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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Are Summer Camps losing popularity? Discover the Best Summer Camps in Minnesota for Unforgettable Adventures!
Selecting the ideal summer camps in Minnesota can shape a season of growth and joy for your child. This article provides a straightforward look at premiere summer camps in Minnesota, from wilderness...
The Lost Winter of 2023-24
Where is all the snow? If you are a Minnesota local you might have noticed this year’s winter season was very different. Here at Camp Foley, we definitely FELT the difference! What little snow we...
Top Co Ed Catholic Camps in Minnesota: Faith & Fun for Your Child’s Summer
Looking for co ed Catholic camps in Minnesota where faith and fun converge for a memorable summer? Our guide introduces you to select camps that offer children an inviting blend of spiritual...
Animals that very few campers get to see at Camp Foley
Up here in the forests of Minnesota we have some very rare animals! Campers are used to seeing squirrels, rabbits, deer, blue jays, bass, and pileated woodpeckers throughout camp. But sometimes in a...
How to Know If My Teenager Is Ready for Summer Camp
Is your teen ready to dive into the summer camp experience? Deciphering this involves understanding their readiness for independence and eagerness for new ventures. Summer camps unlock doors to...
Foley Camper Caleb pitches Overnight Camp
As admin of Camp Foley, we are always trying to put into words of why camp is so great and why everyone should come! So it's always nice to hear from the campers themselves about why they think...
Most Recent Posts from Camp Foley:
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...
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...
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It’s Never Too Late or Too Early to Plan for Summer!
We’re so excited to meet you, and we’d love to answer any questions you have about Camp Foley and how much fun we’ll have this summer!