COVID-19 Updates
September 8th, 2020
The 2020 Camp Voyageur Summer
Looking Ahead to Summer 2021
Canceling the Camp Voyageur season summer was the right decision. Now we look forward, as you do, towards 2021 Voyageur…and celebrating our 70th camp season! We hope to mark this milestone with an all-camp gathering at Voyageur in August 2021.
While Minnesota regulations prevented opening as scheduled this year some camps, however, were able to operate safely. Nearly 70% of our campers moved their summer registration forward to 2021. Camp sessions will mirror this year’s offerings with two four-week sessions (or eight weeks) and a couple of shorter options.
Family outfitting and guided Boundary Water canoe trips were popular this season and we will expand outfitting services so more Voyageur families can venture into the nearby lakes and woods next year. Consider lodging at camp pre- or post-trip or the whole time on site enjoying meals and taking day trips for what we call “family camp”. Whether taking a canoe trip or staying in-camp, we can facilitate your Northwoods family vacation. Cheers!
Read more about our summer here!
August 25, 2020
Enrollment for Summer 2021 now open!
June 21, 2020
Virtual Programming Begins
Week 1
Instructions: This week’s FlipGrid activity is Two Truths and a Lie! Once you’ve posted, see if you can uncover the lies of the other participants. Bill also presents his infamous Word of the Day. See if you can use it in a sentence.
Use code “cvweek1” to join the fun.
Take me to FlipGridJune 6, 2020
Counselors to Unveil Virtual Programming
Our dynamic staff – lead by licensed teachers Mikey Meves and Alex Kvanli, M.S.Ed. – along with a host of outlandish characters will lead the program, which will include various “How To” videos along with interactive camp favorites such as WELK Radio Show, Olympics, Word of the Day, and Bean Auction.
The virtual 8-week session is open for current, past, and future campers.
To participate, campers should:
June 1, 2020
CV Outfitting Set to Resume
Exclusive guiding for Voyageur families and alumni.
Phase II of Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan began June 1st, meaning that some Minnesota businesses are allowed to reopen under limited circumstances. As a non-critical business, we have been mandated to adopt and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in order to open services for the public.
At this time, we are unable to provide families lodging or mess hall meals. Our pre-trip outfitting services include:
- Phone consultation
- Route planning and reservation assistance
- Food menu planning
- Group packing
Full outfitting starts at $75/person/day with a Grumman canoe. Guided trips start at $95/person/day. Outfitting includes food and most of the gear necessary for a wilderness canoe trip. To see a full list, download our Outfitting Packing List.
In conjunction with the Minnesota DNR’s Outdoor Recreation Guidelines for businesses reopening June 1st, some COVID-19 restrictions for outfitting include:
- Families only or pods who have been isolated together for at least two weeks prior to arrival
- Pre-arrival COVID-19 phone screening
- Social distancing with our guides, wear a mask when distancing is not possible
- Arrive the night before entry date to meet on Pine Stadium to pack with gloves and masks
- When shuttling to your entry or exit point, guides and families must ride in separate vehicles
For more details, visit our outfitting page or contact us.
May 22, 2020
Voyageur Inks 1st Draft of COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
One requirement by the State of Minnesota for businesses planning to reopen on June 1st, is that all non-critical businesses must adopt and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.
After several days of brainstorming and collaboration, we have generated our first draft of the our plan. Click here to check it out!
May 14, 2020
2020 Summer Sessions Canceled
For 70 years the Erdmann family has proudly provided Camp Voyageur summers for youth to share sports, meals, and wilderness trips in the north woods.
By nature, camp is communal and emphasizes interdependence and collaboration. The impact of COVID-19 has made the prospect for camp anything but normal this year. Minnesota’s stay-at-home order expires May 18th with limitations thereafter. The Canadian border is closed, and Boundary Waters permits are currently restricted for day use only. Limited COVID-19 testing, six-foot social distancing, gloves, and masks have slowed the virus, but a threat remains real, particularly in group settings.
Amid safety concerns and uncertainties created by COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all 2020 camp sessions. The health and safety of campers, staff, and the Ely community are our primary concerns.
As we open camp, we’ll establish new mitigation procedures to allow outfitting. We feel fortunate that we can still offer families a Boundary Waters canoe trip this summer. We will help plan a self-guided route for your family, meet you at the trail head with packs, food, canoes, and pick our gear up at the end of your trek. Bring your sleeping bags, fishing, and rain gear.
Are you ready to plan your family adventure?
Start your adventure by emailing Trip Director Alex Kvanli!
Contact AlexIt is hard to imagine Voyageur without the fun and energy campers create. Though heartbreaking, we believe, given what we know now, canceling camp is the right decision for CV and our small town community. We have received many encouraging messages from camp families and are grateful for the continued support.