Alex Kvanli

Blogger & Wacky Worm Aficionado

Alex spent 10 summers at Camp and is a frequent contributor to our blog. 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.

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...

Today Was a Duff Day

Today Was a Duff Day

By Alex Kvanli
September 11, 2019 (comments)

Veteran camper Christian W. recently released the exclusive lyrics for his new hit single Today Was a Duff Day, featuring counselor Paul Nelson. He recounts a recent trip which was full of Duff Days, or days on the trail where campers don’t pack up and move out, but rather use the campsite as a basecamp for a day full of fun activities and relaxation. Listeners of the 2019 WELK Pirate Radio Show were the first to hear his new hit single, which has since meteorically risen to the top of Wandering Elk’s Hot 100. Today Was a Duff Day Just...

Camper Insights: How Grand Portage Changes You

Camper Insights: How Grand Portage Changes You

By Alex Kvanli
May 15, 2019 (comments)

We all experience defining moments in our lives, when we realize our journey has begun a new chapter. For adults it may be marriage, or a child being born. For many kids it could be going from elementary to middle school, getting their driver’s license, or making a certain sports team. But for campers at Camp Voyageur, a defining moment is without a doubt completing the Grand Portage. There are many benefits of wilderness adventure camps, and one is that is quickens emotional maturation. It is no exaggeration to say that the Grand Portage turns boys into men.

10 Tips for Preventing Homesickness

10 Tips for Preventing Homesickness

By Alex Kvanli
April 09, 2019 (comments)

This summer, many first-time campers will get their first taste of independence at camp. For most, it will be the first time they’ve spent longer than a few days away from their families. Being away from home can be difficult. Especially when you’re a kid. So, it’s no surprise the American Camp Association (ACA) reported that in 2018, 83% of campers experienced homesickness on at least one day of residential camp. However, our camper survey in 2018 recorded about half that figure. Experiencing homesickness is part of growing up. Still, with a little preparation, parents can help to minimize their...

Staying Inside Could Harm The Environment

Staying Inside Could Harm The Environment

By Alex Kvanli
April 07, 2019 (comments)

A study in 2008 suggested that per capita participation in nature recreation is declining at a rate of approximately -1.0% to -1.3% per year (Pergams & Zaradic, 2008). It does not seem like much, but what if the trend continues for a century? The rise of technology and shift in popular culture may be behind this shift. The effects of spending less time in nature could affect our personal and environmental health (Mark & Janssen, 2008; Matthews & Riley, 1995).

Obtaining a RABC Permit for Your Child

Obtaining a RABC Permit for Your Child

By Alex Kvanli
April 01, 2019 (comments)

This guide is only for children under 17 and under who are traveling remotely into Canada with a Camp Voyageur trip leader. What is a RABC permit? The Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Permit allows the bearer to cross the border into Canada in remote areas without reporting to a port of entry. All campers and counselors going on an overnight trip into Canada need one. To apply for the RABC Permit you must complete and submit the application, with your child as the primary applicant, along with a Letter of Authorization which gives your child permission to enter into...

City-Dwellers: Your Creativity May Be At Risk

City-Dwellers: Your Creativity May Be At Risk

By Alex Kvanli
March 27, 2019 (comments)

Could living in a city affect your creativity? Over half of the world’s population is now living in urban areas (UN News Centre, 2014). One result of increased urbanization is that people are spending less time in nature. Furthermore, technology and the ease of access to information may be decreasing our time for contemplative and creative thinking. Research suggests that these implications may have detrimental effects on our health and wellbeing. Unnatural environments’ effect on animals On the surface, some factors that may contribute to the negative health effects of living in a city could be the air pollution, crime...