The Camp Voyageur Podcast

May 15 2024
The Camp Voyageur Podcast artwork

Co-hosts Alex Kvanli and John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, and reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips and advice. Whether you’re a former camper, a current camper, or an adventure enthusiast looking to improve your Boundary Waters experience, there’s something for everyone in each episode.

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The Biggest Boundary Waters Myths... BUSTED!

May 15 2024 87 mins  
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 Kvanli9 Newbie BWCAW Camping Questions Answered—Simply and Honestly by John BurgmanTop 10 Mistakes Made at the Campsite by John Erd

Paddle Post Archives: The Sirens of Eskwagama (2001)

Apr 15 2024 7 mins  
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 Nicholson on 50 Years of Canoe Trips, Meeting the Root Beer Lady, & Saving the Boundary Waters

Mar 15 2024 38 mins  
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 Voya

Trip Story: Racing a Storm (ft. Ned Brandt)

Feb 15 2024 4 mins  
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 storie

Charles Erdmann on Parenting Today's Kids, Developing Their Personalities, & Tips for Taking Them Camping (Without Screens)

Jan 15 2024 33 mins  
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 Kvanli9 Parenting Tactics We Use At Camp to Help Raise Successful Kids by Deb Erdmann9 Newbie BWCAW Camping Questions Answered—Simply and Honestly by John Burgman--(Sound effects and music from Pixabay

Tom McKenna on Appreciating Leadership at Camp, Working Up to “Great Big Trips,” & Discovering Serendipitous Camp Connections Later in Life

Dec 15 2023 38 mins  
Camp alumnus Tom McKenna recalls the camp programming of the 1960s, the memorable Greencastle and Monmouth cohorts of campers, and one of the most legendary “Voyageur Firsts.”See also:1960s: Changing with the Changing Times by John Burgman--(Sound effects and music from Pixabay)--"Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyag

Trip Story: Digging Deep (ft. Dale Reckman)

Nov 15 2023 5 mins  
Dale Reckman reflects on a trip from the mid-1970s during which the solution to a particular dilemma resided in an unlikely place—on the muddy shoreline.--(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, & reflec

Ned Brandt on Camp in the Late 1980s, His Unique Connection, & Lessons Learned

Oct 19 2023 26 mins  
Ned recounts his fond memories of Coach, a certain infamous trunk, Charlie Erdmann, and growing up at summer camp.See also:1980s: New Names, Same Voyageur Spirit by John BurgmanThe Trail of Life Documentary by John Behnke1980s photo gallery --(Sound effects and music from Pixabay, Charles P. Erdmann)--"Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things rel

2023 Summer Recap

Sep 15 2023 69 mins  
Alex and John discuss some of the highlights from the recently concluded camp season, including pre-camp preparations, in-camp activities, and trail adventures. (Plus, Alex shares details and dates about the upcoming 2024 summer camp season!)--(Sound effects and music from Pixabay)--"Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyage

Trip Story: The Ultimate Protein Diet (ft. Greg Lippert)

Aug 30 2023 3 mins  
Camp alumnus Greg Lippert recalls having to improvise when it came to eating well on the trail.--(Sound effects and music from Pixabay—Caffeine Creek Band, JuliusH, AntipodeanWriter, etc.)--"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