Trip Stories: First Timers on the "Bussin'" Little Triangle

By John Erdmann
November 03, 2022 (comments)

Our hearts filled with joy, we paddled off from the Mess Hall dock. Alex Kvanli led the trip consisting of James (going for his Big Man), Harrison, bicyclist Deven, wild man Luke, and Eian “Genius” rounded out our crew. We paddled hard up the meandering Kawishiwi River. Our first night was quiet, and the wind soothed us as we played Spyfall. Deven won almost every game. The next day we were hit by a thunderstorm, and I regretted leaving my rain jacket back at Voyageur base-camp. The storm brought in extreme heat and I was thankful that our second campsite...

Hiking vs. Canoeing in the Boundary Waters

By Alex Kvanli
May 06, 2022 (comments)

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is rightly famous for its backcountry paddling adventures, but it’s also home to a variety of rugged hiking trails like the Border Route Trail, Kekekabic Trail, PowWow Trail, Sioux-Hustler Trail, and more. The 300+ mile Superior Hiking Trail to the east usually receives all of Minnesota’s hiking glory. However, it’s not located in a designated wilderness so therefore it’s considered frontcountry. If solitude is what you seek, you’ll find more of it in the BW. Perhaps you couldn’t snag a BW paddling permit this summer, you’re looking for a change of pace from canoeing,...

Camper Ranks Explained

By Alex Kvanli
April 18, 2022 (comments)

There are a few words in Camp Voyageur lore which are sure to inspire reverence whenever mentioned– words like Grand Portage, Quetico, Plaquer, and Gouvernail. There is a natural progression, that comes with guidance and practice, for campers when participating in sports and wilderness camping at Voyageur. Campers are encouraged to try all activities, to learn from peers and counselors in training sessions as well as through experiential recreation. Campers make obvious physical changes and improve in performance on athletic fields. They get stronger, becoming more adept at wilderness tripping skills as they take on new challenges and succeed. One...

5 Things Every Prepared Parent Needs to Know About Summer Camp

By Alex Kvanli
March 28, 2022 (comments)

Sending your child to an overnight summer camp is a big decision and may be overwhelming at times. Being prepared helps! 1. Your child will adjust, so relax and enjoy your freedom. Adults see children tethered to their screens and reliant upon them to manage their lives. Suddenly they are dropped off at a screen-free, overnight summer camp, not to return home for two, four, or sometimes eight weeks. How do we do it? Well, actually, kids are naturally resilient and able to adjust to change, especially when they feel cared for. One big way we help them adapt is...

2022 Trip Options

By Alex Kvanli
January 14, 2022 (comments)

Hi from the Trip Director! In a couple of weeks, the National Forest Service will open wilderness reservations for the 2022 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!

Celebrating 70 Years of Camp Voyageur

By Alex Kvanli
April 30, 2021 (comments)

The triangle rings, followed by a familiar voice echoing through the trees, beckoning you: “Rise and shine, it’s a great day in the Northwoods!” Soon thereafter the ringing of the bell invites you and your cabinmates to the Mess Hall for hot cereal and pancakes. Your buddy from Cabin Eight walks with you down the wooded path under the towering pine and birch trees wearing his new red toque, eyes brimming with excitement as he recounts for the fourth—and not the last—time his trip stories and how he sterned and carried a canoe for nine days on his trip to...

2021 Trip Options

By Alex Kvanli
January 15, 2021 (comments)

Hi from the Trip Director! In a couple of weeks, the National Forest Service will open wilderness reservations for the 2021 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!

Most Popular Blog Posts of 2020

By Alex Kvanli
December 29, 2020 (comments)

It’s the final days of 2020 so it’s a good time to round up the most popular blog posts of the year, in case you missed a few! First, check out #10 through #6: Update from the Peninsula 2020 Trip Options Meet the Staff: Mikey Meves A True Well-Rounded Education These Old Shoes

9 Food Hacks You Can Do in the BWCAW

By Alex Kvanli
December 16, 2020 (comments)

Having spent over 200 days guiding teens and adults in the Boundary Waters in the summer months, I’ve learned a lot about packing and preparing food. But I’ve also come to realize that one of the most important trail skills is doing things as easily and as resourcefully as possible. If you want to be quick across the portages…and cover miles on the water…and feel good at the end of each trail day…you will want to take a minimalist approach while exploring the BWCAW. Economy is key. To that point, as a trip leader, inefficiently handling food is frustrating and...

Give the Gift of Camp Voyageur

By Alex Kvanli
December 02, 2020 (comments)

Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Consider giving a Minnesota summer camp experience that will not only be fun and memorable, but will teach life lessons like responsibility, leadership, and goal setting. Register before December 15th and receive our Early Registration Discount! Space is limited.