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Island Physical Aspects
Camp
Kooch-i-ching is the sole occupant of a 300-acre island situated on
Rainy Lake and located about 10 miles east of International Falls, MN.
Our island sits less than a mile south of the United States–Canadian
border and on the edge of the very finest canoe country in the entire
world. The developed portion of the island occupies about 50 acres. The
remaining portion of the island looks much as it did 500 or 1000 years
ago.
Our
campsite is made up of over 70 log or frame structures including 23
camper cabins; a magnificent A-frame dining hall; our historic Main
Lodge; a well-equipped health center; the John L. Holden Trips Center
and the Mason Memorial which houses the camp library, store, post
office and office. In addition, we have 5 acres of athletic fields;
rifle, shotgun and archery ranges; a Challenge Course that includes a
dozen low and a dozen high elements; and numerous other facilities.
Our
equipment also includes a versatile barge, 8-10 sailboats, half a dozen
outboard motor boats, over 70 canoes, a Greyhound style over-the-road
bus, 3 rented school busses and 2-3 vans.
The camp's facilities
enable the community to function smoothly, but they have a special
significance that goes beyond their utility. Because Kooch people built
almost everything on the island, these structures reflect the spirit of
teamwork, service and creativity that marks every activity and
institution at camp.
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Weather
Northern
Minnesota is known for its exhilarating summertime climate and
delightful weather. Pleasantly warm days in the 70s and 80s and
refreshingly cool nights in the 60s are the norm. As a rule, there are
few summertime extremes in temperature or humidity, and rainfall is
normally light to moderate. The temperature of Rainy Lake water and
that of lakes for several hundred miles north is generally in the 60s
and low 70s for most of the summer.
Communication
Kooch-i-ching
believes strongly in on-going communication. Parents or Guardians
receive a Parent's Handbook (pdf file on Parent Forms page) that
includes information on dates, travel, what to bring, etc. as soon as
their son or ward is accepted at Kooch-i-ching. In early April we send
out a Pre-Season Packet that includes a variety of forms and any
additions to the information in the Parent's Handbook. These forms will
be posted on this website as they become updated for the current year.
While
their son or ward is at camp, parents or guardians receive newsletters
from the Director and reports from Cabin Counselors and Trip Heads. In
addition, in the event of any medical issues, the Camp Nurse will
contact parents or guardians.
When they are not on a trip,
campers are expected to write home on Wednesdays and Sundays. Parents
and guardians can keep in touch with their campers by means of letter
or via an e-mail service to which Kooch subscribes.
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Religious Services
Voluntary,
non-sectarian devotional services are conducted each Sunday on Deer
Island. Roman Catholics may attend Mass in International Falls when
they are not on trips.
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Visiting Kooch
Parents,
alumni and prospective parents and their sons are welcome to visit camp
at anytime. Although guest facilities are not available on our island,
accommodations may be found at lodges and motels nearby or in
International Falls. Most parents choose to visit camp at the close of
the session or season. In 2009, for example, over 125 families,
friends, and relatives departed Deer Island at the end of the 2nd
session.
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