From the Great Central Fire, hosted by alum Jeff Coleman, is a series of conversations about what makes Camp Kooch-i-ching and its sister camp, Ogichi Daa Kwe, such special places to spend the summer.
From the Great Central Fire
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5.0(14 reviews)
15 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
From the Great Central Fire, hosted by alum Jeff Coleman, is a series of conversations about what makes Camp Kooch-i-ching and its sister camp, Ogichi Daa Kwe, such special places to spend the summer.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/29/2025
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Recent Episodes
June 23, 2026
Pete Pfeffer
<p>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!</p><p><br></p><p>Presented by the Camping & Education Foundation. </p><p><br></p><p>Music by Alice Peacock. Produced by Unbridled Media.</p>
June 12, 2026
Annabel & Chris Weil
<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Presented by the Camping & Education Foundation. </p><p><br></p><p>Music by Alice Peacock. Produced by Unbridled Media. </p>
May 21, 2026
Sara Upson
<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Music by Alice Peacock. Produced by Unbridled Media.</p>
15 total episodes available
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