Grow Grit.
Investigate Independence.

Countdown To Camp:

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Hour(s)

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Minute(s)

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2025 Sessions:

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2 Week Session

June 16-29

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3 Week Sessions

July 1-July 20 and July 23-August 11

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5 Week Session

June 16-July 20

Meet Alli and Marie!

Camp Foley is a family-owned and operated summer camp that has entered its 9th decade. On a daily basis, your kids will have interaction (maybe share a meal, make homemade ice cream or play a game) with Marie, our owner/executive director and her daughter Alli, who is a 3rd generation summer camp director (and most likely at the lake or star gazing at night).

That hands-on supervision of both the campers and seasonal staff set Camp Foley apart. We really are involved in every aspect of the summer camp experience.

What is it about Camp Foley, Minnesota?

Camp Foley is a coed, residential summer camp in north-central Minnesota. Camp Foley operates on a 4:1 camper to staff ratio and welcomes campers from all over the world each summer. Camp Foley was established in 1924 and is accredited by the American Camp Association.

At Camp Foley, kids develop skills, build supportive relationships, grow in character and learn independence. Camp Foley is committed to a quality summer camp experience for every camper.

 

Grow Grit. Investigate Independence.

Parent Guide:

Register & Prepare for Camp

Prospective Families:

Learn more about Camp Foley

Foley Campers:

Get Ready for another great summer!

What Will We Do At Camp Foley?

Creative Arts

Campers can pursue a variety of creative endeavors such as learning how to play a Guitar, using tools to make something in Woodworking Shop or create something amazing in Crafts.

Leadership Program

Campers going in to 9th -12th grade are invited to apply for our Leader in Training (LIT), Counselor in Training (CIT), Activity Apprentice, Dishwashing or Octo Internship program.

Activities at the Waterfront

Foley offers so many options at the waterfront. Head to the Marina to try Canoeing, Sailing or Waterskiing. Head to the Swimdock if you’d prefer Water Yoga, Snorkeling or just to play around.

Activities on Land

Try something new like Paintball, Riflery, Climbing or Archery, or stick with the more traditional sports and sign up for Soccer, Basketball, Running or Tennis.

Top 8 Activities:

  • Water Skiing
  • Wakeboarding / Surfing
  • Sailing
  • Paintball
  • Climbing
  • Archery
  • Riflery
  • Fencing

The Latest From Camp Foley

Other Topics On Our Blog:

Music Monday  •  Parenting  •  Alumni  •  Camp Creature  •   Activity Feature

Common Questions About Camp Foley

We would love to answer your questions about this summer at Camp Foley!
Can campers request a cabinmate? Do kids attend alone?
Yes. If a camper attends the same session with a friend that is within one year of age, they may request to be in a cabin together. Mutual requests will be honored. Part of attending summer camp is also to meet new people. In the cabin, staff will place their bunks on different sides of the cabin so that they still get to know other kids and allow for campers that do not bring a friend to be part of the group.

Some campers attend with a buddy, but many more attend on their own as a way to build more independence.  

What are the qualifications of the counselors?
Camp Foley prides itself on years of quality staff. Our camp chooses young adults, aged 18-25, who will be positive role models for our campers. Before hire, a counselor must complete an application, have three reference forms completed, a personal interview either in person or via zoom and complete a background check. We must be assured of their communication skills, personality, self-image, interpersonal skills, and values with emphasis put on empathy and flexibility. Counselors must have the knowledge, experience and ability to instruct at least camp two activities.

Prior to camper arrival, our counselors complete an 11-day training program where they rehearse emergency procedures and attend seminars that instill the goals and objectives of Camp Foley in our counselors. Counselors are continuously evaluated through the summer by our team of directors and assistant directors, who are on site every day, attend (and sometimes teach) their activities and are in and out of their cabins each evening.

We also have a Registered Nurse on site at all times as well as a leadership team of parents, teachers, assistant directors and directors with decades of camp experience to support both the campers and staff.

Learn more about the Camp Foley Team.

Is camp food any good?
According to one camper: ”The food has changed my life. I mean it is so good.” – Joey, age 13 

We serve foods that campers may be served at home. Here is a sample of the food served at each meal:

For breakfast Foley serves pancakes, waffles or bagels and every day there is a variety of cereal to choose from.

For lunch we offer tacos, grilled cheese and tomato soup or BLTs and we always make sure there is an option for vegetarians.

Dinners include spaghetti, hamburgers or pizza and the salad bar is always open with a variety of things to choose from. 

What is the history of Camp Foley?
Camp Foley was established in 1924 by Father John P. Foley as a Boy’s camp under the name Camp St. Thomas. Bob and Viola Schmid took over the camp, now known as Camp Foley in the 1940’s, adding girls in to the program in 1974.

Their daughter, Marie Schmid, has been directing camp since the death of Vi in 1985 with the addition of Marie’s daughter, Alli, in 2004. Of course, a lot has changed but much of the vision of Fr. Foley endures.

96 years since the founding, we still follow many of the same traditions and reach for the same goals – first and foremost, getting kids in to nature and allowing them to grow as people while learning independence in a kid-centered environment. 

What's included in Camp Tuition?
Our tuition includes all room, board, activities, daily candy/ice cream treat, laundry (for three week campers), and programs. The only additional cost is for the cost of our Trap Shooting program, transportation to/from camp, and whatever money a camper spends at our camp store purchasing clothing or other items.

We do have optional rental of bedding and lifejackets as well (although most campers bring those items with them). Scholarships are available due to the generosity of our alumni and other supporters.

See our Rates page for full details.

Contact Camp Foley

9303 Father Foley Drive, Pine River, MN 56474

218-543-6161

Send Your Camper Mail

Send real mail at the address above. Include your camper’s name on the envelope.

Login to your Camp Foley Account to send emails.

 

Why Camp Foley?

Summer camp has profound positive effects on children.

At summer camp, children spend their days being physically active in NATURE. They get away from the technology, get outside and MOVE!

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