Who we are
Hugh Haller
Having turned 65 in January, Hugh realized that his dream of exploring the Arctic by canoe was a window that was
fast closing. As a teenager at Camp Kooch-i-ching in the mid-seventies, Hugh witnessed first-hand some of his
boyhood idols successfully navigate the Coppermine River and dreamt of doing the same. Some fifty years later,
the dream is a reality and even more special given the opportunity to share the experience with Kooch-i-ching alums
that share the same connection with the great outdoors. Life brought Hugh back to camp 16 years ago in his current
role as the head of the Camping and Education Foundation where he shares his love for the Northwoods with his wife
Alice and their three kids, Joe, Jack, and Sam, continuing a rich legacy at Camp Kooch-i-ching and now Ogichi Daa
Kwe that stretches over four generations. A lifetime of experience, drive and passion has brought Hugh to this
moment in his life, and he intends to enjoy every moment with an amazing group of strong spirited men.
KEN ALT
Ken Alt is a jack of all trades. An experienced outdoors man, fisherman, skier, cyclist, traveler and handyman. A licensed captain, he has over 20 years, 20,000+ nm of Great Lake cruising and multiple Caribbean yacht deliveries. He lives in Winnetka, IL with his amazing, understanding wife and strong spirited daughters Jessica and Kylie, both former Ogichi Da Kwe campers. Trip philosophy: never pass up an opportunity to enjoy nature and focus on what is truly important in life. Push your body to perform, and appreciate the company of friends that are working together, trusting and depending on one another in challenging circumstances.
Steve SHook
Steve just celebrated his 59 th birthday! He attended Camp Kooch-i-ching from 1974 through 1986 and canoed with
his Kazan partners during his pre-teen years and through their college undergraduate years. It was during this time,
watching older returning trippers (in their mid 20’s) from long trips to the NW Territories, that the dream of taking a
long canoe trip began for him. Steve is an Indiana University graduate and a 30-year commercial real estate broker
involved in the day-to-day ownership of brokerage, management, title and property casualty insurance businesses.
As part of developing property, he and his wife Rachel became owners/operators of a full-scale health club ten years
ago. He has been a runner since high school wrestling days and loves fitness, snow skiing, golf and cooking. Steve
and Rachel live in West Lafayette, Indiana where they raised their kids, Lydia, Frances, and Harry.
Peter TEster
Peter lives in Minneapolis, MN, with his wife Maya, where he works as the Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency. His career in both the private and public sector as an attorney have centered around
environmental protection, and the chance to explore lands and communities on this trip that continue to be
threatened by globalization and climate change is a privilege. Peter’s twin daughters and their husbands also live in
MN, and family time revolves around cabins, canoeing, new babies, lots of dogs, and enjoying together the sights
and sounds of the Northwoods — by paddle, foot or by a campfire, enjoying the northern lights.
Dave Siebert
Dave Siebert celebrated his 60th birthday and his retirement in 2023. He recently left the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources after 32 years of public service, focused on water resources protection, with the last 20 years in leadership and management positions. Dave attended Camp Kooch-i-ching from 1976-1980 and was a staff member in 1980, 1981 and again in 1994. He is an avid cyclist, trail runner, and cross country skier and enjoys winter camping, ski mountaineering, whitewater canoeing, and craft beer tasting. He lives in Madison, WI, with his wife Sarah, daughter Olivia (when she is not off at college), and their cat Lefty.
Steve Luebkeman
After a long career in marketing analytics, Steve Luebkeman now works for the Camping & Education Foundation as the director of Owakonze and Marketing and Communication. Steve was a Camp Kooch-i-ching camper and staff member between 1980 and 1984. Steve has many interests and hobbies including sailing, cycling, travel, cooking, music, and home renovation. He lives with his wife Sara and his son Ben at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in northern Michigan.
