Sara Upson

Pete Pfeffer

Recorded on Rainy Lake during an extensive restoration of the Kooch II, Jeff reconnects with longtime friend Pete Pfeffer at Camp Kooch to trace Pete’s many “lives” at camp: as a childhood point kid in the 1960s through family connections, as staff starting in 1983 in Prep and later Junior camp, and later returning for Boys in Winter and father-son trips. They share memories of classic Turtle River and Quetico tripping, cabin life, favorite camp people, and humorous travel and staff stories involving Chuck Eichler, Steve Upson, Tim Heinle, and a crazy night at Sha Sha. The conversation turns serious as they discuss changes to the Native American program, emphasizing that tripping remains the camp’s backbone, and reflecting on leadership, adapting to modern realities, and the lasting friendships camp builds. Listen today! Presented by the Camping & Education Foundation. Music by Alice Peacock. Produced by Unbridled Media.

Annabel & Chris Weil

From the Great Central Fire, Jeff Coleman hosts the show’s first parent-child episode with Camp Kooch alum Chris Weil and his daughter Annabel Weil of Ogichi. They share their camp backgrounds, including memories of Kooch cabin days, trips like the English, the old Back Bay zip line, and Annabel finding Chris’s name carved at Johnny Hightower on a Turtle River trip. They preview the 35-day “Edge of the Atlantic” expedition, discuss planning, fundraising success, sponsors, wildlife precautions, satellite tracking, and the value of being tech-free in the wilderness. Presented by the Camping & Education Foundation. Music by Alice Peacock. Produced by Unbridled Media.

Sara Upson

Jeff chats with former Camp Ogichi camper and staff member Sarah Upson about life in Cincinnati, where she works as a clinical microbiologist, and her path from Colorado State to Ohio State after reconsidering vet school. Sarah reflects on her years at Ogichi (camper 2010–2016; staff 2017–2020), witnessing the camp’s growth from the old Rainy Lake Lodge buildings to newer facilities, and shares her favorite canoe trips including the Bloodvein, English River, and a Cochrane River trip. She recalls camp traditions, leadership lessons and stories from director Kathy Dix, and the LDAC program’s whitewater training. Sarah and Jeff also discuss the family Farm in Adams County, memorable family experiences, her late father’s spirit and resilience, and hopes to return north to see new camp additions. Music by Alice Peacock. Produced by Unbridled Media.

Trace Dunning

In this episode, Jeff interviews Trace Dunning, director of the Urban Wilderness program, director of Owakonze, and new assistant director for Camp Kooch-i-ching morning programs. Trace shares how he first came to camp from Cincinnati, his years as a camper and staff member, and how support for his brother helped his family continue attending. He explains the Urban Wilderness program’s origins in 2013, and its rapid growth. With chapters in Cincinnati and Minneapolis, the program now completes roughly 45 builds and expects to reach about 4,000 students. He also reflects on his Centennial Arctic trip and his recent wedding! Music by Alice Peacock. Produced by Unbridled Media. Presented by the Camping & Education Foundation.

Bill Johnson (BJ)

In this episode of From the Great Central Fire, Jeff visits Bill “BJ” Johnson at his home in Cincinnati to share stories from 77 years connected to camp. BJ recounts starting at Camp Fairwood in 1947, being recruited through the Wasaka Boys Club, becoming a counselor, and returning in 1964 to run Intermediate Camp for 20 years. He explains the origins and rules of the Intermediate “spot game” and gauntlet, memories of Cabin 14, and the use of food coloring in meals during trips. BJ details pioneering trips, including the Bloodvein route (1967–68), how “BJ’s Pothole” got its name through fishing, and evolving logistics on Lake Winnipeg. He also describes building the dining hall in six weeks under the direction of John Holden and reflects on why he still returns each summer. Music by Alice Peacock. Produced by Unbridled Media.