Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry - Camp Hiawatha and Camp Vermilion - has been providing opportunities for Christ-centered spiritual growth, leadership development and outreach in God’s great northwoods for over half of a century. Youth, families, adults and groups from all over the country are part of that rich history. Our community and our programs are open to all.

We are an Outdoor Ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that provides a variety of year-round and summer programs out of two sites in Northeastern Minnesota. We also operate as an outfitter in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) through our Voyageurs Canoe Country program.

A boy’s confidence soars and friendships flourish over a four-week session at Camp Voyageur. Our creative and energetic staff lead favorite activities like the Gong Show, Cardboard Boat Regatta, W.ELK Radio Show and CV Olympics. While in camp, boys learn the daily routine of inspection, activities, meals and free swim. Campers have time to enjoy archery, play pickleball, sail, paddleboard, fish, visit the Craft Shop and practice their instruments. Mess Hall plaques showcase the names of boys catching the biggest fish and swimming to nearby islands. Campers can enjoy day fishing trips, touring the Soudan Iron Mines that built America, petting the local sled dogs at Wintergreen and visiting Ely’s International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center.

Voyageur’s in-camp program seasons boys for progressively longer canoe trips into the adjacent million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Backcountry travel hones camping skills and a few teens become Bushwhacker and Big Man leaders on canoe trips. For many, hiking the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior is a popular option. Campers return each year to visit increasingly remote areas on longer wilderness trips.

Located just minutes from Ely, Minnesota, this camp is surrounded on three sides by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). It's an ideal location for church youth groups, families, and individuals to enjoy a quiet, secluded, and primitive setting. Come and canoe, hike, swim, and enjoy the splendor of the BWCAW Kowakan ministry has multiple programs including equipment rentals for church groups going into the BWCAW on their own, conference sponsored camps, and for church groups taking advantage of staff-led ministry packages.

Located 20 miles north of Ely, MN, just a short paddle from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, this wilderness tripping camp offers completely outfitted canoe trips. Girls ages 12-18 -- and adults -- come on 3, 5, 7, and 10 day canoe trips. Participants come from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and throughout the United States. Guides are certified in Lifeguarding and Wilderness First Aid.

Each summer we host a Girl Scouts of the USA destination from the Canoe Base called North Country Rock-N-Wilderness.

Northern Tier is Scouting’s gateway to adventure in the Great North. From Northern Tier’s three bases, Scouts can explore millions of acres of pristine lakes, meandering rivers, dense forests, and wetlands in northern Minnesota and Canada. Whatever your plans, Northern Tier staff can outfit your crew with state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable interpreters.

Overview

In the summer and fall, Scouts head to Northern Tier for canoeing, hiking, exploring, and some of the best freshwater fishing anywhere. Northern Tier is the only official BSA outfitter in the million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and or in Canada.

In the winter, Northern Tier is home to Okpik, Scouting’s cold-weather camping program, with dogsledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow shelter building, animal tracking, cold-weather cooking, and ice fishing.

Summer fun in Northern Minnesota.

Camp Warren hosts camps for girls in the first half of summer and camps for boys in the second half. For over 90 years kids have enjoyed traditional summer camp activities like Sailing, Horseback Riding, Canoeing, Arts and Crafts, Drama, Pottery, Tennis, Teambuilding, Rock Wall Climbing and more.

Campers build strong friendships, learn skills that will last a lifetime, and play in our old forests and clean lakes.

Our summer program is great for ages 7-17 but we do offer additional programs for teens too: Canoe Trips, Sailing Trips and a Counselor in Training program.

Year round we host Family camps and ski/snowshoe groups.

Hope to see you on the shores of Half Moon Lake!

Building respect for self, others & the environment through wilderness adventure and environmental education.

It is our goal to provide fun and rewarding experiences where campers can make new friends and learn new skills.