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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2023 Camp Moves Me Wrap Up
We have come to the end of November and that means an end to our fundraising campaign Camp Moves Me! This year we raised over $24,000, which is crazy to even type out!! We had over 200 people...
Reflection at the Northland Conference
We learned a lot at the ACA Northland Workshop! Ally Here! Joe and I had the privilege of attending the Northland Workshop, that is put on by the Northland branch of the American Camp Association....
Uncover the Benefits of a Co-Ed Summer Camp
Are you considering a co-ed summer camp for your child? You’re in the right place! Dive into the numerous benefits of co-ed summer camp, from preparing children for the real world to fostering...
The Campers have spoken!
You ask, we deliver... Every summer at the end of each session, we have the campers fill out an Input survey. We ask all kinds of things, like what was your favorite activity, best evening program,...
The Ultimate Guide to Summer Camp Near Minneapolis in 2024
As summer approaches, the excitement of selecting the perfect summer camp for your child begins! The Minneapolis area offers a diverse array of summer camps that cater to various interests, age...
Why We Donate to Camp
It is the first week of Camp Moves Me! We have raised over $560 so far for kids to come to camp, and we want to continue on this great path to breaking $100,000 earned over the past 5 years! Last...
Most Recent Posts from Camp Foley:
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...
What’s in a Letter?
Parents! You drop your child off at camp, say your goodbyes and then you leave that child in the care of these certain amazing individuals we call, camp counselors. Those counselors are going to be...
Blue Jay Stumpers
photo by Alli Faricy Take a look at a common bird and then ask, “How much do you know about the Blue Jay?” Let me try to stump you! What tree nut do they favor? Acorns What other birds do...
Free Range Kids
When a news story started circulating in the Washington Post last week entitled "Parents investigated for neglect after letting kids walk home alone", it made me (Marie) think about my parenting...
The Office Dogs
Are you ever curious as to what Nike and Norm do at camp all winter? They have pretty extraordinary lives. Up in the morning to chase a few squirrels as they trot to “work” and then a long morning...
My kid is 8. She doesn’t need to think about getting a job right now. Or does she?
Picture this: you walk into the living room and your 8-year-old child is grasping an iPad or video game controller or remote control. You cautiously approach and try to suggest some other...
Motherlode
Foley parents are the best and we are so grateful that you entrust your children to us. As Directors, we are continuously educating ourselves on the many trends of youth development and of raising...
Gratitude
grat·i·tude ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/ noun noun: gratitude the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Each day at Camp Foley brings an over-abundance amount...
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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!