoors is timeless. Still, there are some summer camp traditions that have fallen by the...

Packing for Camp in 5 Simple Steps

By Alex Kvanli
April 29, 2019 (comments)

Step 1: Download and print the CV Clothing and Equipment List and Joe Camper.

What It’s Like: Crossing Your First Portage

By John Burgman
April 23, 2019 (comments)

For most kids, a summer at camp will be their entrée into a number of firsts. Some campers will catch their first fish; others will go sailing for the first time. And for nearly all kids, camp will give them an adventure-filled wilderness experience unlike anything they have ever found in school. Perhaps no greater camp “first” holds more significance and lore than crossing the inaugural portage. On a literal level, a camper’s first portage is likely a fairly nondescript strip of land connecting two lakes that are probably more captivating and mysterious; most young campers are mesmerized first and...

The Bent-Shaft Advantage

By Ned Yonkers
April 16, 2019 (comments)

Efficient Paddling For most of us at camp, canoeing means sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying nature’s beauty. But for some paddle enthusiasts, speed and efficiency matter more than anything. That’s why we’re sharing a quick review of efficient paddling techniques.

10 Tips for Preventing Homesickness

By Alex Kvanli
April 09, 2019 (comments)

This summer, many first-time campers will get their first taste of independence at camp. For most, it will be the first time they’ve spent longer than a few days away from their families. Being away from home can be difficult. Especially when you’re a kid. So, it’s no surprise the American Camp Association (ACA) reported that in 2018, 83% of campers experienced homesickness on at least one day of residential camp. However, our camper survey in 2018 recorded about half that figure. Experiencing homesickness is part of growing up. Still, with a little preparation, parents can help to minimize their...