SUMMER CAMPS
Welcome to Summer Camp in God’s Great Northwoods! Whether you are joining us for the first time or 12th time, for one day or a whole week, for a more traditional camp experience or a specialty program, we cannot wait to welcome you to camp! The mission of Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry is to provide Christ-centered spiritual growth, leadership development, and outreach in God’s great northwoods. Each of our programs are intentionally crafted to provide these experiences for each and every person that comes to VLM camps. We invite you to experience the quiet of creation, depth of faith community, and the strength of those connections alongside our incredible summer ministry team in 2025. We look forward to seeing you at our two unique ministry sites; Camp Hiawatha and Camp Vermilion. See you at camp!
A CAMP FOR EVERYONE
We have programs for all ages - a day camp experience for those new to camp, a two-night program for those not quite ready for a full week, and week-long programs for elementary, junior high, senior high, and family campers, as well as a specialty programs focusing on hockey, canoeing, and more. No matter what option you choose, we will work hard to make it an experience to remember.
EXCEPTIONAL STAFF
VLM carefully selects our staff in order to provide the best experience possible for each camper. Our program also includes trained lifeguards, a kitchen staff that provides nutritious meals for hungry campers, and staff trained in CPR/First Aid and risk management to respond to the needs of your campers. Everything we do is to help you see it truly is great to be alive in God's great northwoods! Don't wait - register today and get ready for the best part of your summer!
BWCAW Canoe Camp
BWCAW Canoe camp is the place to both learn the basics and build on your skills. Campers spend time each day canoeing, camping, and learning other outdoor education skills while immersed in the BWCAW. Campers (9 -11 gr) will head into the BWCAW for a 3-night canoe trip. This camp will also provide leadership / outdoor development, opportunities for spiritual growth and teamwork.
DISCOVERERS DAY CAMP
A first taste of camp without spending the night. Discovers Day Camp runs from 8:30am - 4:00pm Monday - Thursday for campers looking to discover camp and parents looking for a safe and fun day camp option for summer child care.
TREKKERS
(Completed grades 5-6) A balance of familiar camp activities combined with new opportunities are what the Trekker program is all about. Mixed in with favorite camp activities - swimming, games, crafts, canoeing, campfire – are faith conversation that go a bit deeper and more challenging cooking and camping skills are tried.
SOJOURNERS
(Completed grades 10–12) With so many options available to Senior High students, spending a week as a Sojourner means a week with passionate, fun, and faith-filled peers. Conversations are deeper, worships are more meaningful, and friendships last well beyond camp.
LEADERS-IN-TRAINING
(Completed grades 9–12) Looking for a new challenge in your VLM camp experience? Ever wondered what it is like to work at camp? Interested in developing your leadership skills? Then our Leaders-in-Training program might be for you!
CANOE COUNTRY
Another way to experience VLM programming. For over 60 years, groups from all over the country have come to the northwoods of Minnesota to explore the power and splendor of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with the guidance of Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry staff.
GENERAL CAMP INFORMATION
DEFINITIONS
Below are some of the words our campers will hear at Camp Hiawatha and Camp Vermilion.
Polar Bear Swim – an optional short morning lake jump at 7:00 a.m.
Mai (my) – a time to set our focus for the day; it gives us direction as we begin each morning; also known as first word or morning devotion.
Kaper – morning chore or service done by cabin groups; Kapers include KP, litter sweep, cleaning bathrooms, and straightening up the chapel, sauna, or boathouse.
KP – kitchen pick-up or kitchen party; done by cabin groups after each meal and includes loading and unloading the dishwasher, wiping off tables, and sweeping and mopping the dining hall.
Pose (po-say) – a resting point and time to reflect and refocus on God before we continue our day; also known as morning worship.
Rubbaboo – a meal that gives energy, the “meat” of your day; also known as Bible study.
Flop on Bunk– quiet time that happens between lunch and Grovers.
Swamp Test – the intentional tipping of a canoe to learn how it feels and what to do when/if your canoe tips when out on the lake
Grover – an afternoon activity period, usually 45-60 minutes long; our afternoons often include 2-3 Grover periods.
Canteen – the camp store where campers can purchase clothes, souvenirs, and snacks.
Wattape (wa-ta-pay) – a Spruce root used by Ojibwa to stitch things together; also known as the evening devotions that tie our day together.
WHAT DO WE DO AT CAMP?
While activities and times will vary depending on the program, a typical day might look like this:
7:00 – Polar Bear Swim
7:45 – Morning Mai
8:00 – Breakfast
8:30 – Kapers
9:15 – Pose
10:00 – Rubbabo
11:15 – Village Time
12:00 – Lunch
12:45 – Flop on Bunk (FOB)
1:15 – Grovers – swimming, canoeing, creative arts, games, canteen
5:30 – Supper
6:15 – Cabin Time
6:45 – Large Group Game
8:15 – Canteen
9:00 – Campfire
10:15 – Lights Out
TELL YOUR CAMP STORY
Have you been to Camp Hiawatha or Camp Vermilion? Keep camp alive in your heart and inspire others with your experience. Short or long, we’d love to hear your camp story. Use the quick form below, we’re listening!
