The Rattlin’ Blog

News and Ideas from Camp Foley

With contributions by Campers, Staff, Directors, Parents and outside sources, the Rattlin’ Blog is your one-stop-shop for all things camp. See videos, read what kids have to say about camp and find out about camp culture.

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Top 7 Tips on How to Make Friends at Summer Camp

Are you wondering “how to make friedns at summer camp?” Look no further. This article provides practical steps to help you navigate the social scene and form meaningful connections from day one....

A Foley Reunion… with PIZZA!

We are throwing a party!!! And YOUR invited! This Party is designed for everyone! Perfect for a past family to bring a new family or for a new family to get a good idea of the spirit of Foley. And...

Exploring Excellence: Why Is Camp Foley One of the Best Co-Ed Camps in Minnesota?

If you’re wondering, “why is Camp Foley one of the best co-ed camps in Minnesota?”, the answer lies in its unique approach to blending adventure with life skills development, nestled in Minnesota’s...

Upper and Lower Treehouses: The Perks of Both

Treehouses are a special night that two and four-week campers have the chance to experience. Each treehouse is located in the woods across the road from the center of camp. Cabin groups hike, cook...

Top 9 Smart Summer Camp Packing Hacks for a Stress-Free Adventure

Summer camp is a rite of passage for many kids, but packing for it can feel like scaling a mountain. How do you fit a summer’s worth of items into one bag? And how do you ensure your child will find...

Deciding When Is the Best Time to Go to Summer Camp: Beginning or End of Summer?

Are you wondering, “When is the best time to go to summer camp beginning or end of summer?” Is it the start of summer, when the warmth of June is just beginning to unveil its charm? Or is it better...

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Most Recent Posts from Camp Foley:

~Camp Moves Me Update~

This Fall is flying by! We are 24 days into October and that blows our mind. Do you know what else blows our minds? That over 160 people have donated and raised over $6,300 for the Camp Foley...

Key Ingredient in Success – Mindfulness

Why Aren't We Teaching Mindfulness? Anne Marie Rossi begins her Ted Talk by discussing the research study conducted by Harvard looking for what common trait is seen among the most successful people....

Foley’s 5K Runs

Each Session at Camp Foley provides the opportunity for campers to partake in a 5K run (or similar event) within an hour radius of Camp Foley. 1st Session Foley 5K Runners! First...

Focus on Understanding our Youth

Happy start to the 3rd Session! The camp is all about inclusiveness, providing a safe space for every individual to be accepted for who they are, no matter what they are going through. In this Ted...

You Heard It From the Source: What It Means To Be A Camp Counselor

As our 95th summer is underway, we took some time to admire how our staff reflected on their time working with campers, highlighting their personal growth as well as the impact they have had...

Empathy is a Verb

The Power Of Empathy The topic of empathy is deep, and it is so important in development. If we expect our children to open their hearts and learn empathy we have to encourage healthy, real-life...

Camp Creature: Gray Wolf

The gray wolf is making a return appearance on the Rattlin' Blog! Why do you ask? Because this species is continuing their comeback after many years of low population numbers. The gray wolf is both...

“America, Take a Walk”

Get Hooked On Nature. The trend for today's youth spending less and less time outdoors is continuing to climb. In this Ted Talk from 2014, Ben Klasky states, on average, school-age students' screen...

Update: Environmental Education at Camp Foley!

We had our first groups of Outdoor Ed (and of 2019!!) arrive Monday, and we have gotten the schools off on a good [green] foot. As most of you know Camp Foley hosts various schools during the month...

We Can All Be Leaders

Everyday Leadership Drew Dudley states, "we have made leadership into something bigger than us." I couldn't agree more. Leadership has been put on this pedestal that makes people question if they...

Billy’s Going to the Chapel, and He’s [Gonna Get] Ma-a-a-rried!

Photo by Janine Litzau Photography https://www.janinelitzauphoto.com/ As most of you know, one of our year-round staff got married this month! Billy and his wife, Hayley, had a weekend filled with...

Earth Day: Let’s Celebrate with a Call to Action!

The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers. - Juliette Gordon Low Take a moment to really let this quote sink in. What are we doing on this earth if not changing...

Who Loves Podcasts?!

Podcasts are increasing in popularity, as you can listen to them while still having the mobility of your hands and take a break from looking at your screen. The speakers are able to keep you...

New New New. Even Better Than Llama Rides…

We did a thing yesterday. Some of you loved it. Some of you hated it. It was all in good fun. If we offended you, we’re sorry, but we couldn’t let April Fools go by without some kind of prank. So if...

Camper Turned Parent: Legacy of Camp

An Email Interview with Campers Turned Parents Hey Foley Fam! Billy here. One of my favorite aspects of camp is the legacy and tradition that is ingrained in Foley's 95-year history. Specifically in...

Camp Creature: Top 5 Highlight Reel!

One of our favorite things to post about is our featured Camp Creature. We have tons of camp creatures here living in this part of rural Minnesota, which puts us in an excellent spot to explore and...

First Time Camper? Check this out: A Beginner’s Guide to Camp Foley

A Beginner’s Guide to Camp Foley Welcome to Foley! As two long time campers (with a combined 10 years at Foley), we know that coming to camp for the first time can be pretty intimidating. So from...

Self-Directed Play at Camp Foley: Adventure Playgrounds!

We know that play and structure are two aspects of childhood that are important for the growth and development of youth. With that being said, studies are also beginning to emerge that too much...

Thinking About Summer Plans? We Know We Are!

Our mission here at Foley is, 'We partner with parents to drive campers to grow, gain grit, investigate, and build independence.' But what does that truly mean for me (the parent)? As parents, you...

Maintaining Whitefish — Don’t Let Invasive Species In!

Let's get deep for a second. Let's talk about one of the most incredible aspects of Camp Foley. Let's put aside the friendships and the skills learned over summer for just a minute. We're going to...

We’re Sharing Our Favorite Camp Meals

Our Favorite Camp Meals Winter may be starting to feel a little long, cold, and snowy. What would be better than a little taste of Minnesota? (We promise we don't mean snow!) We mean TTHD (Tater Tot...

Tales of Creativity and Play: A Ted Talk for All of Us

Tales of Creativity and Play Raise your hand if you believe playfulness helps drive you towards more creative solutions and ultimately more happiness in your everyday life? Our hands are raised...

Foley on the Road: Recap!

You may have seen Jordan and Treff on your social media feeds taking the Midwest by storm! This Foley duo traveled to Dubuque, IA, Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, KS, St. Louis, MO, Chicago, IL, and...

How to Write Your Best Thank You Letter

With it being National Thank You Month, an important quality to have is gratitude! A lesser-used expression of giving thanks is a handwritten letter. Don’t we all love receiving notes of...