Shows
The Camp Voyageur PodcastLIVE from the Boundary Waters: Canoe Trips through Kids’ EyesThe boys recount the unforgettable trials and tribulations of their recent 4-day adventures in the Boundary Waters."Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips & advice compiled from over 550 days of canoe camping trips. Whether you’re a former camper, a current camper, or an adventure enthusiast looking to improve your Boundary Waters experience, there’s something for everyone in each episode. Can...2025-07-1527 min
The Camp Voyageur PodcastHow to Prepare for a Boundary Waters TripGet into the nitty gritty of planning and packing for a BWCA summer canoe trip! From gear lists to route tips, seasoned paddlers Alex and John break down what it takes to plan a safe and successful adventure in the Boundary Waters. Links: Packing List & Basic Food Portions.You might also like:9 Food Hacks You Can Do in the BWCAW by Alex Kvanli8 Golden Rules of Efficient Portaging by Alex KvanliTop 10 Mistakes Made at the Campsite by John Erdmann7 Cool Treasures Found on the Trail by Alex Kvanli"Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kva...2025-06-1559 min
The Camp Voyageur PodcastTop BWCA DestinationsJohn and Alex combined have spent over 550 days exploring the Boundary Waters. They have paddled, portaged, and occasionally misnavigated in just about every corner of the BWCA. They reveal the best Boundary Waters destinations to plan your next trip around."Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips & advice compiled from over 550 days of canoe camping trips. Whether you’re a former camper, a cur...2025-05-1634 min
The Camp Voyageur PodcastHow Kids Build Grit with Peter GrunawaltGrit: a combination of perseverance and courage. To not simply deal with being uncomfortable at times, but to actively seek out opportunities and challenges which push the comfort zone. "Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips & advice compiled from over 550 days of canoe camping trips. Whether you’re a former camper, a current camper, or an adventure enthusiast looking to improve your Boundary Wat...2025-04-1529 min
The Camp Voyageur PodcastTrip Story: Adirondack "90-Miler" Canoe Classic with Ben KerstetterBen has an eye-opening experience in New York following his summer of guiding trips into the Boundary Waters."Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips & advice compiled from over 550 days of canoe camping trips. Whether you’re a former camper, a current camper, or an adventure enthusiast looking to improve your Boundary Waters experience, there’s something for everyone in each episode. ...2025-03-1516 min
The Camp Voyageur PodcastThe Most Overlooked (and Often Forgotten) Trail Items on Boundary Waters Canoe TripsAlex and John are back to share tips on gear, preparation, and maximizing the wilderness experience.You might also like:The Biggest Boundary Waters Myths... BUSTED! with Alex and JohnBoundary Waters Gear Hacks with Alex and John9 Food Hacks You Can Do in the BWCAW by Alex Kvanli8 Golden Rules of Efficient Portaging by Alex Kvanli9 Newbie BWCAW Camping Questions Answered—Simply and Honestly by John Burgman"Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on th...2025-02-1556 min
The Camp Voyageur PodcastOnward to the Bay! Lessons Learned Paddling from Ely to Hudson Bay with Peter GrunawaltPeter Grunawalt recounts his 39-day paddle to Hudson Bay alongside fellow Camp Voyageur alumni Elliot Keller, Charlie Steiner, and friend Matt Fossand. Setting off on June 15th, 2014, from the shores of Camp's bay, the team navigated rugged landscapes, wild rivers, and vast wilderness, arriving in Northeastern Canada on July 20th. Peter shares the challenges, triumphs, and life lessons gained from their extraordinary expedition. Check out their route here and trip video here."Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, i...2025-01-1523 min
The Camp Voyageur PodcastFounder Charlie Erdmann's Interview on CampTalk (1998)Charlie was known for his larger-than-life persona and stories, wisdom, and love for teaching. But don’t take my word for it, hear it “straight from the horse’s mouth”, as Charlie would say!You might also like:Wise Words From Our Past by Peter GrunawaltA Freedom Almost Forgotten by Peter GrunawaltSummer Camp: An American Tradition by John BurgmanCharlie-isms by Chris Smith"Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwood...2024-12-1536 min
The Camp Voyageur PodcastPaddle Post Archives: War Canoe to Knife Lake (1987)Another throwback trip story from the pages of an old Paddle Post newspaper. Story by Mike Zwirn."Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips & advice compiled from over 550 days of canoe camping trips. Whether you’re a former camper, a current camper, or an adventure enthusiast looking to improve your Boundary Waters experience, there’s something for everyone in each episode. Can...2024-11-1505 min
The Camp Voyageur PodcastTrip Story: A Collection of Memories (ft. Tom McKenna)Longtime camper Tom McKenna recounts some highlights of his many trail adventures, including some experiences that took place in the rugged Alaskan backcountry after Camp.See also:Alumni Complete Canoe Trip Expedition in the Wilds of Canada by Alex Kvanli"Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips & advice compiled from over 550 days of canoe camping trips. Whether you’re a former ca...2024-10-1510 min
The Camp Voyageur Podcast12 Days in Wabakimi Provincial Park, OntarioGrab a front-row seat as Alex shares stories from his crew's epic trip and the preparation involved. Don't forget to check out his trip video! The Wabakimi Provincial Park in Ontario offers world-class wilderness canoeing and fishing. After two days of whitewater canoe training, the crew rode a train into the park, embarking on a 12-day adventure traveling deep into Wabakimi. The park encompasses 10,000 lakes and a network of rivers and streams that provide nearly 1,000 miles of paddling routes. The park is pure northern grandeur, home to woodland caribou, eagles, and excellent pike, walleye, and lake trout fishi...2024-09-151h 05
The Camp Voyageur PodcastBig Trips & CV Olympic Highlights with Ben, Ben, & HuckVeteran campers Ben and Huck share what it's like being a Camp Voyageur Olympic Captain, hiking in the mountains of Montana, paddling from Ely to Lake Superior, portaging over the 8.5-mile Grand Portage, & more."Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips & advice compiled from over 550 days of canoe camping trips. Whether you’re a former camper, a current camper, or an adventure enthusiast lo...2024-07-151h 30
The Camp Voyageur PodcastLIVE Late Nights with Camp VoyageurJoin Ben and Ben live in the Mess Hall where campers and staff share hilarious stories of fish, epic trips, and current events. John Erdmann closes the show with two songs you can't miss."Text us feedback."Co-hosts Alex Kvanli & John Burgman discuss all-things related to Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota. They share trail stories, interview Voyageur alumni, & reflect on the lore of the Great Northwoods. They also trade Boundary Waters travel tips & advice compiled from over 550 days of canoe camping trips. Whether you’re a former camper, a current camper, or an adventure enthusiast loo...2024-06-1550 min