Camp Voyageur - Summer Camp for Boys

It's a GREAT day in the North Woods

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Spring began warm with trees budding much earlier than normal. Then temperatures turned cool, followed by rain and snow the last few weeks. The unusual weather curtailed local maple sap harvesters, so pancake syrup may be at a premium this year. The forest needs the moisture to offset the effects of a prolonged drought. Let's hope the black fly and mosquito populations are slowed with the recent freezing temps. On clear nights we've seen the northern lights briefly dancing across the sky. We're in a highly active solar storm/flare cycle so this could be a harbinger of favorable aurora borealis conditions this summer.
The ice went off of Farm Lake, the earliest in recent memory, on March 25th. Our first loons appeared on April 11th, a few days earlier than normal. Other waterfowl, such as buffleheads, mallards, trumpeter swans and golden eyes are migrating north. Smaller birds are crafting nests, protecting their territory and always keeping an eye out for predators. A pair of cross foxes sighted on the camp road may have a den nearby and hopefully will keep the snowshoe hares in check, who feast on pine trees we've nursed for decades.

There's Still Room for YOU this Summer

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 PDT

The majority of camp's summer wilderness permits are reserved. CV Trip Director, Larry Zelenz, has scheduled campers paddling through the Boundary Waters and Quetico, and hiking the Superior Hiking Trail and Isle Royale this summer. Trips will challenge veterans while introducing new campers to the land of "sky blue waters". Sign up now and save your bunk at camp. Take a look online to see our growing list of campers and staff. In addition we can help with routes, outfitting and wilderness permit for trips into the Boundary Waters. Check out the guided trip opportunities below for families and individuals as well.

Last Call for Work Camp

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 PDT

In early May Minnesota CV volunteers Henry Rodman, Chris Godsey, David Redinger and Mark Sherman will reroof Cabin 2. May 13-23 work campers will make repairs to the Green Head roof, repair/replace cabin flaps, tackle small maintenance chores, nurture and cage red and white pine trees, all in preparation for campers arrival in early June.

Join Us for Walleye Opener

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 PDT

May 10-16 Larry Zelenz and Johnny Alden will guide our first trip with Greg Pike and friends hunting for walleye on the fishing opener starting at Gabbro. Rain or shine they'll fish along the Kawish, Gabbro potholes and Clear Lake. We still have a space on this trip open for another hearty fisherman. Contact Deb for details.

Camp Calendar

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 PDT

We are counting on seeing you at camp this year!

Boys' Sessions
June 10-July 7 (family day July 6)
July 8-August 4 (family day August 3)
June 10-August 4 (family day August 3)

Girls' Sessions
June 10-19 Superior Hiking Trail, Girls 14 years and older
June 21-30 Boundary Waters Canoe trip, Girls 9-18

Alumni camp
August 10-13
Alumni canoe trips August 13-15 and August 13-17 to the Little Triangle, Basswood and hiking on Isle Royale

Guided Trips
Walleye Opener May 10-16
Family Trips following each session, July 7-10, July 7-13, August 4-7, August 4-11

Canoe Outfitting
June 1-September 1

Camping Season Arrives Early?

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Unseasonably warm weather has us dreaming of summer, paddling and catching a plaquer northern pike like Ben did last summer in Pickerel Lake. Birds are busy building nests, insects have reappeared including the Compton's tortoiseshell butterflies, ducks, robins and seagulls have trekked north well ahead of schedule, scouring the shoreline and open water for food. While the true ice-out may be weeks away, the recent balmy temperature offers a welcome taste of the dawning spring.
Our 60th anniversary road show screeched to a stop near Washington, DC, where Chris Smith and Michelle Erdmann Smith hosted a gathering at the Potomac Paddle Sports in Rockville, Maryland. John Erdmann and his family spent the afternoon at the kayak shop visiting with Doug Bentley, Avery Olson, Sean Hackes, Dan Ricketts, Pete Taft and other camp friends. We have some 60th slide and movie DVD's if alumni are interested in reliving camp history and your era.
Trip Director Larry Zelenz has already reserved most wilderness permits for the summer. Our campers will criss-cross the Boundary Waters and hike along the north shore of Lake Superior. Advanced trips will canoe further north into Canada's Quetico and hike the beautiful shoreline of Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. Bill Burgman is drumming up plenty of in camp fun too, and putting new words to a few classic tunes for Talent Night. The roster is growing, so check out who's registered for camp. Contact Deb to join in the fun, if you haven't already done so. At this point we still have room in each session, but space is limited.

Camp Voyageur=Fun for Everyone

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 PDT

There are multiple ways for people of all ages can enjoy camp in the 2012 season. Contact Deb for details.

Work Camp May 13-23
Join us as we open pull camp out of winter mothballs for the upcoming summer. Volunteers help whip camp into shape by cleaning, repairing docks, re-roofing cabins, planting and caging little pines. Work camp is the perfect excuse for you head north for a few days or for 10 days. We've heard from several volunteers already who are coming: Jim Bergman, Jim Herman, Chris Godsey, David Redinger and Mark Sherman. We'll supply a bunk and fabulous food. We'd love to add you (family and friends are welcome) to our roster. There will be plenty of time to get out in a canoe and wet a line. Come prepared for any kind of weather, it's spring in northern Minnesota.

Outfitting June 1-September 1
If you're planning a canoe trip let us help. Permits are precious and need to be secured in advanced.so don't delay. Contact us now to arrange your trip and reserve your gear with or without a guide. If you prefer, you can reserve your own permit here.

Girls Trips
This year we're offering two trips for girls 9-18. Same great training and leadership as in the past, but we're adding a hiking trip.
June 10-19 Superior Hiking Trail- Girls 14 years and older will hike along the scenic north shore of Lake Superior
June 21-30 Boundary Waters Canoe Trip- Girls 9-18 will travel by canoe 7 days into the Boundary Waters
Alumni Camp August 10-13
Calling all alumni...if it's been a while since you've returned to the northwoods, this is your perfect reintroduction to camp. Bring your family for the weekend of August 10-13. We'll offer day trips, great camp cookin', fire up the sauna and allow ample time to reconnect with camp friends. Following alumni camp we'll hit the trail on one of our guided alumni trips:

August 13-15 Little Triangle Canoe Trip--$300
August 13-17 Basswood River Canoe Trip--$500
August 13-19 Quetico Canoe Trip--$900
August 13-19 Isle Royale Hiking Trip--$800

Camp Calendar

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Boys' Sessions
June 10-July 7
July 8-August 4
June 10-August 4

Girls' Sessions
June 10-19 Superior Hiking Trail, Girls 14 years and older
June 21-30 Boundary Waters Canoe trip, Girls 9-18

Alumni Camp
August 10-13
Alumni canoe trips August 13-15, August 13-17 and August 13-19

Guided Trips
Walleye Opener May 10-16
Family Trips July 7-10, July 7-13, August 4-7, August 4-11

Canoe Outfitting
June 1-September 1

Camping Season Arrives Early?

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Camp Voyageur=Fun for Everyone

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Camp Calendar

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Camping Season Arrives Early?

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Camp Voyageur=Fun for Everyone

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Camp Calendar

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 PDT

We'll catch up with you along the way...On the road again...

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

John Erdmann along with Bill and Vicki Erdmann Burgman have been criss-crossing the Midwest and seeing camp friends. Our first stop was in Cleveland at the home of Steve, Edie and Ethan Shafron, where CV's newest memory DVD was debuted, 60 Sweet Summers 2011, along with spliced film footage from 60 years of camping and lots of pics. Stephen Grunawalt and his dad Karl, Dan Ranke, Latham Murfey, David Williams, Dickson Whitney, Dave Thum and Mike Fixler were in attendance. From there we moved to Indy seeing Voyageurs and friends including: John Sitzmann's dad Jim and brother Joe and sister Maria, Bailey Yeager, Larry and Ann Giddings, Gretchen Giddings Stark, Matt Rogge, John Ferree, Karl and Nick Selm, David Willkie, Johnny and John Alden, Rick Hassler, Greg "Grizzle" Kline, Fritz and Jane Kunz, Kamman Kunz, Will and Betsy Kunz, Walt Kuhn, Dave Kirtley, Kevin and Joan O'Kane, Sam and dad Dave Pfotenhauer, Phil Wickizer, Clarke Kahlo, John Luros, Steve Kash, Bill Zwerner, Bill Hebert, Les and Enid Zwirn, Dave and Lauren Clark, Gail Alden, Debbie Corpus, Lee and Eric Schoenfeld. In Cinci we visited with Charlie Hall and son Charlie, Jr.; Mark Blanchard; Ed Berger; Andy Brown; Bobby Corpus; Boris and Kathyna Salazar; Shane Miller; Nils Kahlson; Victoria Pichardo; Jim and Paula Bergman; Dennis Breitholle; John, Kathryn, Ethan and Jacob Biederman; Tyler Camerucci; Tony Anaya and Jim Milinovich.
This weekend we're heading to Chicago and the Twin Cities. In early March we'll be in the DC area. We're counting on seeing you so be sure to stop and see us if you live nearby these gatherings. This is the very best way to find out about upcoming plans for the summer. Last years' campers can pick up a copy of 2011 memories DVD.

February 11, Saturday, Chicago, IL
Campers and Prospects 1-3 pm Rock climb at Vertical Endeavors, 28141 Diehl Road, Warrenville, IL 60555 (630) 836-0122. A waiver signed and initialed by parents is required for all climbers.
Alumni 4-6 pm Cabela's, 5225 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 (847) 645-0400. At the top of the escalator.

February 12, Sunday, Minneapolis, MN
Campers and Prospects 12:30-3 pm Rock Climb at Vertical Endeavors, 2540 Nicollet Ave South, Minneapolis, 612-436-1470. A waiver signed and initialed by parents is required for all climbers.
Alumni Hoigaards 3-5 pm, 5425 Excelsior Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55426, (952) 929-1351.

March 4, Sunday, Rockville, MD
Potomac Paddle Sports 3-5 pm, 11917 Maple Avenue, Rockville, MD 20852, (301) 381-2628. RSVP by February 25th