Thanksgiving this Year

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Camp Foley! I thought it might be fun to be grateful this year is almost over. Today in this blog we are going to focus on things we are grateful for when it comes to CAMP FOLEY! Read below to see what the office staff say they are Thankful for...

1. FOOD!

You just can't beat camp food! From spaghetti on the first night, soda bread on sleep in mornings, and great dishes like Mexican Lasagna and Tater Tot Hot Dish. Lets take this moment to be thankful that we can have such great food at camp and that we have access to healthy well made food all the time. 

2. THE LAKE!

Camp wouldn't be camp without the great Whitefish Lake! Can you even imagine Camp Foley without skiing, sailing, or the water mats? Take a second to picture that beautiful body of water in your mind and be thankful it is there. It is pretty frozen right now but will be good as new by the time you get back to camp.

3. THE CABINS!

The cabins are so important to us all here at Camp. They become our home away from home for weeks! Do you remember your bunk beds from years past? That show show much of an impact these cabins made on you throughout the years. Lets be thankful they are here at camp and keep safe and warm while we get to experience Camp Foley. 

4. FRIENDS!

The #1 response to the question "Why do you come back to camp?" is "THE FRIENDS!". You
and I both know that one of the best aspects of
Camp is meeting new people and creating bonds that could last a lifetime. Here is a challenge for you... Take 2 minutes and reach out to a camp friend and wish them a happy Thanksgiving. It could be a camp friend you text everyday or someone you keep meaning to reach too again. Tell them the Ratlin' Blog sent you! 

5. CAMP FOLEY!

Yes I know, this one is pretty obvious. BUT I know we are all thankful for Camp Foley. It gives us all a community that continues to flourish long after summer has ended for the year. Camp goes beyond just activites or programming, and allows us to come out of our shell and experience new things we might never have gotten to otherwise. 

The core staff here at Camp Foley are so thankf ul for each and everyone of you! All of our campers, staff, and alumni make Camp Foley possible and because of you we have the opportunity to bring Camp back in 2021 stronger than ever. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

5 Holiday Treats You Can Make as a Family

The Holidays are just around the corner, and that means COOKIES! Ok... ok... it also means coming together as a family and giving gifts and celebrating your own traditions. But who doesn't love a sweet treat?

Growing up, my family celebrated Christmas. One of my favorite things to do with my parents and little brother John was make Christmas Cookies. Baking together was always fun because no matter our age, my brother and I could always help out in some way; starting out as amatuer sprinklers, graduating all the way to cracking eggs, mixing up batter, and using the oven!

So in the spirit of the holidays here are 5 kid friendly recipes that your whole family can make during this time of year.

1. Homemade Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Recipe - This Hot chocolate recipe elevates you're average cocoa powder mix and brings it to a whole new level. It involves melting marshmallows into the mixture giving the hot chocolate a wonderful frothy texture.

• 4 cups of milk
• 4 teaspoons of baking cocoa
• 8 teaspoons of sugar
• 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows
• OPTIONAL 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, whipped cream

2. Wreath Cookies Recipe -  With only a few ingredients, you can transform shredded wheat cereal into whimsical holiday wreaths. Let the kids help shape and decorate them.

• 1 (12-oz.) package vanilla candy coating
• broken up Green paste food coloring
• 2 1/2 cups coarsely crushed mini shredded whole wheat cereal biscuits (vanilla creme-flavored Frosted Mini Wheats work best) 
• Mini candy-coated chocolate pieces, red cinnamon candies, swirled holiday white morsels

3. 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter-Chocolate Truffles - These 2-ingredient delights are the perfect last-

minute dessert to bring along to any gathering. Plus, they only take 25 minutes to prep.

• 1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated peanut butter cookies
• 1 bag (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups) 

4. Peanut Butter Shortbread Cut-Out Cookies - These cookies are easy to prepare, and they're egg-free! Awesome for all those peanut butter lovers.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2/3 cup peanut butter
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

5. Christmas Banana Snowmen - These little banana snowmen are a healthy snack that are still festive

and fun for the kids

• 2 bananas
• 1/4 of a carrot
• Handful of raisins chopped
• 3 strawberries
• 6 grapes
• 6 skewers

Happy Baking Everyone! From all of us here at Camp Foley we hope you have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday and Great New Year!

Want to live Longer? Try being Thankful...

It's almost THANKSGIVING! 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 to think and talk about what they are thankful for in their lives, did you know that doing this might have actual health benefits??? 

A study summarized by Harvard Medical School shows that people who wrote about things they were grateful for on a weekly basis, actually showed they were more optimistic, happy, exercised more and visited the doctor less. In another study cited by NBC website Today.com, found that gratitude can boost your immune system! The article says researchers at the universities of Utah and Kentucky saw that law students who said they saw themselves as optimistic actually had more disease-fighting cells in their bodies. What this means is feeling gratitude and being thankful  in your life might have the potential to make you healthier!

Need some tips on how to show your thankful to the important people in your life?

• Write a thank you note- You can make yourself happier and nurture your relationship with another person by writing a thank you letter expressing  appreciation for that person's impact on your life. Send it, or better yet, deliver and read it in person if possible. 

• Thank someone mentally- It may help just to think about someone who has done something nice for you, and mentally thank them.

• Meditate- Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment. Although people often focus on a word or phrase, it is also possible to focus on what you're grateful for

• Count your blessings-  Sometimes it helps to pick a number (such as three to five things) that you will identify each week. Be specific and pick a time every week to sit down and write about your blessings, reflecting on  what you are grateful for.

So make it your mission to show thankfulness once a day. Try reaching out to the important people in your life and telling them how much they have done for you. It might just help you live to 102! Enjoy Turkey Day and remember from all of us here at Camp Foley... We are thankful for YOU!

10 Things To Do Over Christmas Break

Time off from school is the best! Or at least it was from what I remember channeling my inner student and reminiscing on those winter breaks. As an adult, this holiday time usually isn't as long as it's harder to take multiple weeks off of work. But regardless, having time off whether it be from school or work is a great excuse to do all the exciting things around town.

With so much free time over the Holidays, there is a lot that can be done, yet most individuals will probably spend it binge watching the latest show. To help limit screen time and to make the most of the break...

...here are 10 Things To Do Over Christmas Break and the Holidays:

1. Visit a museum or attend a concert (there are always shows going on over break - check your city's local events calendar). Stimulating and exciting! 
2. Go to a sporting event. (Doesn't have to be professional. Go root on the local High School!)
3. Play a family board game. (Clue anyone?)
4. Host a family movie night complete with popcorn, candy, soda & those comfy pajamas. 
5. Volunteer as a family at a soup kitchen, animal shelter or anywhere that is important to you.
6. Drop everything electronic and spend that tech time reading a good book.
7. DIY crafts. Check out some ideas!
8. Get outside! Go sledding or ice skating (or skiing/snowboarding). Don't live where it's cold enough for snow? How about a bike ride or walk around a park, maybe stargazing at night?
9. Cook a meal as a family. Look for a new recipe, and make a home made dinner. And **ahem** have the kids try their hand at being the cook. 
10. Write "Thank You" notes to everyone who got you gifts or went out of their way to help you this holiday season. (This one isn't just a suggestion, it's an expectation!)

There's plenty more to do besides these 10 ideas, but these are a great place to start. Reach out if you need more help making the most of your holiday break!

And don't forget to follow us on our socials below to stay up to date on all things Foley!

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Let Your Wild Side Show

With all of the holiday craziness fast approaching, we find it important to take some time for silly fun.


Take a couple minutes to create your own wacky, wild thing to share with your family and friends to spread some lighthearted joy!


Happy Holidays from your Friends at Foley!

Grateful for YOU

In 2016 we had a lot to be thankful for, from completing our 92 summer serving youth, to welcoming many new campers in to our Foley Family, to having the opportunity to cuddle with Nike and Norm on the daily.

Always at the top of the list is our entire Foley Family. We are infinitely grateful for the incredible campers, staff, and alumni. You are the reason camp has such a feeling of "home."

The Foley Family is spread far and wide across the world, which is a beautiful thing. We enjoy celebrating with you all in spirit and were excited to receive photos from current and past Foleyites. Below are few of those photos!

We look forward to seeing where 2017 takes each of you!

Pippa, a staff member in 1999 and 2000, and her family pose for
a photo near their home in South Africa. Happy Holidays!

Lilly, camper for 10 years, celebrated on the slopes in Colorado.

Former campers and staff Diego, Claudia, Mauricio, and Regina
sent their holiday greetings from Rome. 

Hally, a staff member in 2014 and 2016, celebrated back home in Australia
by putting "another shrimp on the barbie." 

Louise, a current camper, had a frosty time decorating cookies
for Santa with her younger cousin near Minneapolis! 

Peter, a long time camper and staff, celebrated
with his preschool students in the province of Sanmatenga.



Explore CAMP FOLEY and REGISTER your child today. 

Try Out Some of These April Fool's Day Pranks!

Happy April Fool's Day, fun-loving Foleyites! It's the funniest day of the year today, and we hope you didn't think we would leave you without some creative, fun prank ideas. Use these on your family or friends, and don't be afraid to add your own twists!

Goofy Googly Eyes

This one is easy and perfect almost any location -- the office, classroom, or right at home! Pick up a pack of googly eyes and stick them to unsuspecting items. The result is silly (if slightly creepy) and is sure to get some laughs.

The Never-Ending Word Search

Wanna keep your friend busy for a while? Challenge them to complete this word search puzzle faster than you (tell them you found all the words in under three minutes!) and watch as they realize none of the words can be found! Then, just as they're about to give up, make sure to point out the words "April" and "Fools."

Useless Soap

Ah, a classic April Fool's Day prank! If you haven't tried this one before, 2016 is the year to give it a shot. Start with a normal bar of soap and some clear nail polish. Coat the whole bar of soap in the nail polish, allow it to dry thoroughly, and place it by mom and dad's sink. When they try to use it, the soap won't bubble up!

Their Favorite Food -- Or Is It?

Make April Fool's Day lunch or dinner a little extra special with these recipes! From a delicious mashed potato ice cream sundae to meatloaf cupcakes, your "victims" won't even be mad. Enlist friends and family to help you make them!

Alright, pranksters, have an awesome April Fool's Day, and don't forget to be safe and considerate -- nobody likes a mean prank! And, when you've got someone good, tell us how you did it on Facebook or Twitter.

Gratitude

grat·i·tude

ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/

noun

noun: gratitude

1. the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Each day at Camp Foley brings an over-abundance amount of gratitude from the depths of my being.

What am I grateful for?

1.  Campers:  New or old, smiling or tearful, successful or struggling.  Each one growing, showing grit, demonstrating independence, and investigating so much in the camp environment.

2.  Counselors:  The giving, caring, and befriending of all the campers.

3.  Parents:  Their financial, supportive, and encouraging role to their camper as they make camp possible!

4.  Nature:  Chrystal clear waters of Whitefish Lake, gorgeous sunsets, and shining stars. 

During this Thanksgiving weekend, let us all take a moment to thank those, near and far, who have had an impact on our lives and whose friendship and support make it possible for us to do new things and accomplish the goals we have for our lives.

Merry Christmas!

Holiday Entertainment Guide!

Stay entertained this winter break with the Camp Foley Holiday Entertainment Guide. We've found the best movies and provided you with some awesome indoor and outdoor activities!

Movies (CST)

It's a Wonderful Life 

Friday, December 20 at 7 PM on NBC

Tuesday, December 24 at 7 PM on NBC

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Friday, December 20 at 5:30 PM on ABC Family

Sunday, December 22 at 6 PM on ABC Family

Tuesday, December 24 at 7:30 PM on ABC

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 

Saturday, December 21 at 3 PM on ABC Family

Wednesday, December 25 at 8 PM on ABC Family

The Santa Clause, The Santa Clause 2, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Saturday, December 21 at 5 PM on ABC Family

Tuesday, December 24 at 4 PM on ABC Family

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Animated)

Saturday, December 21 at 5 PM on Cartoon Network

Jack Frost

Saturday, December 21 at 7 PM on AMC

Monday, December 23 at 3:45 PM on AMC

Home Alone & Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Sunday, December 22 at 2 PM and at 5 PM on AMC (5 PM starts a Home Alone marathon of all four Home Alone movies!)

Monday, December 23 at 8 AM and 6:15 PM on AMC

White Christmas

Monday, December 23 at 1 PM on AMC

I'll Be Home for Christmas

Monday, December 23 at 2 PM on ABC Family

The Polar Express

Monday, December 23 at 7 PM on ABC Family

Tuesday, December 24 at 2 PM on ABC Family

Scrooged 

Monday, December 23 at 11 PM on ABC Family

Netflix has: The Polar Express, White Christmas, I'll Be Home for Christmas, Jingle All the Way and Jack Frost on watch instantly! 

Outdoor Activities

We know winter break isn't all about sitting in front of the TV. Those of you that are fortunate enough to have SNOW, why not get outside and build a snowman or start a snowball fight with your neighbors? Check out Jack Frost first to get ideas of how to throw an EPIC snowball fight! Why not go out and visit Santa - we'd love to see any photos of campers and alumni Mr. Claus!

Indoor Activities

photo from marthastewart.com

Get crafty this holiday season and make some snowflakes to decorate! The paper ones are a classic, but you could also shake it up with pipe-cleaner snowflakes! If you're feeling EXTRA crafty you can make your very own snow globe! We think the winter scenes are fun, but why not get creative and make a summertime themed snow globe? 

When all else fails, you can always fall back on some good ol' holiday baking! Try these easy recipes and satisfy your sweet tooth! 

• Holiday Wreaths 
• Gingerbread Cookies
• Cocoa Thumbprints
• Snickerdoodles
• Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Whatever you choose to do this winter break, we hope you have some fun with friends and family!