In the second episode of Kooch-i-ching’s first-ever podcast, hosts Zach, Pat and Matt scale the climbing wall to interview all-American alumnus Bobby Ecker, who recounts the epic conclusion of an early version of Hunger Games and spins a golden yarn about bravery.

As the true impact of the vote reverberated across the call, the disappointment was immense. At the same time, we took comfort in knowing that we had made the correct decision.

“We are going through an incredible amount of contingency planning. We have to prioritize the health and safety of campers, staff and the community. We have a relationship with International Falls, and it's a relationship we respect.”

A lot of sweating and swearing take place on a portage, and sometimes bugs try to chew on your neck the entire way across a swampy expanse, but the true spirit of our experience involves using teamwork, along with grit and determination, and then laughing when it is all over.

You can tell a lot about a person just by watching them take a few paddle strokes. Can they hold a straight course? Do they use excessive force and then need to overcorrect their steering? Do they tire quickly? Is their stroke efficient?