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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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...

A History of Clothing at Camp Foley

We have a particularly fun one today! We are going to travel through history and check out how the clothing trends have evolved over the last 100 years of Foley history. We are bringing some of them...

The Highest awards of 2023

Our Campers showed real Grit this summer! Read below to learn about the highest awards you can earn at Camp Foley and who achieved each one this past summer! Gold Birchbark Congratulations to the...

Explore the Great Outdoors: Your Guide to Premier Minnesota Camps for All Ages

Welcome to the wondrous world of Minnesota camps, where each summer, countless children embark on unforgettable journeys of discovery, adventure, and personal growth. From the tranquil lakeside...

Everything you need to know about Foley’s 100th Anniversary

Camp Foley is turning 100 this year! Did you know this is Camp Foley's 100th anniversary? We've only been talking about it for forever!! We are so excited to celebrate all the amazing alumni, and...

Self Defense at Foley!

A new skill at Foley This past summer at Camp, every camper had the opportunity to try a self defense class taught by a local professional. Kevin Littman, a black belt instructor from Pequot Lakes...

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Most Recent Posts from Camp Foley:

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...

Making ‘Thank You’ a Habit

Now that we're about halfway through National Thank You Month and a couple of weeks into our New Year's resolutions, (keep it up!) we want to encourage saying 'Thank You' beyond just the month of...

Get Involved in YOUR Community!

'Thank you' is usually reactive. Someone gives you something - you say 'thank you,' another person holds the door open for you - you say 'thank you,' and etc. What if we made it proactive? Meaning,...

Five Love Languages for Showing Gratitude

Happy New Year from all of us here at Foley! As we gear up for 2019 (what?!) we start setting resolutions. We have goals we want to stick to, and with it being National Thank You Month, what's more...

Camp Creature: Nike, Norm, and Duke – Holiday Edition

Our camp creature today features our three happy camp dogs! They are sometimes spotted in activities, behind the Dining Hall (waiting for food) or sunbathing in various patches of grass. Nike, Norm...

10 Things To Do Over Christmas Break

Time off from school is the best! Or at least it was from what I remember channeling my inner student and reminiscing on those winter breaks. As an adult, this holiday time usually isn't as long as...