On January 6, 1999, then-Ohio Congressman Rob Portman stood before his colleagues in the US House of Representatives to pay tribute to one of Cincinnati’s “finest citizens.” He was speaking about longtime Kooch-i-ching Director John Holden, who had recently succumbed to cancer at the age of 75.

We join hosts Pat and Zach in the Prep Biffy, brushing their teeth before bed. A sudden squall blows in and a mysterious howl pierces the night. Prep counselor Quinn Pinaire invites the pair into Cabin 8 for a bedtime story: a Cheyenne myth about the hubristic Coyote and his desire to dance with a star.

In the summer, you’re likely to find him leading a postprandial paddling session, poring over maps in the Map Room, fixing zippers in the Trip Center, or ripping across Rainy Lake in his Boston Whaler.

Born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, Kier has been coming to Kooch-i-ching since he was 9 years old. He is currently a junior at Missouri University’s School of Journalism, where he is double majoring in strategic communications and business management and serves as treasurer for the school’s chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.

While piloting the Endeavour, Zach and Matt bump into Roger Miller mid-trip. Roger leaves his campers on shore to collect firewood and boards the vessel to discuss his tripping philosophy. Later, the hosts pick up "Dirty" Mike Esselman, who shares his secrets to a successful layover day.

In the fourth episode of First Bell, we join Zach, Pat and Matt at the Parent Fish Fry, where an ordering mishap threatens to make the event to go belly up. Fortunately, recent staff man Andrew Paulik saves the day with his angling aptitude.

Zach, Pat and Matt are back! In the third episode of First Bell, the official podcast of Camp Kooch-i-ching, they watch the annual Around-the-Island Canoe Race with current record holder Kyle Ronemus, who shares some secrets from his 1976 victory.

Do you miss campfire cooking as much as we do? Well now you can brush up on your baking skills with this tutorial on how to use a reflector oven from Ogichi staff woman Sara Upson, aka Uppy.

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.