2027 Camp Foley FAQs: Which Session Length Is Right for Your Camper?
If you have been looking at the 2027 Camp Foley dates and thinking, “Wait, this looks a little different,” you are right!
For 2027, we have made some changes to our session lengths based on feedback from our camp families. We heard from families who wanted more flexibility in their summer schedules, while also hearing from campers who wanted the opportunity to spend more time at Foley.
So, for summer 2027, we are offering more two week options, keeping one three week session, and introducing something brand new: a six day Intro to Camp session for younger campers.
Our goal is simple: give families more options while still creating the immersive, relationship driven Camp Foley experience that makes summer at Foley so special.
Here are some of the most common questions we gotten so far.
What are the 2027 session options?
For 2027, Camp Foley will offer:
1st Session: 2 Weeks
June 13–June 26
2nd Session: 3 Weeks
June 28–July 17
3rd Session: 2 Weeks
July 20–August 1
4th Session: Intro to Camp
August 3–August 8
Family Camp
August 12–15
All regular sessions are for campers ages 7–16. The new Intro to Camp session is designed for campers ages 6–11. (campfoley.com)
Why did Camp Foley change the session lengths?
We listened!
Families have told us that summer schedules are getting increasingly busy. Between sports, vacations, family commitments and other summer activities, committing to three weeks of camp is not always possible.
At the same time, we know that many campers thrive when they have more time at Foley. The longer a camper stays, the more settled they become in their cabin, the deeper their friendships become, and the more opportunities they have to grow their skills and independence.
The 2027 schedule gives families more ways to find the right fit.
Want two weeks? We have two options.
Want three weeks? We have one.
Want to introduce your younger camper to residential camp without committing to a full two or three weeks? We have a brand new option for that, too.
And for campers who just cannot get enough Foley, there are still opportunities to stay for five weeks.
What is the new Intro to Camp session?
This is probably our biggest change for 2027!
Intro to Camp is a six day session designed specifically for campers going into sixth grade and younger, generally ages 6–11.
It is intended for kids who are curious about camp but might not be ready to jump right into a two or three week session. It gives campers the chance to sleep in a cabin, make new friends, try Foley activities, experience special programming and begin practicing independence away from home.
We are packing a lot into those six days!
Because it is a shorter session, some of the experiences that happen during our longer sessions will not be included. For example, Intro campers will not participate in the Cabin Treehouse Experience, wilderness trips or the Leadership Program. They will still get a taste of what makes Foley special, including campfires, activities, special programming, cooking and a modified version of Alpha Games. (campfoley.com)
Intro to Camp might be the perfect fit if your camper is saying, “I think I want to go to camp…but maybe not for two weeks yet.”
And honestly? That is okay!
There is no prize for being the kid who is ready for the longest session on day one. Sometimes the best way to become a confident camper is simply to start.
Is two weeks still a good amount of time?
Absolutely.
Our two week sessions are a great fit for both first time and returning campers.
Two weeks gives campers enough time to settle into cabin life, develop friendships, try a variety of activities and begin building independence, without requiring a longer commitment.
It is also a great option for families who have busy summers. Maybe your camper has a sports season, a family vacation, summer school or another activity they love. Two weeks at Foley can fit into a summer that already has a lot going on.
Our two week sessions include nine activity days and three special programming days, along with campfires, Alpha Games, the Cabin Treehouse Experience and the Leadership Program for eligible campers. (campfoley.com)
If you are thinking, “I want my child to experience camp, but two weeks feels like our sweet spot,” we agree. Two weeks is a fantastic Foley experience.
What is different about three weeks?
Three weeks is still the longest single traditional session we offer, and there is a reason we continue to love this length. Those extra days really matter. The first few days of camp are often about settling in. Campers are learning the schedule, figuring out cabin life, getting to know their counselors and meeting new friends. Then something awesome happens… They settle.
They know where they are going. They know how camp works. They start seeking out activities they love. Friendships deepen. Confidence grows. Campers become more comfortable making decisions and trying things that might have felt intimidating when they first arrived.
Our three week session includes 14 activity days and four special programming days. It also gives campers opportunities for experiences that are not included in the shorter sessions, including wilderness trips and cooking classes. (campfoley.com)
If your camper loves camp, wants to really immerse themselves in the Foley experience and has the flexibility to be here for three weeks, this is a great choice.
What if my camper wants to stay even longer?
We haven’t forgotten about our extra enthusiastic Foley campers!
In 2027, there are two different ways to create a five week Camp Foley experience.
Campers can combine:
1st + 2nd Session
June 13–July 17
or
2nd + 3rd Session
June 28–August 1
Five weeks gives campers an extended opportunity to build friendships, develop skills and become deeply immersed in the culture of camp. It also includes experiences that happen between sessions, making it more than simply adding another few weeks to the calendar. (campfoley.com)
This option is especially exciting for campers who already know that leaving Foley is going to be the hardest part of their summer.
So…which session should we choose?
This is the question we get all the time, and unfortunately, there is not one perfect answer for every camper. Instead, think about your camper.
If they are nervous about being away from home:
Start with Intro to Camp if they are eligible, or consider two weeks. A shorter experience can help build confidence without feeling overwhelming.
If they are a first time camper who is excited but still a little unsure:
Two weeks is a wonderful place to start. It is long enough to really experience camp while still feeling manageable.
If they have a busy summer schedule:
Two weeks gives you the flexibility to fit Camp Foley alongside sports, vacations, summer school and other commitments.
If they are already comfortable at camp:
Consider three weeks. Returning campers often benefit from having those extra days to deepen friendships, build skills and really settle into the Foley rhythm.
If your camper says, “Can I stay all summer?”:
We have options for that, too. Look at our five week combinations!
If your younger camper is interested in camp but you are not sure they are ready for a longer session:
Our new Intro to Camp session may be exactly what you are looking for.
Does a shorter session mean a smaller Camp Foley experience?
Not at all.
Every session is designed to give campers the opportunity to grow, investigate and gain independence. The difference is simply how much time campers have to experience everything.
A six day Intro session is a taste of Foley.
Two weeks gives campers time to settle in, build relationships and experience a full camp session.
Three weeks gives campers even more time to immerse themselves in camp, develop skills and deepen those relationships.
Five weeks gives campers the opportunity to make Foley a major part of their summer.
There is no “best” session length. There is the best session length for your camper and your family.
Still not sure?
We get it. Choosing a camp session is a big decision, especially if this is your camper’s first summer at Foley.
We would much rather talk it through with you than have you stare at the calendar trying to figure it out on your own.
Give us a call at 218-543-6161, email us at fun@campfoley.com, or set up a Zoom call with our Director of Camper Experience Ally Daily . We are happy to talk through your camper’s age, experience, personality and summer schedule and help you figure out which option makes the most sense.
Because at the end of the day, we don’t want you to choose the longest session, we want you to choose the session where your camper will thrive.
And then, hopefully, we’ll see them at the dock, around the campfire and out on Whitefish Lake in summer 2027.
Registration for returning campers and siblings opens October 1st, and registration for everyone opens October 15th. Grab your spot before November 1st to be get your camper an exclusive invite to our Early Bird Tropical Party!