Tips for Campers

Tips for New Campers (and Parents, too!)

If you’re a first-time camper, then this list is definitely for you! Parents, we’ve got some tips just for you too, just scroll down. 

• Once registered,  an Assistant Director or Director will be in contact to set up a time for an individual zoom call. We want to connect, answer questions, welcome, and build a relationship to give you the best experience.
• Practice your swimming skills. Work on treading water for five minutes and swimming 50 yards taking your face in and out of the water. Learn more about the swim check (plus watch a video).
• Go over the Foley Daily Schedule. Practice Flashlight Time/Rest Period; parts of the day that campers spend time quietly on their own bed reading, writing letters, or listening to music.
• Learn who the Counselors, Assistant Directors and Directors are at camp. We are all here to support you!
• Relieve first day jitters and learn about the First Day of Camp.
• Pack yourself for camp! OR help your parents with the process. You will gain independence and you will be less likely to forget something when you go home. 
• Stay with a friend or family member overnight. Remember, you can’t call or text home while you’re at camp so try not to on your overnight stay!
• Share camp’s address with family and friends. Let people know when you’ll be at camp so they can write you letters!
• Bathrooms and Showers: The “Washos” are central bathroom facilities on the boys’ and girls’ ends. Showers are off the main bathroom with individual curtained stalls (and hot water).  Campers wrap in a big towel in their cabin, walk to the nearby washo, shower, wrap back in their towel and return to the cabin to dress.
• Finally… RELAX! Put on a smile and remember that everyone is nervous – even returning campers! Just be friendly and be yourself! Your counselors will be there to help you find your bunk, introduce you to cabinmates and guide you through camp.

For Parents!

• Read our E-Book! 23 Tips to Help Prepare Your Kid to attend overnight Summer Camp.
• Understand when you will hear from camp, receive mail from your camper, and when they can receive mail from you in Communication. 
• Review Cabin Living with your camper and help them understand the expectations for living in a camp community.
• Have a picky eater? Learn more about meals in Wellbeing under the tab Special Diets.