At Camp Foley, we like to say the one activity we do three times a day, rain or shine, is eat! And for good reason—our dining hall is at the heart of camp life.
The current dining hall was remodeled in 2000, replacing the much smaller original space. Now, it’s where campers gather not only to share meals but also laughter, traditions, and plenty of singing.
At Foley, mealtimes are about so much more than just eating, they’re about community. When the bell rings outside, campers gather together and head into the dining hall, where staff set tables of eight. Each table has two staff members and six campers, creating a family-style setting that encourages conversation, good manners, and plenty of laughter. Campers can choose where to sit inside, giving them a chance to meet new friends, while outdoor meals are shared by cabin groups at picnic tables. Before we eat, everyone joins in a fun grace led by a counselor meal monitor, and each morning a camper shares a reading focused on one of our six character traits: caring, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness, and citizenship. The tradition always ends with the iconic Foley reminder: “Make it a great day or not—the choice is yours.”
For the past five years, our incredible cook, David Carroll, has been the mastermind behind the delicious meals that fuel Foley campers and staff. From homemade pumpkin and apple breads to fresh brownies for Father Foley’s birthday, David keeps camp well-fed and happy. One of his specialties? Continuing a tradition that stretches back to the 1980s… our famous soda bread served at breakfast.
Some of David’s delicious pumpkin bread!
Head Cook David and his fantastic Style!
Because food is one of the best ways to bring a little piece of camp home, we’re sharing the secret Camp Foley soda bread recipe so you can enjoy it in your own kitchen!
Camp Foley Soda Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 ½ tbsp baking powder
- 1 1/8 cups sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup lard
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
- Pour into an 8 ½” x 11” cake pan.
- Refrigerate overnight (very important!).
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Whether you’re a longtime Foley family or just discovering camp traditions, this soda bread is a taste of special day mornings at camp. Try it out, and let us know how it goes! Send pics of you and your family making Soda Bread at home!
Hope it turns out as good as this!!!