Tom Brandt

Editor

Tom returns for his second year as a camp counselor, but in the off-season he spends his time at the University of St. Thomas as a Communications and Advertising major. Tom will have the pleasure of editing this Summers PaddlePost. He loves sports, fishing and storytelling, and hopes to bring plenty of energy and humor to camp this year. Tom is also known for his juggling at camp.

Experiencing More Than Just the Wilderness

Experiencing More Than Just the Wilderness

By Tom Brandt
July 26, 2019 (comments)

Camp Voyageur is more than an in-and-out wilderness tripping camp. At CV, campers indulge in an active outdoor experience which lays the foundation for a strengthened character and active lifestyle through challenge, friendly competition and responsibility. Many attribute camp’s character building and rigorous activity to the trail (wilderness trips), although that’s true, a lot of credit can be rightly given to Camp Voyageur’s in-camp program. There are three activity periods a day, followed by swimming, more activity and three balanced meals from camp’s talented kitchen staff. Needless to say, there’s no shortage of exercise while on the CV-peninsula. It’s not...

The Unbreakable Bond of the Trail

The Unbreakable Bond of the Trail

By Tom Brandt
July 05, 2019 (comments)

The passing of the Fourth of July marks the quick upcoming of the end of first session, and the halfway point for our second round of trips. Whether you’re on a 6-day or a 10-day trip, all campers experience and reflect on the remarkable bonding agents of the trail. The first day back home at camp is a surprisingly confusing time for campers. Many are happy to be sleeping in a soft bed, under the warmth of their covers in a cabin sheltering them from rain and bugs. Greeted with a home cooked meal from Deb’s kitchen, it’s easy to...

The Art of Cooking on the Trail

The Art of Cooking on the Trail

By Tom Brandt
June 12, 2019 (comments)

From person to person, a love for cooking and a love for diverse food is ambiguous. Everyone has a taste for something different, so exploring these palates on the trail is fun, yet challenging. In most cases, cooking and eating on the trail is limited, so the need for creativity and experimentation is fun and necessary for a delicious and enjoyable trail feast. After all, food is life, and good food is love, so a masterful trail-chef is quite the treat in a place such as the BWCA, where perishable ingredients, and outstanding cooking is scarce.

Safe Travels and Safe Returns: A Wilderness First Aid Experience

Safe Travels and Safe Returns: A Wilderness First Aid Experience

By Tom Brandt
June 04, 2019 (comments)

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a beautiful, pristine and remote area which becomes home to more than 250,000 visitors with every summer. Although sublime, Minnesota’s pride and joy, the BWCA, is a dangerous place for the exact reason we as campers, counselors and visitors appreciate it; it’s remote, untapped and uninhabited by everything outside the wonders and glories of the great outdoors and those who adventure around it. After all, our beloved north woods are considered a pristine wilderness. This information is not made to scare you, but in fact, is there to reassure you of the staff’s...