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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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...

How to Convince My Parents to Send Me to a Co-Ed Summer Camp

Picture a place where the summer sun shines brightly, laughter fills the air, and new friendships blossom. A place where you can learn, grow, and have fun while embracing your independence. This is...

Never Too Old for a Foley First

A throwback Foley First! In honor of our executive director Marie's Birthday, here is a blog written in her own words back in 2012. It details a wonderful experience she had with oldest son Peter on...

Explore Fun & Friendship: Co Ed Summer Camp Minnesota

Imagine a magical place where children gather to learn, grow, and create lifelong memories while connecting with others from various backgrounds. Welcome to the world of Co Ed Summer Camp in...

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Most Recent Posts from Camp Foley:

5 Reasons Why…

First steps toward investigating independence. As a parent, it is important to know you have a support system backing you as you take on the beautiful task of raising children. Our mission at Camp...

Camp Creature: Striped Skunk

"You won't believe what happened to me last night. I was out on one of my nightly walks around camp when my life flashed before my eyes. Well, that might be dramatic, but I did almost step right on...

A Home For All

Matt throwing up the double peace signs as he leads his squad on banquet day Since 2010, Foley has had the privilege to be the proud employer of more than 20 international staff members. The vast...

Thanks to Camp

"Let's face it. The impact of camp can be hard to explain. We know it's more than s'mores, games and crazy costumes." - Canadian Camping Association Here's a shout-out to our neighbors to the north....

What Camp Foley Means to Mae

This Thanksgiving, as with every Thanksgiving dating back to 1924, we are thankful for our campers. This year we will put the spotlight on one of our Hall of Fame inductees, as we are incredibly...

Green Time AND Screen Time.

Environmental Education Week has had me thinking even more than usual about Mother Earth and all she has to offer. My thoughts keep wandering to the youth we have the privilege of spending our...

Smooth Sailing into Summer ’17

The ice is out on Whitefish and we can't contain our excitement for the fast-approaching summer months! As we have watched the ice retreat and leave behind more and more open water, one specific...

Umuganda in Rwanda and also Gorillas

This past February, I was lucky enough to travel to Rwanda and Uganda for a once in a lifetime experience photographing the Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees. The animals were of course very...

Camp Creature: Bullsnake

Crikey, Mate! Don't. Move. Do you hear that rattle sound? I know what you're thinking, "Dude, we don't have rattlesnakes up at camp." You are correct, but did you know...OH, LOOK! There it is - the...

Foley Friends are for Life.

We've said it before, and we'll say it again, a camp is a magical place. I recently had the opportunity to spend time with 4th sessions' Anchor Award recipient, Louis E., in his home city of St....

Environmental Education Always on the Mind

The school year is well underway and our campers are comfortably immersed back in their every day, hometown lives. As youth developers, our goal is to have a positive impact on youth year-round, not...

Grateful for YOU

In 2016 we had a lot to be thankful for, from completing our 92 summers serving youth to welcoming many new campers into our Foley Family, to having the opportunity to cuddle with Nike and Norm on a...

Nearby Nature!

Woah! How neat is that!? Countless students, teachers, parents, campers, and staff take the hike up Wolf Trail toward the Muck Pond each summer. Before we begin the trek, I always tell the group if...

Camp in all its Beauty

Sunset over Whitefish Lake This fall, Mother Nature has blessed us with all of the weather we could possibly wish to experience in northern Minnesota. From temperatures reaching the 60's throughout...

The Supermoon of a Lifetime

Mark your calendars! November's supermoon is predicted to be beyond extraordinary as this will be the biggest, brightest, and closest full moon since January of 1948. By the way it sounds, seven...

Top 7 Reasons to Register EARLY for summer 2017

Camp allows youth to unplug for the summer, spend time outside, and develop friendships with other campers from across the country and around the world. The experience sets to stage for a lifetime...

I is for Immersion

Camp has its own special culture; traditions and history help to create an atmosphere that draws families back year after year, and our campers love feeling like a part of the Foley family. In...

H is for Happiness

What does happiness mean to you? Does it mean having a lot of money to spend on expensive things, or perhaps something deeper? At Foley, everyone’s definition of happiness is different, but...

G is for Grit

Grit is a very special word here at Foley, and it carries very special meaning as well. We see grit as the ultimate prize to be earned during a child’s time at camp; while ribbon awards are symbols...

Everyone at Camp is a Learner and a Teacher

I spoke recently to my little cousin, who is an active, bright, and funny girl. She likes cheerleading, playing with her puppy, and making music videos with her best friends. She also loves going to...

You May Know What a Minnesota Spring Looks Like…

...but have you seen Japan? As most of us are finishing up our spring break festivities and travels, we at Camp Foley know that some of you went to some pretty cool places. And, in honor of the new...

Try Out Some of These April Fool’s Day Pranks!

Happy April Fool's Day, fun-loving Foleyites! It's the funniest day of the year today, and we hope you didn't think we would leave you without some creative, fun prank ideas. Use these on your...

Thank You, Johan Cruyff

We all know what it's like to watch the best of the best in action and think to ourselves, "I want to be like them someday." Having role models is such an important part of growing up and figuring...

In Good or Bad Weather, These Indoor Activities Rock

Oh, boy. Is it March already? Around this time of year at Camp Foley, we start seeing temperatures well below AND above freezing. With rain, snow, and sunshine all in the same week, how can we plan...