History of Archery

 Here we are with another installment of our History Blogs! This one will focus on the history surrounding Archery as an activity here at Camp Foley! Archery has been around since the beginning of Foley History and is very popular still today! Check out how Archery has changed over the years...

1940s

This is the decade where we first see pictures of campers shooting archery at Camp Foley. The range as we know it looks a bit different in these old pictures. The boys are using wooden bows and rtin cans to keep their arrows up right while shooting. 

The range has changed a lot

1950s

Not a lot happens in the 50s to change Archery, but it definitly happened. In 1953, Archery area cleared and the building added for storage. 

1960s

Here we are in the 60s! In 1961, Field Archery is introduced properly and there is one designated place to shoot bows. 2 years later, improvements are made to the Archery shed. Then next year in 1964, 6 new bows are purchased for the campers. In 1965, target dollies/carriers are purchased $117.00, and a back drop net is set up at the back of the range to stop arrows. Finally in 1966, the target archery range is doubled in size, with an established permanent firing range.   

Check out the old Archery sign!

These are some old targets

1970s

Stepping into the 70s, girls can finally be seen shooting on the archery range! Other than a whol enew demographic coming to camp, new bows are purchased in 1971. 

Check out this old target

Campers making their own arrows, should we bring this back?

1980s

Nothing new is recorded for Archery in the 80s, but look at these kids shoot!

Nice Shot!

1990s

And we made it to the 90s! A few small changes happen and the range slowly starts to look like we know it today. In 1995, New archery targets are purchased. Years later in 1998, new games take archery off of the range and onto the soccer field for a time! And at the end of the decade in 1998, 5 moveable targets replaced on the range, 

Hand drawn targets!

2000s

Almost at the end, coming into the early 200s! In 2002, new bows, arrows, and target faces are added to Archery. A year later in 2002, the outside storage center for targets is built, no more wet targets! In 2004, we brought back field Archery will return for Foley’s 80^th anniversary. Also that year 20 recurve bows are purchased. Then in 2009, deer, antelope, javelin, and 10 point bull’s eye targets are added to give campers a variety of things to shoot at. 

Peek the deer in the back!

Sitting "Pretty" waiting to shoot

2010s

We have arrived to the present day! A few last things are added to complete the archery range as we know it. In 2013, new 3 dimensional animals (Zombie,  Mini Polar Bear, Giant Mosquito, Stegosaurus, Badger, , Poison Frog) are added and the old ones are retired to the paintball fields. In 2018, new recurve bows are purchased. And that's all there is folks! Archery has always been a staple activity here at camp and we don't expect that to change anytime soon.

Dino-Mite archers! 

New New New. Even Better Than Llama Rides...

We did a thing yesterday. Some of you loved it. Some of you hated it. It was all in good fun. If we offended you, we’re sorry, but we couldn’t let April Fools go by without some kind of prank. So if you didn't figure it out by now our social media post yesterday was an April Fool's joke! We're sorry for all of the crushed spirits and heartbroken campers who wanted Llama Rides this upcoming summer... BUT we do have many NEW things this summer at Foley!

One thing we strive for at Camp Foley is to be active listeners to our campers. Specifically we want to listen to what their input is for new items, different programs and overall changes to camp because after all, they’re what camp is all about! Check out below some of the NEW changes coming to Foley this summer all thanks to our amazing campers and their feedback.

Photo taken from campbusiness.com

Archery Tag

We are bringing a new meaning to the word “tag.” Campers wanted more “shooting sports” so let us introduce you to Archery Tag from Upshot. With so many variations of tag already at camp, why not add the most exciting version yet? This event requires the same safety equipment needed for paintball, except replace the paintball marker with a bow and arrow. Archery Tag is a high energy activity that will pit two teams against one another and using large foam tipped arrows they will work to eliminate players on the opposing team. Will your cabin group prevail? See you this summer to find out!

Photo taken from SolFit at swimline.com

Giant Stand-Up Paddleboards 

Paddleboards aren’t new to Foley, but in exploring more items to use down at the Waterfront because of camper input, we stumbled upon the Maori Giant SUP! These giant paddleboards fit up to 6 people and are perfect for cruising around with your best friends while working on those communication and team building skills. Camp will be gaining 2 of these boards and we can’t wait to get down to the lake to try them out!

Photo taken from SolFit at swimline.com

Floating Yoga? Bring on total relaxation!

With the interest in yoga continuously on the rise, paired with requests from campers to combine their passion for yoga with their love of Whitefish Lake, we are proud to announce the arrival of Aquatic Fitness Mats. Prepare yourselves for the most incredible Swim Dock fitness classes you could have ever dreamed about. These durable mats will be absolutely perfect for yoga, meditation, and other general mindfulness activities. This might be the best way to calmly take in the beauty of Foley’s waterfront and Lower Whitefish Lake.

SkyHigh FlyRide

Photo taken from Zapata Flyride

Every year, Wolves (campers aged 14-16) get to experience camp from a different viewpoint. During Fun in the Sun each session Wolves are able to try Flyboarding. Flyboarding has been a part of camp for the last few years giving the oldest campers the experience of soaring above Whitefish while learning from the best in the world. (Seriously. Our instructor Caleb competes Internationally!) This year we are kicking it up a notch by incorporating a new flying craft: Flyride! This new device is like a bike on the water and is something new for our campers who have already experienced the thrill of the Flyboard. Imagine being able to see Camp Foley from an aerial view while hovering on a floating jet ski – pretty awesome, right? Check out the photos and we’ll see you on the lake for Summer 2019!

We are excited about all of the new activities this summer! Which new activity are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below.

Top 10

Since the launch of our Foley Fact Videos, overall excitement for summer has been on the rise. Along with the facts those videos highlight, I also would like to point out a very broad fact - our campers are talented and demonstrate their skills in countless ways each day. With 30+ activities to choose from, each camper is able to create their own adventure by signing up for activities in which they desire to grow in confidence and skill. Just to get our minds on the summer days ahead, let's check out our camper's Top 10 favorite activities..

10. Springboard Diving

9. Fencing

8. Crafts

7. Climbing

6. Paintball

5. Archery

4. Riflery

3. Wakeboarding

2. Sailing

1. Waterskiing

While we patiently await summer, check out the specifics on these activities and more!  

What Camp Foley Activity Are You?

2013 Preview: Activity Plus

If you got the March 2013 Newsletter you've already got an idea of what Activity Plus is, but for those of you who don't have any idea what it is - read on!

We're in the business of giving campers what they want. One thing that we've hear for awhile now is that campers want longer activity period to pursue their passions. The problem was: How do we do that without lengthening the activity periods and offering fewer activity periods a day? The answer to that question: Activity Plus! 

Activity Plus will be select activities with extended periods, so campers can work toward awards, advance their skills or just enjoy extra time at an activity they love! Campers can choose to take an Activity Plus during a regular three-day sign up. 

Examples of Activity Plus

• Archery - Small class sizes and extra time means campers can work towards awards and hone their skills! Perhaps there will be more time to shoot the animal dummies or play some Archery games.
• Beginner Ski/Wakeboard - It can hard to get up on skis or a wakeboard for the first time. So don't worry about stage-fright or being intimidated by the more advanced skiers and wakeboarders because this class is for beginners only! 
• Outdoor Cooking - Sure, everyone gets to cook over a fire at the Tree Houses, but in Outdoor Cooking you'll get to learn more elaborate meals or how to bake over a campfire. None of the standard, TFD/Pizza Pie/Hotdog stuff. 
• Paintball - A longer Paintball period means there is more time for campers to play in 3-on-3 Tournaments or play specialty games. 
• Riflery - Campers will have more time to shoot in classes with fewer campers, which means they'll have a better opportunity to perfect their aim and advance in awards. 
• Sailing - This is the perfect activity for campers who don't take Sail Racing but want more time out on Whitefish Lake. A longer period will give campers more time to sail between rigging and de-rigging. 
• Skiing/Wakeboarding/Surfing - This extended class will allow campers to advance in their awards and perhaps try to learn a new trick. Campers will be able to go on longer runs with the extra time!
• Ski the Chain of Lakes - A fun challenge for experienced skiers: How many different lakes can you ski on?
• Surf Only - This Activity Plus is for wakesurf enthusiasts only! Work on your skills and take some chances with this specialized class!

Which Activity Plus are you excited to try out? Do you have any suggestions? Share with us! We'll see you this summer for Activity Plus and so much more!

#CF2013

First Session: 36 Days, Second Session: 50 Days, Third Session: 65 Days, Fourth Session: 79 Days.

Bullseye!

Russel Crowe as Robin Hood

Were you impressed by Katniss Everdeen’s skills with a bow and arrow in the movie The Hunger Games?  Have you ever dreamed about experiencing the adventures of Robin Hood first hand?  If so, you’re not alone.  People have been drawn to the thrill and excitement of archery for thousands of years.

Native American
Bow and Quiver

Early man began hunting with bows and arrows over 10,000 years ago because it allowed them to kill large, dangerous animals, from a relatively safe distance, for food.  Perhaps this is why Artemis, the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, was often depicted wielding a bow. 

Archery later became a game-changing weapon that helped primitive tribal warlords like Genghis Khan conquer other lands and build huge, powerful empires.  In fact, mounted Mongol Warriors could fire their bows with deadly accuracy while riding their horses bareback at a full gallop!

Mongol Warrior on Horseback

Before the invention of the rifle, an arrow from a skilled yeoman’s bow was the most accurate missile weapon an army could possess.  Even early muskets weren’t as accurate.  On top of that, elite warriors like the Japanese Samurai, Native American Comanches, and Mexican Aztec Warriors, could aim and fire five arrows and hit five different targets in less time that it took an early European musketeer to load and fire his musket once!

A lone archer could pop out of hiding and strike a large, heavily-armed group of marauders from a safe distance.  Maybe that's why skill with a bow and arrow has often been associated with the romance of vigilante heroes like Robin Hood and Katniss Everdeen who fought for the rights of the poor and underprivileged.

English Yeoman in Battle

The art of archery was nearly lost in America after repeating rifles like the Winchester became the weapon of choice employed by soldiers, frontiersmen, ranchers, and hunters.  It owes its revival to two Civil War veterans who weren’t allowed to own guns after the war.  In order to put food on the table, they learned how to hunt game in the Florida swamps with bows and arrows.  Sound a bit like Bo and Luke Duke from TV’s Duke’s of Hazard?  Well with the exception of the bright orange muscle car, it probably was!

Others heard of their skills and began to take up archery as a sport.  Interest in archery continued to grow and in 1900 it was made an official Olympic sport.  Team competition was added in 1988, and in 1992 Spaniard Antonio Rebollo actually lit the Olympic Torch that signaled the official start of the Barcelona games with a flaming arrow he shot from his bow.

A Camp Foley Archer Takes Aim

We began teaching archery at Camp Foley in 1953.  Our archery range includes 15 targets that can be shot at from distances of up 40 yards.  And in 2009 we added deer, antelope, javelin, and 10-point bull’s eye targets too.  Campers of all ages can experience the thrill of archery at Foley.  Using high quality recurve bows and lightweight fiberglass arrows, we teach campers the basics and advanced techniques for honing their skills.  Campers can improve their marksmanship and win up to 11 awards, from our beginning “Yeoman” to our top-level “American Archer” award.

Check out our awesome archery activities video, or these cool links about the history of archery and famous fictional archers.

So... if you could be ANY famous archer of history, myth, or legend, who would you be?

Throwback Thursday: Memorable Moments of 2012 (Part 2)

For this Throwback Thursday we talked to Susan Nitschke, a third session camper, about her favorite memory from 2012. 

Susan filled us in with a great activity memory that shows how much you can accomplish when you try something new:

“My favorite memory of camp happened last year. For the past few years of camp, before last year, I had always been afraid of Sail JYs. But last year I finally decided to try a single period of Sailing with some of my cabinmates. On the first day, a counselor took us out to the sailboats already out there (we were joining a double period halfway through) and we started to play pirate. About halfway through that class our skipper decided to capsize in order to get his second Sailing award. I was still pretty scared of capsizing, but I agreed anyway. After a successful capsize and recovery I started to love Sailing. It became my favorite class and I signed up for a double period the next sign up. I only wish I would've started learning sooner!
 

Foley campers demonstrating capsize recovery.

I love that at camp we are able to learn how to do stuff, like Sailing, Archery, Skiing, and especially Windsurfing, that I would never had tried to do at home without camp's influence. Now I love to windsurf, love to sail, and can ski, which is a lot more than I could say before I went to camp!”

Susan also let us know what she misses about Camp during the winter months:

“During the school year I miss camp a lot. I miss the Soda Bread (of course), the activities, being outside all the time, the counselors, and most of all the general positive atmosphere that camp has because it is so different than the atmosphere I live in at home.”

We also miss the Soda Bread and being outside all the time, but what we miss most during the off season is definitely all of YOU! Our campers and staff are what make Camp Foley so great. 

Remember: You too can be featured on TBT! All you have to do is email us your favorite memory from 2012 at Fun@CampFoley.com. If you don't want to be featured, feel free to share your favorite memories from past summers in the comments! 

Full of "pep in my step"

Toby G.

I recently had the opportunity to meet 8 year Foley Vet Toby G. Toby and I had no problems getting the conversation going and ended up talking about all sorts of things like drivers licenses in Virginia verses Nebraska etc. Toby first came to camp by hearing about it from a friend of his. “My parents made sure we would be in the same cabin so it was an easy transition to camp.” It took no time at all for Toby to adjust to camp life and making tons of new friends. “I remember all sorts of things about that first summer, I even remember that Mike (Mogard) was my counselor.”

Back home Toby is on the Tennis team, although when he is at camp he rarely spends his time on the tennis court. “I like to try new things at Foley like horseback riding, archery, and wakeboarding that I would never get the chance to do while at home.” Foley has become his home away from home, and it now just feels natural that when summer time comes, you go to Camp Foley!

Toby, wakeboarding (Summer 2011).

This will be Toby’s last year as a camper and he has plans to go on the backpacking trip. “I’ve heard that it is something you should definitely try at least once while at Foley so this is my last chance!” And although this year will mark the end of his era at Foley, Toby is excitied to return to Foley hopefully as a counselor. “I really want to always have Foley in my summers, and I hope to see what camp is like on the other side of the table as a counselor.”

We talked a little more about how soon camp will be starting and his school year ending, and I asked him for a piece of advice that he can give to the new campers starting. “Stay calm, the 1st day is jumping around and hectic, don’t over think anything it’s all easy to get used to.” I cant wait to meet Toby this year as he attends 1st and 2nd session, and maybe even get the chance to go wakeboarding with him a few times!

- Adam Ashley, Assistant Director

Spring to Summer

Camp Foley is proud to bring to you their first ever Video Blog!

Regular summer campers Lauren B. and Ellie S. came to Foley a little earlier than usual this spring to partake in our Environmental Education Center. These two 6th graders came to Foley with the rest of their grade from Our Lady of Grace school, and were dying to share their thoughts of our Outdoor Education program and memories of past summers. Take a look...







- Marie and Alli, Directors.