Camp Foley’s Furry (and Not-So-Furry) Friends Through the Years

How much do you love camp’s dog Norm? I mean… how could you not? He’s playful, adorable, and always up to some kind of mischief. But believe it or not, Norm wasn’t the first beloved “camp pet” to roam Foley’s grounds. Camp has a long history of four-legged (and even no-legged) friends who have called this place home. Let’s take a trip back in time and meet some of the unforgettable creatures that have left their paw prints—and claw marks—on Foley’s history!

Yogi and Kayzak: The Original Camp Pups

Way back in 1974, Tom Schmid (Marie’s brother) got the ultimate Christmas present—a dog named Yogi. A few summers later, Kayzak joined the pack, and together, these two pups became camp legends. Campers and staff adored them, and they set the standard for canine chaos and cuddles at Foley.

 

Buckly the Deer: A Real-Life Bambi?

Fast forward to 1996, and camp had a new, slightly more unexpected visitor—a fawn named Buckly! This little deer spent his first summer roaming Foley’s grounds, charming campers and staff alike. But Buckly wasn’t just a summer resident—local skiers recall him making surprise wintertime appearances along Whitefish Lake, following them through the snow. Eventually, Bucky moved on, but sometimes I wonder… could one of his descendants still be watching camp from the woods behind the soccer field?

Ka-Kaik and May-Goo: The Birds of Prey Era

The late ‘90s brought some feathered friends to camp—two majestic birds named Ka-Kaik, a Red-Tailed Hawk, and May-Goo, a Great Horned Owl. These two raptors lived in enclosures outside the Wheelhouse and were the stars of Foley’s bird shows. Alumni still talk about how cool it was to sit and watch them up close—an experience that made Foley feel like a real-life nature documentary.

Oh, and if you thought camp’s animal history was getting too normal, let’s not forget…

Taz the Boa Constrictor

That’s right, in 2000, Foley had a pet boa constrictor named Taz. I can only assume he made himself at home in the Nature Center, slithering among the other snakes. I have so many questions… like, did he ever make an unexpected appearance during a campfire story?

The (Very) Baaaad Sheep Experiment

Apparently, in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, camp decided to try out a sheep enclosure. I found a note in some old records that simply said:
“Sheep enclosure—Baaaaad idea.”
Not quite sure what happened there, but I’m guessing Marie has a wild story to tell.

Unexpected Guests: Smiley and Stella

As if Foley hadn’t already had enough unique pets, let’s talk about Smiley, the alligator (yes, you read that right) and Stella, the hedgehog. Smiley might just be the most Florida-sounding camp pet to ever live in Minnesota, and Stella? Well, she was probably the cutest.

 

 

The Reptilian Residents and Forever Favorites

Of course, camp has always had its fair share of scaly residents. From the many snakes inside the Nature Center to the turtles chilling in the outdoor enclosure, reptiles have always been part of Foley’s ecosystem. Like Woody the Wood Turtle, who lived happily at camp until 2007.

Nike and Norm: Camp Legends

And now, we’ve come full circle to Norm, our current camp dog, who continues to bring energy and joy to Foley. For years, Norm and his beloved companion, Nike, were a dynamic duo, stealing the spotlight, chasing after kids, and making every day at camp a little more fun. Though Nike has now passed on, her spirit lives on in the laughter of campers, the rustling of the trees, and every wag of Norm’s tail. She will always be a cherished part of Foley’s history.

Who’s Next?

With a history like this, one thing is for sure—Camp Foley will never be without its fair share of wild (and slightly weird) animal companions. Who knows what the next 35 years will bring? Maybe a peacock? A friendly fox? A pet moose? Okay, maybe not a moose… but we can dream!

Did you meet any of these legendary camp pets? Do you remember any we forgot? Drop a comment and share your favorite camp animal memory!