The Camp Voyageur Podcast

2016 throwback live from the Mess Hall with Trail of Life documentarian John Behnke and Camp Director John Erdmann. "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips &am...

A throwback episode from 2016 with Blaise Schulten. "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips & advice compiled from over 550 days of canoe camping trips. Wh...

John Burgman and Peter Grunawalt delve into the history of American summer camps. You might also like: Summer Camp: An American Tradition by John Burgman "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also...

Alex and longtime teacher and father of four, Chris Smith, explore how boyhood has evolved in a world where boredom is rare and distractions are endless. From reminiscing about boyhood adventures and the quiet lessons once learned through unsupervised play to confronting modern challenges like smartphones, social media, and shifting ideas of masculinity, they reflect on what’s been gained... and w...

In the 1980s, Camp Voyageur’s founder and longtime director, Charlie Erdmann , wrote an article for the Ely Echo titled “What Has Happened to Camping?” Decades later, his reflections on wilderness, character, and the “total camping experience” feel more relevant than ever. "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minn...

One of Camp Voyageur’s most beloved former counselors, Dave Casey, sits down with host John Burgman for a wide-ranging conversation. "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Water...

The crew embarked on an eight-day voyage through the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on mighty Lake Superior, exploring crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, historic landmarks, rugged shorelines, and enchanting sea caves. "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyage...

The boys recount the unforgettable trials and tribulations of their recent 4-day adventures in the Boundary Waters. "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips &am...

Get into the nitty gritty of planning and packing for a BWCA summer canoe trip! From gear lists to route tips, seasoned paddlers Alex and John break down what it takes to plan a safe and successful adventure in the Boundary Waters.  Links: Packing List  &  Basic Food Portions . You might also like: 9 Food Hacks You Can Do in the BWCAW by Alex Kvanli 8 Golden Rules of Efficient Portaging by Ale...

John and Alex combined have spent over 550 days exploring the Boundary Waters.  They have paddled, portaged, and occasionally misnavigated in just about every corner of the BWCA. They reveal the best Boundary Waters destinations to plan your next trip around. "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They sh...

Grit: a combination of perseverance and courage. To not simply deal with being uncomfortable at times, but to actively seek out opportunities and challenges which push the comfort zone.   "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore...

Ben has an eye-opening experience in New York following his summer of guiding trips into the Boundary Waters. "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips & adv...

Alex and John are back to share tips on gear, preparation, and maximizing the wilderness experience. You might also like: The Biggest Boundary Waters Myths... BUSTED! with Alex and John Boundary Waters Gear Hacks with Alex and John 9 Food Hacks You Can Do in the BWCAW by Alex Kvanli 8 Golden Rules of Efficient Portaging by Alex Kvanli 9 Newbie BWCAW Camping Questions Answered—Simply and Honestly b...

Peter Grunawalt recounts his 39-day paddle to Hudson Bay alongside fellow Camp Voyageur alumni Elliot Keller, Charlie Steiner, and friend Matt Fossand. Setting off on June 15th, 2014, from the shores of Camp's bay, the team navigated rugged landscapes, wild rivers, and vast wilderness, arriving in Northeastern Canada on July 20th. Peter shares the challenges, triumphs, and life lessons gained...

Charlie was known for his larger-than-life persona and stories, wisdom, and love for teaching.  But don’t take my word for it, hear it “straight from the horse’s mouth”, as Charlie would say! You might also like: Wise Words From Our Past by Peter Grunawalt A Freedom Almost Forgotten by Peter Grunawalt Summer Camp: An American Tradition by John Burgman Charlie-isms by Chris Smith "Text us feed...

Another throwback trip story from the pages of an old Paddle Post newspaper. Story by Mike Zwirn. "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips & advice compiled...

Longtime camper Tom McKenna recounts some highlights of his many trail adventures, including some experiences that took place in the rugged Alaskan backcountry after Camp. See also: Alumni Complete Canoe Trip Expedition in the Wilds of Canada by Alex Kvanli "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They shar...

Grab a front-row seat as Alex shares stories from his crew's epic trip and the preparation involved.  Don't forget to check out his trip video !  The Wabakimi Provincial Park in Ontario offers world-class wilderness canoeing and fishing.  After two days of whitewater canoe training, the crew rode a train into the park, embarking on a 12-day adventure traveling deep into Wabakimi.  The pa...

Veteran campers Ben and Huck share what it's like being a Camp Voyageur Olympic Captain, hiking in the mountains of Montana, paddling from Ely to Lake Superior, portaging over the 8.5-mile Grand Portage, & more. "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur a...

Join Ben and Ben live in the Mess Hall where campers and staff share hilarious stories of fish, epic trips, and current events.  John Erdmann closes the show with two songs you can't miss. "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the...

Co-hosts Alex and John discuss some of the biggest “myths” about camping in the Boundary Waters, including common misconceptions related to portaging, weather, trail food, and more.  See also: 8 Boundary Waters Canoe Tripping Myths Debunked by Alex Kvanli 9 Newbie BWCAW Camping Questions Answered—Simply and Honestly by John Burgman Top 10 Mistakes Made at the Campsite by John Erdmann -- ( Sound ef...

A story about the time-honored camp day-trip of bushwhacking into Mystery Lake. Story by Jack Davidson and John Ranson.   -- (Sound effects and music from Pixabay) -- "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoo...

Jim ponders how his tripping philosophy has changed since the 1960s and describes his visit with Dorothy Molter, the last permanent, non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters.  You might also like: Canoeing: A Lifelong Pursuit by Alex Kvanli -- (Sound effects and music from Pixabay) -- "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voy...

Ned Brandt recalls how the war canoe could be a heavy, cumbersome, water-logged vessel on the trail—but also how its size allowed for moving very fast across the water when absolutely necessary.  -- (Sound effects and music from Pixabay) -- "Text us feedback." Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories,...

Charlie draws upon his experience raising four boys, camp counseling, and leading 100+ camping trips. See also: 5 Things Every Prepared Parent Needs to Know About Summer Camp by Alex Kvanli 9 Parenting Tactics We Use At Camp to Help Raise Successful Kids by Deb Erdmann 9 Newbie BWCAW Camping Questions Answered—Simply and Honestly by John Burgman -- (Sound effects and music from Pixabay) -- "T...