Alex Kvanli

Assistant Director & Blog Editor

Alex is our year-round assistant director, blog editor, and fitness guru. He is a teacher with a Masters in Experiential Education, an avid world traveler, and enthusiast for all things outdoors. Alex’s favorite activity at Camp is catching bass on wacky worms.

7 Cool Treasures Found on the Trail

7 Cool Treasures Found on the Trail

By Alex Kvanli
December 17, 2019 (comments)

The Superior-Quetico Region of North America has been inhabited by people for around 10,000 years. From Paleo-Indians to French Voyageurs, many cultures have left their mark on the U.S.-Canada Border region. History buffs and common folk alike can appreciate the rich history of the area. The region also contains unique animals not seen in other parts of North America. Below we feature some interesting historical artifacts and other cool treasures we’ve encountered on recent wilderness adventures. Note: It is unethical and sometimes unlawful to remove or damage these treasures. We leave them right where we found them.

11 Proven Ways Wilderness Adventure Camps Can Transform Your Kid’s Life

11 Proven Ways Wilderness Adventure Camps Can Transform Your Kid’s Life

By Alex Kvanli
December 01, 2019 (comments)

Experiential education programs like wilderness adventure camps have ways of inspiring kids in ways that are not possible at home, school, or through traditional sports. Canoeing, hiking, and kayaking with a group through wilderness environments like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) of Northern Minnesota is much more than just fun. It can be a profound experience with lifelong lessons. By banning electronics, detaching participants from their normal patterns and behaviors, and connecting them with nature in a supportive group setting, wilderness adventure camps are designed to cause participants to confront their self-concept and motivate them to explore and...

5 Things We're Thankful For

5 Things We're Thankful For

By Alex Kvanli
November 26, 2019 (comments)

Too often, we focus on what we don’t have versus what we do have. It’s important to take the time and show gratitude for some of the things we take for granted. Here you’ll find 5 things to be thankful for, Camp Voyageur Northwoods Edition.

The Wonderful Wacky Worm Rules

The Wonderful Wacky Worm Rules

By Alex Kvanli
November 19, 2019 (comments)

Suppose you could take just one lure into the BWCAW. John would opt for a leech on a jig, Ned a worm on a hook. Campers might prefer a Rapala or a beetle spin. Well, Ned Yonkers comes closest to my recommendation.

Finding Peace Along the Trail

Finding Peace Along the Trail

By Alex Kvanli
November 05, 2019 (comments)

A veteran counselor recounts, during the summer of 2018, how he found peace along the trail. To some the trail symbolizes strength, traversing tough terrain, carrying yet heavier loads. To others, it’s simply the land and the water themselves. Every tree and rock offers a world of discovery to the observant Boundary Waters traveler. Revealing trail events are different for everybody… sighting wildlife, the drama of a storm, a long thoughtless paddle or a quiet, uneventful moment like enjoying a rainy day.

Sketchiest Camp Characters of 2019

Sketchiest Camp Characters of 2019

By Alex Kvanli
October 30, 2019 (comments)

The summer of 2019 was full of sketchy characters. In honor of Halloween, we give you some dubious camp characters who wandered their way to the peninsula on everything from spaceships to pirate ships.

Alumni Complete Canoe Trip Expedition in the Wilds of Canada

Alumni Complete Canoe Trip Expedition in the Wilds of Canada

By Alex Kvanli
October 16, 2019 (comments)

On July 2, Doug Merriman and I reached Peawanuck Village-the final stop of our 500-mile canoe expedition down the Pipestone and Winisk Rivers to Hudson Bay. It took us 23 days to paddle the remote rivers of this extensive boreal forest.

Why We Cut Down Balsams

Why We Cut Down Balsams

By Alex Kvanli
September 25, 2019 (comments)

Fall Has Fallen on the Peninsula The maples are turning red, aspen yellow, and balsams brown. The beauty of the Great Northwoods is only interrupted by the sounds of loons and…. chainsaws? I glimpse what appears to be a human tornado slashing through the trees. Charlie “Turbo” Erdmann rarely runs the chainsaw at anything but full throttle as he rips through tree after tree, leaving a path of destruction through the beautiful fall foliage. A Historical Battle With Renewed Significance CV has always been ‘fighting the forest’ away from its buildings. Early on, emphasis was placed on removing the trees...

CV Receives Fishing Grant from MN DNR

CV Receives Fishing Grant from MN DNR

By Alex Kvanli
September 18, 2019 (comments)

Who taught you to fish? Many kids arrive at camp excited to go fishing. Located within a renowned fishing destination, Camp Voyageur’s wilderness adventure program offers the perfect opportunity for kids to try their luck catching bass, northern pike, and Minnesota’s (state fish) famous walleye. In recent years, however, we’ve noticed a decline in fishing. This year, CV received a grant – the jumpstart it needed – to revamp campers’ annual pursuit of fish. The Voyageur’s Fishing Program, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is designed to get more kids to fish successfully. The project aims to...