From the Great Central Fire

Recorded on Rainy Lake during an extensive restoration of the Kooch II, Jeff reconnects with longtime friend Pete Pfeffer at Camp Kooch to trace Pete’s many “lives” at camp: as a childhood point kid in the 1960s through family connections, as staff starting in 1983 in Prep and later Junior camp, and later returning for Boys in Winter and father-son trips. They share memories of classic Turtle Rive...

From the Great Central Fire, Jeff Coleman hosts the show’s first parent-child episode with Camp Kooch alum Chris Weil and his daughter Annabel Weil of Ogichi. They share their camp backgrounds, including memories of Kooch cabin days, trips like the English, the old Back Bay zip line, and Annabel finding Chris’s name carved at Johnny Hightower on a Turtle River trip. They preview the 35-day “Edge o...

Jeff chats with former Camp Ogichi camper and staff member Sarah Upson about life in Cincinnati, where she works as a clinical microbiologist, and her path from Colorado State to Ohio State after reconsidering vet school. Sarah reflects on her years at Ogichi (camper 2010–2016; staff 2017–2020), witnessing the camp’s growth from the old Rainy Lake Lodge buildings to newer facilities, and shares he...

In this episode, Jeff interviews Trace Dunning, director of the Urban Wilderness program, director of Owakonze, and new assistant director for Camp Kooch-i-ching morning programs. Trace shares how he first came to camp from Cincinnati, his years as a camper and staff member, and how support for his brother helped his family continue attending. He explains the Urban Wilderness program’s origins in...

In this episode of From the Great Central Fire, Jeff visits Bill “BJ” Johnson at his home in Cincinnati to share stories from 77 years connected to camp. BJ recounts starting at Camp Fairwood in 1947, being recruited through the Wasaka Boys Club, becoming a counselor, and returning in 1964 to run Intermediate Camp for 20 years. He explains the origins and rules of the Intermediate “spot game” and...

In this first "two-guest episode" of From the Great Central Fire, Jeff talks with longtime Camp Kooch campers and staff Mike and Robbie Walsh. The conversation covers how camp shaped their resilience and professional life, and they invite listeners to participate by sending voice memos or joining the podcast. They also have a lot of laughs with Coles. Music by Alice Peacock. Produced by...

In this episode, host Jeff and Hugh Haller introduce Meredith Freshley, the new director of Ogichi Daa Kwe. Meredith shares who recruited her to camp in 2006, how a first Turtle River trip sparked her passion for canoe camping, and what she’s done since—studying social work at UW–Madison, completing a NOLS Patagonia trip, working in wilderness therapy in Bend, Oregon, and earning a master’s and li...

In this special episode we get to know Jim McAllister, Camp Kooch-i-ching’s new Director of Camper Experience and Development. With special co-host Hugh Haller, President of the Camping and Education Foundation. Jim reflects on his path since leaving camp in the 1990s: studying business at the University of Arizona; moving to Whitefish, Montana to open the Paddle & Axe Saloon; launching a fly-...

Join us in this episode of the Great Central Fire podcast as we sit down with Jesse Blair, a cherished figure from Camp Kooch's history. Jesse shares his journey from a camper in the early '70s to a beloved staff member in the '80s. He recounts his initial days at camp, intriguing anecdotes about his camp friends, adventurous trips including the Seal River, and unforgettable camp memor...

In this episode of 'The Great Central Fire,' we have the pleasure of hosting Katherine Heinle, as she takes us down memory lane, sharing family connections and life anecdotes. From her early days as a "point kid" to her adventures as an Ogichi camper, Katherine recounts funny stories, pranks, and life lessons from numerous trips. She also gives us an exclusive look into the upcom...

In this special episode, we welcome Jeff Keller, a cherished family friend and a veteran staff member from the 1960s. Jeff reminisces about the early days of the Wasaka Boys Club in Cincinnati, his journey to Camp Kooch, and the impactful experiences that shaped his early years. From his first trip with Stub Muhl to challenging canoe adventures, Jeff shares captivating stories and the lasting cama...

In this episode of From the Great Central Fire, we sit down with Hugh Haller, current CEO and President of the Camping and Education Foundation. Hugh shares personal and professional stories about his journey from being a camper in the early 70s to leading the organization today. We delve into stories from Hugh's early days at Kooch, changes to the Native American program, and the expansion of...

Join us as we sit down with Kathy Dix, the founding director of Ogichi, to uncover the captivating story behind the inception and growth of this remarkable girls' camp. Kathy shares the evolution of Ogichi, discussing the early days, the formation of the Grateful Circle, and the fascinating tales from the inaugural canoe trips. Discover Kathy's unique philosophy on camp meals, the integral...

In our second episode of The Great Central Fire, join our host Jeff Coleman for a conversation with George Simmons, an alum and former board member of Camp Kooch. George shares his journey into the camp community back in the 1950s, recounting funny, memorable stories, including flipping a canoe and Arctic expeditions. Listen as he reminisces about key figures he admired, the origins of Ogichi, and...

In this inaugural episode of The Great Central Fire podcast, Jeff Coleman sits down with Jamie Varley, a camper from 1989 to 1995 and staff member from 1996 to 2000. Jamie shares unique stories about his Uncle Potter Varley, fishing with Stub, and reflections on overcoming challenges on canoe trips. They also discuss the deep bonds formed at camp, the lifelong friendships they maintain, and the po...