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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Advice for 1st time campers from AD Benji

First time camper at Camp Foley you say? Well let me break down some advice a first time camper may want to know while at Camp Foley! Just Breathe The first piece of advice I’d share with a first...

Treehouses or the Beach?

To the woods or to the water? Overnight “camping” trips at camp can be one of the best nights of the summer. Each cabin at camp gets one night per session when they get to go do an overnight camping...

Why Friendship Campfire is so Special (east end edition)

During the summer at Camp Foley the sessions fly by, time does not stand still. When camp is in full swing it is a fast past environment from breakfast to bedtime, there’s always something going on....

A 100 year History on Whitefish

Lower Whitefish Lake has always been a place of discovery, long before paved roads and modern conveniences. In 1929, seven year old Joe Hamel first came to his family’s north shore property, hearing...

What are the Camp Essentials?

Packing for Camp Foley can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. While every camper brings their own unique style and needs, there are a few essentials that make the Foley...

A Summer Reflection from Benji

Coming to Camp Foley I had a lot of recreation/camp experience under my belt, so when summer 2025 came around I was ready for another adventure.. and an adventure it was. Three “ALL” camp family...

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Most Recent Posts from Camp Foley:

Nike Joins the Hall of Fame

Nike was a one of kind pooch! The whole Foley Family will miss her more than words can say, but we are comforted by the fact that she lived the fullest life as our camp dog. Here is Nike's Hall of...

Explore the Fun: What Do You Do at Camp Foley – Activity Guide for an Unforgettable Summer!

What do you do at Camp Foley? In short, you immerse yourself in a summer of adventure, creativity, and friendship. With an emphasis on personal growth and fun, Camp Foley offers an array of...

2024 Camp Moves Me Update

We are halfway through Camp Moves Me! We have raised over $11,000 so far for kids to come to camp, and we want to continue on this great to achieve our goal of raising $25,000! Last year alone we...

Camp Foley Unpopular Opinion: It’s ok to Fail…

We are always striving to GROW at Camp Foley. Our mission for every camper is to grow, gain grit, investigate, and build independence. No where in that mission does it say we want campers to win or...

2024 Camp Moves Me is about to Begin!

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!!! If you follow Camp Foley on social media (specifically Facebook or Instagram) then you have probably seen Foley Directors, Staff, and Campers participating in an...

2024 Campfires: New and Old Traditions meet!

We had many different campfire themes this summer! Each one was a hilarious adventure at the beginning and end of each session!

4 ways Campers celebrated 100 years of Foley History

You only turn 100 once, so it was important to properly celebrate this historic occasion! While it seemed impossible to cover all the decades of camp, we did our best to bring back as many memories...

A note from Henrik

This summer Henrik Schleisman, a counselor during 2nd session this 2024 summer, wrote a blog about his experiences as a camper and transitioning into being a counselor. Read his blog below... I...

100 Years celebrated… What a weekend!

Foley had quite the achievement 2 weeks ago... Didn't you hear? It was our 100th Anniversary! Over 500 people gathered here at Camp for a weekend full of festivities and celebration. For a full...

How to Send Your Child Mail/Emails and other Helpful Hints!

The first day of camp is only a few weeks away, and as we start to think about summer, we think about everything we need to do to prepare. As parents, you're making sure your camper has triple...

Minnesota Animals Campers won’t see at Camp Foley

While we do have lots of amazing wild life here at Foley, there some animals that campers just won't see. There are a few reasons why, it could be the wrong environment for some animals, they may be...

Junior Lifeguarding in 2023

Junior Lifeguarding was back at Camp in 2023 Thanks to staff member Noah Dunn, we were able to offer our campers a unique opportunity to take a Junior Lifeguarding Course. Campers 12 and up who...

Ultimate Guide: How to Prepare My Teenager for Summer Camp

As summer camp looms, parents grapple with a single question: How can I best prepare my teenager for their upcoming adventure? Fret not; this article offers a straightforward plan on how to prepare...

A Bridge Crossing by Marie

Something special today... Marie Schmid our beloved director has announced her retirement at the end of the 2024 summer. She has dedicated her whole life to making magical moments for every camper...

Top-Rated All-American Summer Camp for Teens: Find Your Perfect Adventure!

Choosing the right summer camp for teens can be transformative, offering a blend of activities, learning, and personal growth. This article provides a comprehensive overview of available...

5 things to know about the Solar Eclipse!

Something big is about to happen! We love nature here at Foley and take every chance we get to celebrate it. Although it may not quite be summer yet, something big is happening in Nature on April...

Parent Trap vs. Camp Foley: What the movie got wrong!

Who doesn't love The Parent Trap? Both versions are amazing, but as a 90s baby I am partial to the Lindsey Lohan remake that came out in 1998. There are so many iconic camp moments in the beginning...

Exploring the Great Outdoors: What Do You Do at Summer Camp?

Curious about “what do you do at summer camp”? Summer camp offers a blend of arts, sports, outdoor adventures, and evening activities that promise fun and learning. Campers participate in art...

A Nordic Tradition on the East End

Skjaldborg! Each session the East End of camp held an event to bring all the boy’s together and create a lasting bond from the oldest to youngest cabins. About halfway through the session Skjaldborg...

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...