June 10, 2022
In accordance with the latest Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) guidance for summer camps, our updated COVID-19 guidelines are below. Guidelines are subject to change.
The requirements of the state of Minnesota and the MDH’s COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Certified Child Care, Youth Programs, and Camps, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the American Camp Association (ACA). These guidelines and mandates are subject to update at any time.
Yes. We require testing of all campers and staff 1-3 days before arriving at Camp, unless they have had a diagnosed case of COVID-19 within 90 days of the session start date, and have a Dr.’s letter attesting to the day of infection.
Many states and localities provide free tests. Minnesota residents can access the Vault test for no charge. Check with your local public health department or primary care provider.
A pod is a group of campers and staff that function like a family unit. We establish and maintain pods based on participants sharing sleeping spaces, e.g. cabins. Pods will increase as able, with favorable test results.
For the first 3 days, when campers outside their pod mix, 2 of the 3 following will need to be met: outside, distanced, masked.
Masks that cover the nose and mouth are required when campers and staff, not in the same pod, are indoors or unable to distance during the first 3 days of camp. They are also required at all feasible times during the 5 day asymptomatic isolation period following a positive test result and 5 days quarantine.
Masks will not be required when: • Campers and/or staff are outdoors more than 6 feet apart for members of other pods. • Campers and/or staff are seated at their table eating. • Campers and/or staff are showering or sleeping. • Campers and/or staff are taking part in waterfront activities.
Campers/families will be self-administering a test 1-3 days prior to arrival and upon arrival to camp. The nurse will be administering an additional test 3 days after campers’ arrival.
Children are less likely to suffer severe symptoms from COVID-19, however, because our focus in on the health of the community (staff, campers, Ely) we take these measures to protect us all. We are also mandated to take many of these measures as a licensed residential camp in the state of MN.
Yes. People who have had a case of COVID-19 have developed some immunity to reinfection, but the CDC and MDH recommend that they still be tested as some risk of re-infection still exists.
The state of MN recommends, as do we, that campers who test positive be picked up at Camp. If a camper is unable to be picked up at Camp, we can continue to host the camper until such time he or she can travel. We are not able to place a child who has tested positive, and is still considered infectious, on a plane.
No. Campers will be adequately distanced and outdoors while canoeing.
January 24, 2022
We expect our policies to be similar to last year (see May 7, 2021 update below) but are awaiting fresh guidelines as the summer approaches.
January 26, 2021
New Field Guide for Camps released by the American Camp Association provides guidance for camps operating in 2021.
October 26, 2020
Families are eager to register their campers and learn more about the 2021 Camp Voyageur season. As you know our program emphasizes outdoor activities and the camp peninsula is naturally isolated. We will welcome campers following COVID-19 guidelines from the Federal, State and County governments.
Camp Voyageur’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan relies on guidance from the CDC, Minnesota Department of Health, American Camp Association, and other health professionals.
For 2021 we have streamlined session offerings to minimize exposure to our camp community. Masks will be required indoors for campers and staff, and outdoors when social distancing is not possible. We will require that campers test negative for COVID-19 prior to arrival. Campers will be spread out into more cabins and mealtimes may be staggered, served individually, or eaten outside when possible.
Questions? Contact Deb!
September 8th, 2020
Canceling the Camp Voyageur season summer was the right decision. Now we look forward, as you do, towards 2021 Voyageur…and celebrating our 70th camp season! We hope to mark this milestone with an all-camp gathering at Voyageur in August 2021.
While Minnesota regulations prevented opening as scheduled this year some camps, however, were able to operate safely. Nearly 70% of our campers moved their summer registration forward to 2021. Camp sessions will mirror this year’s offerings with two four-week sessions (or eight weeks) and a couple of shorter options.
Family outfitting and guided Boundary Water canoe trips were popular this season and we will expand outfitting services so more Voyageur families can venture into the nearby lakes and woods next year. Consider lodging at camp pre- or post-trip or the whole time on site enjoying meals and taking day trips for what we call “family camp”. Whether taking a canoe trip or staying in-camp, we can facilitate your Northwoods family vacation. Cheers!
August 25, 2020
Enrollment for Summer 2021 now open!
June 21, 2020
Instructions: This week’s FlipGrid activity is Two Truths and a Lie! Once you’ve posted, see if you can uncover the lies of the other participants. Bill also presents his infamous Word of the Day. See if you can use it in a sentence.
Use code “cvweek1” to join the fun.
Take me to FlipGridJune 6, 2020
Our dynamic staff – lead by licensed teachers Mikey Meves and Alex Kvanli, M.S.Ed. – along with a host of outlandish characters will lead the program, which will include various “How To” videos along with interactive camp favorites such as WELK Radio Show, Olympics, Word of the Day, and Bean Auction.
The virtual 8-week session is open for current, past, and future campers.
To participate, campers should:
June 1, 2020
Exclusive guiding for Voyageur families and alumni.
Phase II of Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan began June 1st, meaning that some Minnesota businesses are allowed to reopen under limited circumstances. As a non-critical business, we have been mandated to adopt and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in order to open services for the public.
At this time, we are unable to provide families lodging or mess hall meals. Our pre-trip outfitting services include:
Full outfitting starts at $75/person/day with a Grumman canoe. Guided trips start at $95/person/day. Outfitting includes food and most of the gear necessary for a wilderness canoe trip. To see a full list, download our Outfitting Packing List.
In conjunction with the Minnesota DNR’s Outdoor Recreation Guidelines for businesses reopening June 1st, some COVID-19 restrictions for outfitting include:
For more details, visit our outfitting page or contact us.
May 22, 2020
One requirement by the State of Minnesota for businesses planning to reopen on June 1st, is that all non-critical businesses must adopt and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.
After several days of brainstorming and collaboration, we have generated our first draft of the our plan. Click here to check it out!
May 14, 2020
By nature, camp is communal and emphasizes interdependence and collaboration. The impact of COVID-19 has made the prospect for camp anything but normal this year. Minnesota’s stay-at-home order expires May 18th with limitations thereafter. The Canadian border is closed, and Boundary Waters permits are currently restricted for day use only. Limited COVID-19 testing, six-foot social distancing, gloves, and masks have slowed the virus, but a threat remains real, particularly in group settings.
As we open camp, we’ll establish new mitigation procedures to allow outfitting. We feel fortunate that we can still offer families a Boundary Waters canoe trip this summer. We will help plan a self-guided route for your family, meet you at the trail head with packs, food, canoes, and pick our gear up at the end of your trek. Bring your sleeping bags, fishing, and rain gear.
Start your adventure by emailing Trip Director Alex Kvanli!
Contact AlexIt is hard to imagine Voyageur without the fun and energy campers create. Though heartbreaking, we believe, given what we know now, canceling camp is the right decision for CV and our small town community. We have received many encouraging messages from camp families and are grateful for the continued support.