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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The Highest awards of 2023

Our Campers showed real Grit this summer! Read below to learn about the highest awards you can earn at Camp Foley and who achieved each one this past summer! Gold Birchbark Congratulations to the...

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...

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Most Recent Posts from Camp Foley:

Mental Health, Camp and What We Are Doing to Help.

In April of 2019, I had the opportunity to be trained as a Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor. Mental health has always been something that I have paid attention to and wanted to educate...

Canteen? Yes Please.

The LONG line for canteen. Campers patiently wait for their turn to pick their treat! A few of the delicious options at Canteen! What do campers love more than activities? More than meals? What do...

Can I Really Spend Another Summer Working at Camp?

Are you a past Camp Foley counselor? Are you thinking of spending a summer working at Foley? Are you worried you're missing another opportunity if you commit to working at a summer camp AGAIN? Worry...

Winter Critters

In the winter this box turtle will shut down his lungs! Brrrrrrrrrrrrr its pretty cold up here in Pine River, Minnesota! While the Foley team and I try to keep warm I thought we could spotlight some...

A True Throwback Thursday

It was Marie's Birthday on Sunday!!!!!!! Camp Foley wouldn't be what it is today without our wonderful Executive Director, Marie Schmid! She is the reason so many kids can come to Camp Foley and...

Winter is Here…

Can you see the Archery Range? In the words of a once-great HBO show, Winter is coming... and SURPRISE it's here! Camp Foley recently got 19 inches of snow over the Thanksgiving weekend... Now I,...

Want to live Longer? Try being Thankful…

It's almost THANKSGIVING! Do you know what that means? It's time for great food, getting together with family, and of course, being thankful. While it is great that people take this time every year...

Puzzled about our Holiday Gift?

Don't be, it's just a puzzle! This year we are excited to announce that our holiday gift is a Camp Foley Puzzle! This custom puzzle is 500 pieces of fun, perfect for family time during the holidays...

Founder’s Day, 95th Anniversary of Foley

Founder's Day is a special day at Camp where we take the time to recognize the storied history of Camp Foley in a few ways. This past summer’s Founder’s Days were made extra-special because of our...

I tried Vlogging Everyday for Money…

Camp Moves Me is officially over and GOOD NEWS! We achieved our goal and then some! Hi everyone, Ally Daily here, and I just completed my first ever Camp Moves Me campaign. As a camp, we reached our...

Have A Spook-tacular Week!

Get Your BOO On Halloween is just a few days away! It's a bummer Halloween doesn't fall during the summer months because it would be the perfect holiday for Camp to celebrate! At Camp, we love to...

~Camp Moves Me Update~

This Fall is flying by! We are 24 days into October and that blows our mind. Do you know what else blows our minds? That over 160 people have donated and raised over $6,300 for the Camp Foley...

Key Ingredient in Success – Mindfulness

Why Aren't We Teaching Mindfulness? Anne Marie Rossi begins her Ted Talk by discussing the research study conducted by Harvard looking for what common trait is seen among the most successful people....

Foley’s 5K Runs

Each Session at Camp Foley provides the opportunity for campers to partake in a 5K run (or similar event) within an hour radius of Camp Foley. 1st Session Foley 5K Runners! First...

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...