Oh where to begin! 3rd session has just wrapped up and thus the end of our summer camp program has come. Reflection is always important, so before we look ahead to summer 102 (oh my gosh!) we want to take some to remember the magic of summer 101…
Big Picture Highlights
Foley leadership looked a little different
Alli Faricy took on the role of sole executive director for the first time this summer. Taking over some very special traditions that many past camper have seen her mother Marie do for several summers. Campers got to watch Alli tell our traditional closing campfire story at the end of each session. She lead our Milestone ceremony and inducted campers and staff into the Bridge Crossing and Foley Hall of Fame, and was our fearless leader throughout our 3 sessions! We couldn’t be more proud of her as a Foley Family or more grateful for her continued leadership! We also had some new and not so new faces helping all around camp. Big thank you to Mike Mogard who was an amazing seasonal director this summer, helping out anywhere and everywhere. He guided us all with patience and calm, which you always need a lot of at summer camp! We also had Benji Thoennes join us for his first summer as our assistant director of Camper Experience, he brought lots of amazing new ideas to Foley, including a total revamp of our opening campfires!
We had some Late Night Fun!
Each session we brought true Square dancing callers to Camp Foley! Campers and staff dressed up in the many provided cowboy hats, and donned bandanas and lots of paisley to dose-ee-doe around the barn! Many campers got to do this last year and we think they definitely remembered some of the steps! After the square dance ended, campers took a short break for Ice Cream Sundaes, then it was time for the grand finale. A giant glow party had been set up all around the Foley Fun Center! Campers could play glow in the dark tetherball, 9 square, badminton, and human foosball. The best part was the dance party that happened right in the Foley Fun Center courtyard among all the games! It was especially memorable during 3rd session, as the sun sets a little earlier and it lead to amazing visuals of campers and staff dressed up in glowsticks and dancing together. Paired with the glowing balls and lots of laughter and loud singing, it was a night no one forgot.
We got the Packs Together
Each session, campers looked forward to Pack Night, a chance for everyone in the same age group in camp to bond ad get to know each other. The Wolves kept the whole pack entertained with their hilarious reverse scavenger hunt, while the Foxes brought creativity and silliness to life with a giant game of Guess Who, complete with outrageous costumes. During third session, the foxes played an epic game of hide-and-seek that stretched across camp, there was lots of laughter and chasing each other through camp. Meanwhile, the Coyotes embraced their adventurous spirit each session by building forts out of wood and parts found in the woods and battling it out in capture the flag. These traditions quickly became highlights of the summer, and was always something to look forward to the night of the first special day in camp, when we take a break from regularly scheduled activities.
Session Highlights
1st Session
The highlight of our first session came on a rainy day, when the weather gave us the perfect excuse to gather the whole camp for an impromptu lip sync competition. Instead of regular activities, cabins gathered together to plan creative dances, complete with props, costumes, and plenty of camp spirit. One by one, they took the stage to perform in front of the entire camp, filling the room with laughter, cheers, and unforgettable energy. What started as a change of plans quickly turned into one of the most memorable moments of the summer, showcasing the creativity, teamwork, and joy that makes Camp Foley so special.
2nd Session
Second session’s biggest highlight was our Fourth of July celebration, a day packed with laughter, friendly competition, and camp spirit. Campers took part in classic cabin challenges like the watermelon eating contest, the cookie-on-the-face challenge, and dressing up as patriotic twins or famous historical figures. The creativity and enthusiasm were unmatched, and it was inspiring to see campers dive into every activity with such energy. The entire day was thoughtfully planned and led by our Leaders in Training (LITs), who brought incredible ideas and organization to the celebration. Thanks to their efforts, the Fourth of July was a true blast and a memory that will stand out from the summer.
3rd Session
Third session’s highlight was celebrating Father Foley’s birthday on August 8th, honoring the beloved priest who founded Camp Foley. Our Leaders in Training (LITs) planned a lively day of festivities, complete with Father Foley trivia inspired by artifacts and stories from the Foley Museum. Campers and staff enjoyed delicious brownies baked by our amazing cook, David, before coming together for a lighthearted play that reenacted some of Father Foley’s most notable life achievements. The celebration wrapped up in true Foley fashion with our stand-in “Father Foley,” Owen F., being joyfully tossed into the lake! We had to keep the Birthday Traditions going, and it was a fitting and memorable tribute to the man who started it all.
We want to share some Gratitude with You
As we reflect on another incredible summer, we are filled with gratitude for the campers, staff, and parents who make up the Foley Family. To our campers… thank you for bringing your curiosity, courage, and joy to every activity and adventure. To our staff… your dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission created a safe and welcoming environment where growth and friendships could flourish. And to our parents… thank you for entrusting us with your children and supporting the camp experience from near and far. It is through the combined spirit of each of you that Camp Foley continues to thrive as a place of tradition, growth, and lasting memories.
We hope you all had a great summer and we will see you in 2026!