Camp Voyageur - Summer Camp for Boys

Signs of Spring

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PDT

March roared in with strong winds, bright blue skies and warmer temps. The stars at night have been brilliant, hanging in the northern sky like diamonds. Last week we dipped into the deep freeze. A nice dusting of snow as well and cold temps keep the ice firm-camp is a winter paradise. Northerners suffering from cabin fever enjoy daylight past 7 pm since Sunday's time change. Ice fishermen, snowmobilers and cross country skiers traverse lakes without sticking to slush below the snow cover. Area birds are singing spring bird songs, woodpeckers stake out territory by loudly pecking on dead trees and the crows are back. We welcome these subtle but sure signs of spring.
On February 24th campers, staff and alumns gathered at Tyler Leslie's home in Orono, MN. John premiered the new promotional camp DVD and shared plans for the summer season. We're mailing DVD to campers and prospects in the next few weeks, so check your mailbox. You can look who's coming to camp at the registered campers page on our website. Read about our 2008 staff as well.

Mark your calendar with camp dates
Outfitting June 1-September 1
Work Camp May 3-10
CV for Grown-ups May 22-26, August 18-22
Session I June 15-July 12
Session II July 13-August 9
Session I and II June 15-August 9
Girls Trip June 23-July 2

Northwest Discount Deal and Unaccompanied Minor Fee Increases April 1

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PDT

This month we're sending campers registration packets including a packing list, health form, travel and other information to prepare for the upcoming season. If you're flying to camp, it's time to make your airline reservation to Duluth. Check fares on-line to see how they compare to the CV Northwest Airline Discount Deal. Note the unaccompanied minor fee increases April 1. All campers flying to Duluth, MN must arrive on the first day of the session between 10 am and 2 pm to catch the Camp Voyageur shuttle. Please book departing flights from Duluth on the last day of the camp session between 10 am and 2 pm. The earlier you book the ticket the more you'll save. Email Deb for more information.

Reserve Your "Cool" Bunk for Work Camp May 3-10, 2008

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PDT

Calling all alumns and friends who want to spend a few days in early May to help with repairs and opening up our facility. . Stay for a few days or the entire time.whatever suits your schedule. All you need for work camp is a sleeping bag and your old clothes.just like packing for camp. We'll fill you up with nutritious camp grub and fire up the sauna to revive those aching bones. Renew friendships, make new friends, earn a few blisters and inhale some of that "fresh air poisoning" Charlie loved. You can even extend your stay and take a Boundary Waters trip for Fishing Opener May 10, the best time of year to catch walleye. Please RSVP if you are planning to join us. In recent years work crews have included Steve, Dave "Clarkie" and Brett Clark; Paul "Snit" Sullivan; Greg "Grizzle" Kline; Lee "Coach" Schoenfeld; Brud Powell; Andy and Colin Brown; Jim Herman; Larry Zelenz; Aaron Gerber; Mark "Biff" Sherman; Scott "Brownie" Brown; Brian "Berk" Berkley; Jon "JJ" Jenkins; Chris Godsey; Kevin O'Kane; David Golichowski; Luke Adam; Dave Redinger and Ray Fini.

Packin' Your Sack Is for Everyone...Alumni/Family Trip Options

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PDT

We hope to see many of you at Voyageur this summer. In addition to two boys session and girls trip, we're offering four guided trips for your whole family. These trips are open to alumni and camper families. Reserve your spot soon so we can make wilderness permits.

Little Triangle, 4-day June 1 to 6 ($400)
The Boundary Waters does not get much better than this, and it's out our back door. Leave from camp on this easy 18 mile paddle following the picturesque Kawishiwi River past Twin Rapids, tie into a lunker at the Gabbro potholes and portage the historic 210 rod Murphy's portage.

Basswood River, 6-day July 11 to 18 ($600)
Travel the big border lakes of Fall Lake passing by Pipestone and Jackfish bay to Basswood Lake en route to the foaming waters of upper/lower Basswood and Wheelbarrow Falls. This trip of intermediate difficulty is familiar to Voyageurs and known for it's small mouth, walleye and northern pike fishing, the crisp historic Indian pictographs and lunch on "table rock".

Hike Isle Royale, 4-day hike July 17 to 23 ($650)
Isle Royale is home to moose and wolves and spectacular scenery, sitting in mighty Lake Superior like a precious gem. This, intermediate difficulty, hiking trip begins with a ferry ride from Grand Portage to Isle Royale, the largest island in Lake Superior. Our route, the Feldmann Loop, is a 30 mile hike over hilly terrain and rocky outcroppings.

The Quetico, 7-day trip August 8-16 ($800)
Paddle north with us to Prairie Portage and enter Quetico Provincial Park-our Canadian neighbor next to the Boundary Waters. Less people, rough portages means this moderately difficult trip will allow you to get where the "fish bite", but remove barbs (new hook regulation). Bring a passport and apply early for a Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Permit.

CV for Grown-ups May 22-26 or August 18-22 ($500)
Parents often lament, "I want to go to camp too." Well this is your chance to come to camp and to unplug for a couple of days. Experience first hand the best of what Voyageur and the northwoods has to offer. Late May and August are the ideal times to join us because days are warm and nights cool. We'll serve wholesome foods with a gourmet spin and program early morning fitness classes in Yoga, Pilates and weight- lifting plus day trips canoeing and hiking. Join us for few days or all five days. The package includes dorm style lodging and food. Bring your own sleeping bag and towels, or sleep in town. For off site lodging options click here.

Camp Catch Up

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PDT

Brandon Weinbrenner, who married last summer, is taking classes towards his principle certificate. Living in Arizona, his wife Lisa is expecting a baby.
Tim Allen lives in Italy, and is founder and director of Rome Review a complete guide of the best to do and see in Rome. Check out an example here.
Andrew and Ann Goldman, parents of Reeder announce the release of their book Facing North: Portraits of Ely, Minnesota. This is a beautiful tribute to the people who call Ely their home and features a photo and essay about Camp Voyageur. Book signing and opening reception in Ely at Piragis Northwoods Company June 7th. Here is a link for the book.
David Willkie is moving from the Big Apple to Washington, DC to become a financial advisor for Indiana Senator Richard Lugar.
Aaron Gerber is working for a small IT company in Colorado, though he's living on the family farm in Iowa.
Michelle Erdmann recently moved to Miami, FL with her job as a field representative for Natori apparel.
Suzanne Erdmann, who will help lead the girls trip this summer, is training to become a manager at Caribou Coffee in Duluth, MN.

6 new campers signed up!

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PDT

6 new campers have signed up for this summer. We now have a total of 48 signed up for camp. As more and more campers sign up, the excitement continues to grow at camp! There's no reason to wait to sign-up, it helps us organize for the summer and more importantly shows everyone else who's registered that you'll be coming this summer.

2 new campers signed up!

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

2 new campers have signed up for this summer. We now have a total of 42 signed up for camp. As more and more campers sign up, the excitement continues to grow at camp! There's no reason to wait to sign-up, it helps us organize for the summer and more importantly shows everyone else who's registered that you'll be coming this summer.

9 new campers signed up!

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

9 new campers have signed up for this summer. We now have a total of 40 signed up for camp. As more and more campers sign up, the excitement continues to grow at camp! There's no reason to wait to sign-up, it helps us organize for the summer and more importantly shows everyone else who's registered that you'll be coming this summer.

Dreaming of Summer

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST

Frigid temperatures continue up here in the northwoods. Following a brief reprieve, we're bracing for another predicted subzero cold snap again this week. High winds drifted snow across the narrows, followed by sleet. Oddly, the Kawishiwi still has plenty of slush which stops skis dead in their tracks. Despite freezing temps and clear skies the sun packs a punch. Our thoughts wander to summer, looming only three months away.
Earlier in the month camp director John Erdmann and son Charlie spent the weekend in Indianapolis and Chicago debuting the new CV promotional DVD. We got to see several alumni and campers while introducing Voyageur to prospective families. The DVD stirred interest and questions about the upcoming season. We're getting ready for camp, and it sounds like a lot of other people are too. Registrations are coming in strong so if you've not yet signed up, send in your application today. Contact Deb if you need a 2008 registration packet.
Most Camp Voyageur wilderness permits are reserved. We've secured the best permits for campers in the Boundary Waters, the Quetico and we're planning a backpacking expedition for older campers out west. Our campers will explore the nooks and crannies of the wilderness far and near.

Twin City DVD debut next weekend
Everyone is invited to join John at the Twin Cities promotional DVD debut next Sunday. Friends and family are always welcome. Come mingle with campers, staff, alumni and view the 20 minute promotional DVD. We hope to see many Minnesota Voyageurs at the Leslies' home in Orono Sunday at 2 p.m.

Date: Sunday: February 24, 2008
Time: 2 pm
Place: The home of Jim and Norma Leslie
525 Kokesh Farm Road
Orono, MN
Map
Please RSVP if you can make it.

Northwest Airline Discount

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST

Once again we're working with Northwest Airlines to provide our campers with a discounted airline fare to Duluth, Minnesota. The contract is nearly finalized, and Deb can give details about the discount program early next week. Please note some people find as good or even better deals by shopping on-line. Our discount program with Northwest just gives people another option as they search for the best deal to and from the northland.

Guided Alumni/Family Trips

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST

No more excuses. whether you are a camper, veteran or novice, this is your chance to get out on the trail. We're leading guided trips of all levels of difficulty this summer, for camp families and/or alumni. Read the description about each trip below. E-mail Deb if you're interested or have questions. We need at least four interested people to run a trip. Once we have that we can secure the government permit. So, if you want to "pack your sack," let us know you're interested. Summer is just around the corner.

June 1 to 6 Little triangle, 4 day trip $400
Easy 18 mile paddle. The Boundary Waters doesn't get much better than this. Follow the picturesque Kawishiwi River past Twin Rapids, fish the Gabbro potholes and carry over the 210-rod Murphy's Portage, keeping an eye out for the Portage Scavenger.

July 11 to 18The Basswood River, 6 day trip $600
Intermediate difficulty. Tackle the big border lakes, Fall, Pipestone, Jackfish and Basswood, en route to the foaming waters of Upper/Lower Basswood and Wheelbarrow Falls familiar to Voyageurs of old. Fish for smallmouth, walleye and northern pike, marvel at the Indian pictographs and lunch on table rock.

July 17 to 23 Hike Isle Royale 4 day hike $650
Intermediate difficulty. Home to moose and wolves, Isle Royale is the most popular trip at Voyageur these days. Ferry from Grand Portage to the largest island in Lake Superior. The Feldmann Loop is about a 30-mile hike over hilly terrain.

August 8 to 16The Quetico 7-day trip $800
Get in shape for this moderately difficult trip. Head north through Prairie Portage into the less-traveled Quetico Provincial Park. Get where the big fish bite, but remove barbs (new hook regulation), bring a passport and apply early for a Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Permit.

Email Deb for further information.

Important Camp Dates

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST

Outfitting June 1-Sept 1
Work Camp May 3-10
Session I June 15-July 12
Session II July 13-August 9
Session I and II June 15-August 9
Girls Program June 23-July 2

Follow the Tracks....

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

Bright sunshine and lots of snow greeted camp on the New Year. With the abundance of snow we feel as though we're "living in a snow globe" this winter. The lakes which have firmed up nicely are less slushy now. When in doubt follow the animal tracks, because they seem to instinctively know the best footing across the ice. Now that lakes are firmly frozen they become portages and a new playground for cross country skiers, mushers and snowmobilers. Trout season is open outside the Boundary Waters, and just this weekend fishermen set up an icehouse near Indian Island for crappie fishing. Battleship Island (pictured at the right) is just as picturesque with snow covering it as it is when campers picnic or paddle by in summer.
With the camp season less than 6 months away, we're in the midst of mapping out the summer trip calendar, which means reserving Boundary Waters and Quetico wilderness permits. Available on a first come-first served basis, government permits need to be pinned down in January. If you plan on coming to camp but are not yet signed up, contact us ASAP so we can include your first choice for paddling, hiking and sea kayaking trips this summer. A few veteran Voyageurs may take expeditions to Ontario's Wabikimi Provincial Park or the Rockies. Check out who is coming to camp and see the many new photos posted on the camp photo gallery in the last few weeks.

New Camp Voyageur Promotional Movie Premiere

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

Attention campers, alumni and others who want to see Voyageur in action. Join us at a midwest promotional movie premiere and take your own copy home. Unlike the yearly memories DVD, this 20-minute movie is targeted to introduce boys and families to the fun of Camp Voyageur. Our story is told from footage shot the last several summers and is a must-see for all campers, alumni and friends. Premieres are casual gatherings. We're asking you to invite friends and camp age boys as well.

Indianapolis: Saturday February 9, 2008
Time: 2 pm
Place: Zionsville Lions Club
115 S. Elm Street
Zionsville, IN
Map

Chicago: Sunday February 10, 2008
Time: 2 pm
Place: Cabela's
5225 Prairie Stone Parkway
Hoffman Estates, IL
Website with directions

Twin City Sunday, February 24, 2008
Time: 2 pm
Place: The home of Jim and Norma Leslie
575 Kokesh Farm Road
Orono, MN
Map
Please RSVP by February 5, 2008

Age Doesn't Matter

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

So often we hear parents and alumni say, "I wish I could attend camp." Well, now you can. Sign up for one of the guided trips especially designed for alumni and camp families.

Guided Alumni/Family Trips

June 1 to 6Little triangle, 4 day trip $400
Easy 18 mile paddle. The Boundary Waters doesn't get much better than this. Follow the picturesque Kawishiwi River past Twin Rapids, fish the Gabbro potholes and carry over the 210-rod Murphy's Portage, keeping an eye out for the Portage Scavenger.

July 11 to 18The Basswood River, 6 day trip $600
Intermediate difficulty. Tackle the big border lakes, Fall, Pipestone, Jackfish and Basswood, en route to the foaming waters of Upper/Lower Basswood and Wheelbarrow Falls familiar to Voyageurs of old. Fish for smallmouth, walleye and northern pike, marvel at the Indian pictographs and lunch on table rock.

July 17 to 23Hike Isle Royale 4 day hike $650
Intermediate difficulty. Home to moose and wolves, Isle Royale is the most popular trip at Voyageur these days. Ferry from Grand Portage to the largest island in Lake Superior. The Feldmann Loop is about a 30-mile hike over hilly terrain.

August 8 to 16The Quetico 7-day trip $800
Get in shape for this moderately difficult trip. Head north through Prairie Portage into the less-traveled Quetico Provincial Park. Get where the big fish bite, but remove barbs (new hook regulation), bring a passport and apply early for a Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Permit.

Email Deb for further information.