The Camp Voyageur Podcast

2016 throwback live from the Mess Hall with Trail of Life documentarian John Behnke and Camp Director John Erdmann.

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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. 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. 

Can't get enough?

• Read our blog
• Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube
• Enroll your son at Camp Voyageur
• Work at Camp Voyageur
• 11 Proven Ways Wilderness Adventure Camps Can Transform Your Kid's Life by Alex Kvanli

A throwback episode from 2016 with Blaise Schulten.

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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. 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. 

Can't get enough?

• Read our blog
• Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube
• Enroll your son at Camp Voyageur
• Work at Camp Voyageur
• 11 Proven Ways Wilderness Adventure Camps Can Transform Your Kid's Life by Alex Kvanli

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 trade Boundary Waters travel tips & advice compiled from over 550 days of canoe camping trips. 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. 

Can't get enough?

• Read our blog
• Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube
• Enroll your son at Camp Voyageur
• Work at Camp Voyageur
• 11 Proven Ways Wilderness Adventure Camps Can Transform Your Kid's Life by Alex Kvanli

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 what’s been lost.

"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. 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. 

Can't get enough?

• Read our blog
• Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube
• Enroll your son at Camp Voyageur
• Work at Camp Voyageur
• 11 Proven Ways Wilderness Adventure Camps Can Transform Your Kid's Life by Alex Kvanli

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, 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. 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. 

Can't get enough?

• Read our blog
• Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube
• Enroll your son at Camp Voyageur
• Work at Camp Voyageur
• 11 Proven Ways Wilderness Adventure Camps Can Transform Your Kid's Life by Alex Kvanli

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 Waters travel tips & advice compiled from over 550 days of canoe camping trips. 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. 

Can't get enough?

• Read our blog
• Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube
• Enroll your son at Camp Voyageur
• Work at Camp Voyageur
• 11 Proven Ways Wilderness Adventure Camps Can Transform Your Kid's Life by Alex Kvanli

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 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. 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. 

Can't get enough?

• Read our blog
• Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube
• Enroll your son at Camp Voyageur
• Work at Camp Voyageur
• 11 Proven Ways Wilderness Adventure Camps Can Transform Your Kid's Life by Alex Kvanli

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 & advice compiled from over 550 days of canoe camping trips. 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. 

Can't get enough?

• Read our blog
• Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube
• Enroll your son at Camp Voyageur
• Work at Camp Voyageur
• 11 Proven Ways Wilderness Adventure Camps Can Transform Your Kid's Life by Alex Kvanli

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 Alex Kvanli
• Top 10 Mistakes Made at the Campsite by John Erdmann
• 7 Cool Treasures Found on the Trail by Alex Kvanli

"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. 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. 

Can't get enough?

• Read our blog
• Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube
• Enroll your son at Camp Voyageur
• Work at Camp Voyageur
• 11 Proven Ways Wilderness Adventure Camps Can Transform Your Kid's Life by Alex Kvanli

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 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. 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. 

Can't get enough?

• Read our blog
• Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube
• Enroll your son at Camp Voyageur
• Work at Camp Voyageur
• 11 Proven Ways Wilderness Adventure Camps Can Transform Your Kid's Life by Alex Kvanli