Getting To and From Camp Foley

Travel Options for Arrival and Departure Day

Updated August 23, 2021

Below is the information that we used for travel for summer 2021. It is a long way off, but we will be re-evaluating travel for summer 2022 as we get closer. We wanted to leave this here as an example of how we did things in 2021, but hope to adapt this once we have a clearer picture of 2022. Thanks for your patience!

Hug and Go for Camp Foley: Arrival Day

Dropping your child off at camp or at the bus is packed with emotions, from excitement to anxiety, for our parents AND campers.  We are all eager, but this moment of separation can be difficult especially after our past year. With our “Hug and Go” system of drop off, we hope that our parents will drive away with confidence in making the right decision to have your camper be part of the Foley Family and that campers immediately experience the warmth of the camp community.  Your support is needed to help us have a drop off procedure that is “efficient, effective and engaging”.

Efficiency begins at home with being “Camp Ready”:

1. Be ready with EITHER proof of full COVID-19 Vaccination (2 weeks past second shot) OR Negative COVID-19 test, either a hard copy in hand or emailed to us.
2. Packing complete as listed on Packing List and items condensed into two rolling duffels and a backpack as if flying on a plane.
3. Have a “Camp Ready Camper”.
4. Please share the information about arrival with your camper prior to getting to camp.
5. If you need to visit with the camp nurse, please email us and we can arrange that for the day prior to your camper’s arrival.
6. Complete all necessary Forms from your CampInTouch account:

• • • Health History (mandatory)
    • Essentia Health COVID-19 Testing Registration Form (mandatory if not fully vaccinated)
    • Essentia Health COVID-19 Testing Consent Form (mandatory if not fully vaccinated)
    • Camper Information Form (mandatory)
    • Camp Store or Canteen Account funded (highly recommended)
    • Laundry Service Form (optional)

Efficiency at Drop-off:

1. Please arrive during the time slot assigned to you and follow signage and directions of our staff.
2. Remain in the car, have masks on before rolling down the window.
3. Begin your goodbyes in the car before you arrive at camp.
4. Staff will unload the luggage.
5. Parents give the final “Hug and Goodbye” and depart, and your camper becomes engaged in camp life. As a parent you receive a Foley gift in appreciation of your confidence and trust in us!
6. Before a camper exits car:

• • • Wellness Check completed
    • Paperwork, check payments, negative COVID-19 tests or vaccination information collected as needed
    • Medications collected and given to our RN
    • Masks on – we may have a longer mask day on the first day than most days at camp as we get settled, go through orientations, and get the things kids may need while settling in to our groups.

Car: 2021 First Choice!

For summer 2021, we ask any family that has the ability to drive their camper(s) to and from camp to please do so. We are limited as to the number of people we can put on a bus (currently 50% occupancy) and want campers to arrive healthy. We will have plenty of staff ready to greet you at camp, carry the camper’s luggage to their cabins and help them get settled. See above for our “Hug and Go” procedures at drop-off.

• Arrival Day: Drop off between 12:30 and 2:00 pm (all times central).
  • 12:30-1:00 pm: Last names starting with A-G
  • 1:00-1:30 pm: Last names starting with H-O
  • 1:30-2:00 pm: Last names starting with P-Z
• Departure Day: Pick up between 9:00-10:00 am, you will have an option to pick up and walk around with your camper or do a curbside pick up to limit your exposure in camp.
• Camp Foley’s Address: 9303 Father Foley Dr, Pine River, MN, 56474
• A typical trip, with no traffic, takes about 3 hours from the Twin Cities.
• For summer 2021, we will NOT be able to accommodate Boat drop offs or pick ups – next year!

Watch a quick video explaining drop off at camp!

Bus: Charter bus service between Minneapolis, MN and Camp Foley

• “Hug and Go” process will be used at the bus stop as well (see above). 
• Mandatory masks on the bus. We will have to follow protocols of the bus company of spacing.
• Check in between 10:00 and 10:30 am; Small snack provided on the bus. Please eat a larger meal before boarding the bus. Larger snacks/small lunch will be provided for the campers once they arrive at camp.
• Cost: Approximately $75 each way (we are still evaluating cost as the bus company changes protocols. The cost will be no more than this but we may be crediting your account as well as we learn more about occupancy).
• Bus Stop Location: Our Lady of Grace, 5071 Eden Avenue, Edina, MN 55436 (Right off of Highway 100, exit toward Eden Avenue).

Air (Fly and Bus): Fly in/out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

• Just like past years, we are able to meet them at the gate, and communicate with their parents.
• If you or another designated adult, are flying with your camper, please meet camp staff by baggage claim #6. Look for staff in dark green polo shirts, navy blue masks and name tags.
• Arrive into MSP as early as possible on arrival day; lunch provided at the airport.
• If you are flying in the night before with your child and want to be picked up at at hotel, we are doing a pick up at the Residence Inn by Marriott – Bloomington by Mall of America. Time of pick up will be given a few days prior to camp.
• Mandatory masks at the airport and on the bus. We will have to follow protocols of the bus company of spacing.
• Cost: Approximately $75 each way (we are still evaluating cost as the bus company changes protocols).

*Before making plans that vary from suggested times and dates of travel, please contact Mary or call 218-543-6161. Bus fees will be charged to your credit card on file.

Meet and Hug for Camp Foley: Departure Day

Anticipation and excitement will be high as you “Meet and Hug” your camper at the end of their session at Foley.  The smiles, the joy and so many stories await this reunion!

Note: If you would like your camper tested before departure at camp, please check that box on the Travel Form. We will test all campers that have requested to be tested 48-72 hours before session departure day.

Picking up at Foley

1. Please plan on arriving between 9:15 and 10:00 a.m.
2. We ask that parents park in the parking lot, overflow parking will also be available, and walk in masked be cognitive of physical distancing and empathy toward other families and our camp staff.
3. Parents will be asked to wait in the parking lot until our camp busses have departed.
4. Campers will be patiently (or not so patiently!) waiting by the Dining Hall for your arrival.
5. Parents may walk around camp, remaining outside of all our buildings. The camp store will be open for purchases utilizing our outside windows.
6. You may also opt for a drive through pick up to limit your exposure to other camp families and staff.

Bus arrival at OLG

1. Please be respectful of other families and camp staff by wearing masks when physical distancing is not possible.
2. Campers will be unloaded in small groups and we ask that you move away from the bus as quickly as possible to allow for other kids and parents to have their reunion!
3. Buses will begin to pull in to the parking lot in Minneapolis around Noon on Departure Day; snack provided.

Airport Departures

1. If you or a designated adult is meeting us at the airport to fly home with your campers, A designated meeting place will be given to you prior to that day, as will a phone number of a camp staff member so you can connect with them quickly.
2. Flights should depart MSP after 2 pm; lunch provided prior to arriving at the airport.
3. If you are not meeting campers, Foley staff will help them get checked in and accompany them to the gates.
4. Please make sure campers have money for bags, unaccompanied minor fees or other incidentals.

Travel FAQs