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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Building a Circle of Love
This summer on the west end we wanted to do something special to shine a light on being a girl at Camp Foley. We love being a co-ed camp and feel that our campers get the best of both worlds....
How critters keep cool as summer ends
Here are some things the animals around Foley do to keep cool during a Minnesota summer... Taking Turtle Naps! Turtles are much more active in the summer and will awaken from their hibernation and...
Caike’s Camp Experience
This summer we were lucky to have international staff from Sweden, Mexico, Colombia, The Netherlands, and Brazil. Caike is from Brazil and joined us for his first summer here at Foley. He followed...
TORT TIME!
If you have been a camper in the last 5 years, you know exactly what "Tort Time" is! For those wondering, this is a reference to activity available during Morning Fun and Free Swim, the two free...
A Day in the life of an Assistant Director
Ever wonder what Ally and Joe are doing all day while you're running around doing activities? When do they get to camp and when do they leave? As Assistant Directors Joe and I don't normally...
Ella’s Foley Connection
Camp Foley (noun): the happiest place in the world. There is simply no better way to describe my family’s experience at this place. My uncle has a cabin on the lake over and my second cousin went to...
Most Recent Posts from Camp Foley:
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...
Campers Abroad: Zambia
Foley campers have an astounding sense of empathy and a desire to help others -- unsurprisingly, that doesn't end when camp does. Lessons of love and understanding stick with campers and staff long...
Mother Knows Best: A Parent’s Take on Camp Foley
At Camp Foley, we know that parents want the best camp experience for their children. They want to see a camp that is as safe as it is fun, a staff that cares deeply, an environment where their...
Missing your favorite camp food right about now? Check out these easy recipes.
If you've ever eaten a meal at Camp Foley, you know that what goes in your belly also gets locked in your brain as a sweet, sweet memory. Whether it be a hearty breakfast before morning on the lake...
Home Away From Home
Finding belonging is a lifelong process and a roller coaster of emotions. We find that coveted sense of feeling welcome and loved in many ways -- through our family, our friends, fun new places, and...
F is for Faith
Camp Foley was originally founded by Father John P. Foley in 1924 and has proud roots in the Catholic faith. A lot has changed in 91 years, but to this day, campers sing grace before each...
The Bear-Necessities
We all know about the squirrels, woodpeckers, and turtles who inhabit the woods around camp, but today let us discuss a larger furry friend who also occasionally calls camp home- the black bear....
Hey kid! Why do YOU love camp?
“Mom, I don’t just love camp for the incredibly exciting activities. It is MUCH more than that.” What are the benefits of summer camp? This is one of the most frequently asked questions heard by...
It is so cold the ground is quaking…
A sudden cold spell has graced Foley with its lovely presence. We don't know about your feelings on the cold, but we were sure enjoying the 25°F days that we were fortunate to see during most of...
E is for Engage
There’s a place for everyone at Foley, regardless of interests or skill levels. We believe that every camper deserves to be engaged with camp life in their own special ways, whether it be...
D is for Dog
Nike & Norm in Staff Uniforms Norm on a Boat Two common sights around Camp Foley are Norm and Nike, the camp dogs. While Nike is known for her fluffy, teddy bear appearance (she is a mini...
Ssssome people are ssscared of usss, we are jusssst misssundersssstood…
Salazar, The Classic Corn Snake Joining our Camp Foley family this past month was a beautiful Motley "Motley" Corn Snake and her best friend, Salazar, a Classic Corn Snake. These two were captive...
C is for Considerate
Summer camp is a great opportunity to develop one’s own skills and grow as a person. What sets Foley apart, however, is our emphasis on growth while simultaneously helping others to grow. Consistent...
B is for Breathtaking
Summer camp campers and counselors at Camp Foley come from all over the Photo by Camper Genevieve S world (last summer 24 states and 11 foreign countries to be exact), a fact of which we are...
Find a porcupine, pick it up. All day you’ll have good luck.
According to the Minnesota DNR, “the porcupine is one of the most interesting and unusual wildlife up to 30,000 sharp quills definitely makes them a bit unusual. Let us have a look to see what else...
A is for Appetite
At Foley, our campers and staff have a special kind of hunger. Maybe it’s the rumbling in their bellies after a tough afternoon spent canoeing on Whitefish Lake, twisting in and out of yoga poses,...
So what do I, as a parent, get out of this summer camp thing?
One of the most popular questions we get in our camp office is: "What will my kids gain from their time at camp?" Our answers always touch on ideas such as independence, resilience, socialization,...
Can we turn failure in to motivation?
In the January edition of Southwest The Magazine (from Southwest Airlines), Heidi Stevens In Criticism of Praise.” The article discusses the effect of too much or insincere praise on a child’s...
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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!