Throwback Thursday: 1961 & 1962

We are proud to bring you the first Throwback Thursday request - 1961 and 1962. Per usual, we got our information from the old newsletters. I must say, as I go further back in time the newsletters get very silly. Back in the day, there was a lot of mocking of returning staff and poking fun at the campers from the past summer. I found a lot of inside jokes and letters in jest (if you're ever bored, I strongly suggest reading some of the old Bugles! Read below for some of the 1961 and 1962 highlights!

Cabin time in the 60s.

In 1955 when Cabins Kadikomeg-Shignwako for the oldest campers were opened they were outfitted with new 6 foot beds, the standard length, which was considered quite ample six years ago. This year Kadikomeg-Shingwako will be equipped with 6 ½ foot beds. A sign of the times? It sure is! The average camper is getting taller thanks to the research in nutrition and the field of vitamins. Mingo-Wahtassa will benefit from the Sioux cabins’ beds. Before our oldest boys lived in Mingo/Wahtassa, it seems that they lived in Kad/Shing way down on the end of the boys' side. It also appeared that boys went through a collective growth spurt in the late 50s early 60s. 

60s ski boat.

A new waterski boat will be in order for ’62 as fiberglass fatigue has afflicted our old boat after six years of hard use. No boat gets more use, running five to six hours a day consuming about 600 gallons of gas a summer. Surprisingly, we think that our three boats use about the same amount of gas that one boat used in 1961! Snaps for technology forever improving gas mileage in ski boats!

60s meal time. 

Prepare yourself for the hilarity of the following joke found in a 1961 newsletter: Letter Home – Dear Mom: Please send food. Lots of food. All the give us here is breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Your loving son.

The American Camping Association says that over five million boys and girls will attend summer camps this summer. It is estimated that 11.5 million children will attend summer camp in 2013.

Two docks: so close yet so far...

Quite possibly the most entertaining tidbits from the 1962 newsletters is the first mention of a Swimdock/Marina rivalry at Foley. It's no secret that every summer the Swimdock and Marina staff have a healthy rivalry in good fun, let's hear how it all began...

Rivals Clash on the Waterfront

The staff of Camp Foley has suffered occasionally from dissension in the ranks. This year proved no exception to that state of affairs, John Dinges’ ‘Happy Boat Dock’ and Jack McCoy’s ‘Friendly Swim Dock’ had some times of rivalry… 

(As explained by the Swimdock:) I can’t say what motivated those men to break the treaty. In a flash their heads swelled with a superiority complex and they attempted to show how much better they were (ha-ha)… They even invented some story about their owning the Waterfront and how they have generously leased the swim dock area to us. Everyone knows that when Father Foley first came to the north woods he went swimming as soon as he could get his suit on. Then he marked off the swim dock area and after that the boat dock area. Since we are a friendly group, we aren't going to say any more about the rivalry. We know you know who your real friends are and we hope the men of the boat dock realize it soon.

(As explained by the Marina:) It is common knowledge that the stalwart men of the boat dock are not only your friends, but are also the happiest and most efficient unit of your Camp Foley staff… The Happy Boat Dock rang with the continual peals of laughter of the campers whereas the Swim Dock gave forth mainly with the groans of campers undergoing the tortures inflicted by their instructors – that is, when the swim dock was still standing… You campers can attest to the wonderful treatment accorded to you at the boat dock...  Compare the range of activities you between the boat dock and the swim dock? … It doesn't seem necessary to say any more.

Camp Creature: The Walleye

Walleye statue on Mille Lacs Lake in Garrison, MN.

They say you learn something new every day, and today, I learned that Minnesota has a state fish! The Walleye. (Also the state fish of South Dakota!) More walleye is eaten in Minnesota than in any other state in the United States. Have you ever been to Garrison or Baudette, Minnesota? Both cities claim to be the "Walleye Capital of the World." The fish gets its name from the fact that its eyes, like those of lions, reflect white light. Since the walleye is sensitive to light, its eyes are designed to allow it to see well in low-light conditions. Its ability to see well in deep waters is why the walleye is most at home in the large, clear, cool lakes located in the northern forests of Minnesota. The walleye can also see well in rough water, so walleye fishermen will look for days and locations where there is a good "walleye chop!"

The walleye is the most sought-after fish in Minnesota because its thick, white fillets are a tasty treat. For those of you who have never had a delicious walleye sandwich or some fresh, fried walleye for breakfast are really missing out! Each year, Minnesota fishers keep roughly three and a half million walleyes totaling four million pounds! The average walleye caught and kept is about 14 inches long and weighs a little more than a pound. Due to its popularity, the DNR protects the walleye's habitat, limits catch through regulations and stocks fish where natural reproduction is limited. The DNR has also placed a size regulation - meaning the fish must be a specific size in order to catch and keep rather than catch and release. 

Chiovitte's record walleye!

Walleye are mostly olive and gold in color with a white belly. It has a large mouth with many sharp teeth. Walleyes look very similar to their smaller cousins, the saugerby. The only difference is the lower part of the walleye's tail fin is white. Walleyes can grow to 31 inches in length and weigh up to 20 pounds, and females are generally larger than males. The oldest walleye on record is 29 years, but in heavily fished areas such as Minnesota, few walleye older than five or six are encountered. Leroy Chiovitte holds Minnesota's record for largest walleye caught, weighing in at 17 pounds 8 ounces and 35.8 inches long.

There is officially a new challenge for all of our campers that like to head out on the pontoon for Fishing. Catch a walleye that breaks the current record. I'm sure Alli would give up her canteen for that camper! Have you ever caught a walleye at camp? 

Foley fishers: Who will catch the next big fish?

Throwback Thursday: 1973

Baseball in the 70s -
Looks like a scene from the Sandlot!

Alright everyone, if you thought going back thirty years to 1983 was crazy, this week we're going back to 1973! Forty years ago this summer was the last summer Foley was all boys! Once again, I used the old newsletters for some help in putting together this TBT post. I also found some other 70s history facts for you in our records. 

Quotes straight from the newsletters: 

Peter Graves Finds ‘Mission Possible’ at Foley – Peter Graves star of ‘Mission Impossible’ television series paid a surprise visit to the Foley Outdoor Education Program on May 30^th while sixth grade students from Highland Catholic in St. Paul and Ascension in Minneapolis were in attendance. His friendly manner, interest in the students, and sincerity greatly impressed all who met him. Without a doubt his fine screen image is well portrayed in daily living. As one student said, “There is nothing fake about him. He is for real!” Mr. Graves was greatly impressed with the natural setting of the camp and marveled at the craftsmanship of the rock chapel. I can't remember the last time we had a television star show up at Foley... might have been in 1973. Good thing we have our own stars at Foley (the amazing campers, staff and of course DOGS!).

Camp Library moves to Foley Hall!

Three Cabins Renamed – Three buildings used in the Outdoor Education Program that did not have Indian names were officially changed to Kickapoo, Menomonie, and Kiowa at the suggestion of the Hulserman brothers from Winnetka, Ill. who researched the project. Kickapoo used to be located behind the old Dining Hall and was used as the Health Center. (The current Health Center used to be a camper cabin!)

Other Fun 70s Facts:

1970: The camp Library was moved to Foley Hall
1972: Minnesota lifejacket law goes into effect. Those who own lifejackets are asked to bring them to camp, otherwise they are available at the canteen, $5 or $6 apiece
1973: A new Ford Club Wagon came to camp to assist with the transportation for canoe and river float trips.

Tennis Court dedication! 

1975: Scuba Diving was offered for campers 12+ that had passed a specific level of swimming.
1975: Minnesota Twins free Baseball clinic offered by a pro scout at Foley.
 1976: Tennis courts dedicated to Erwin and Myrtle Schmid (Marie's Grandparents).
1977: The new Soccer Field was completed
1978: Vi Schmid received the American Camp Association's Sue Tinker Award for Outstanding Leadership in Camping

2013 Preview: What You'll Learn at Camp

Lessons nine and ten
are my life. 

As I was perusing the camp-blog world, I stumbled across a blog post that was written with inspiration from a poem by Robert Fulghum, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindegarten." America's Finest Summer Camps is a blog for four camps on the east coast (apparently they've never heard of Foley, which actually happens to be America's finest camp...). I like their list just fine, but I thought it would be great to create a list specific to what a camper can learn at Foley. So here it is...

-All I Really Need to Know I Learned at Camp Foley!-

1. There is only one way to clear a table. The Tablewaiter way. By following directions, I may be helping to make another person's job easier. 

2. The only way to be on time to Skiing/Wakeboarding is by being early. My actions can directly affect other people's experiences in a positive or negative way. 



Lesson three - I used to be very scared of Paintball, hence
the lifejacket I am wearing under two sweatshirts.

3. A lifejacket isn't necessary at Paintball. It's important to overcome my fears because the risk is definitely worth the reward!  

4. When someone says, "This is a repeat after me song!" there is only one correct way to respond. Enthusiasm and positivity are contagious. It's always important for me to have a good attitude.  

5. Just because I don't know what something means, doesn't mean I can't sing about it. Waddlee-acha? Oh nico nemo, oh golly golly gumbo? The Ricabamboo? Ichdan schpeelan - dukecan schpeelan? And don't even GET me started on Flea Fly's, "Eennie, meenie, decimeenie, oo wall a wall a meenie! Ex a meenie, zoll a meenie, oo wall a wall! A beep billy oh bo, bo bop a deep da, bo bop a deep da shh!" WHAT IS THAT! There is no reason for me to fear the unknown. Familiarizing myself with the unknown is the perfect opportunity to learn something new.

Sand in the bed, frog in the bed.
What's the difference?

6. No matter how hard I try to keep it out... there will always be sand in my bed. Just because I don't see the desired results, doesn't mean I should quit trying! 

7. I have to eat the green beans. There will be times I have to do something I don't want to do simply because it's good for me.

8. Sometimes I'll have to do outside sweep when it's not my day. Things come up and I may have to do things I didn't plan on doing. I gotta roll with the punches.

9. The more ridiculous I look, sing or dance is directly correlated to the amount of fun I'm having. I can be comfortable in my own ridiculous, awesome, one-of-a-kind skin! I don't have to worry about what others think of me. 

10. Make it a great day or not, the choice is mine. I can choose to make the best or worst of any situation. No one can make the decision for me.

This is, in no way, the end-all-be-all list of things you can learn at Foley. These are just ten of the major lessons I got from my experience as a camper and staff member. I definitely think other campers/staff can learn these things at camp, plus so much more! What are would you add to the list? Let us know! 

-Krista Strobel

Throwback Thursday: 1983

30 Years Ago in the Summer of 1983...

Below are some interesting things I found out about camp in 1983 after reading some old newsletters.

Sailing in the 80s. So many different boats!

A Sail Racing Clinic was held in summer 1983. There was a prerequisite in that campers must have received their Mate to attend. For six days, sailors would sail all afternoon in a concentrated program. Racing and theory were taught. 

Sounds similar to the current Sail Racing class, without the prerequisite. The "Activity Plus" option we're having this summer seems to lend itself to this idea of getting campers out on the water for longer periods of time! Check out our most recent newsletter for more details, or continue to check the blog to find out more about Activity Plus.

Couldn't find the 80s Ancient Greek Days, so TBT to Final
Banquet 2001!

The all-camp special day that took place once per session was called “Ancient Greek Days” in 1983. Events planned were: chariot races, pentathlon, Greek dancing, tribute to Zeus and other gods and goddesses and Greek food (pig roast). Campers were told to bring an old sheet to make a toga.

This sounds a lot like the banquets we have at camp now. I'm sure it was very similar, it just wasn't called "Final Banquet." We had an actual Ancient Greece Final Banquet in 2001, were any of you there? I know I was! What are your thoughts on this "Ancient Greek Days" theme? Something we should do again? TOGA TOGA TOGA!

As of March 1983, second session had more campers registered from St. Louis, MO than any other city. Des Moines, IA was in second and Minneapolis, MN & Suburbs was in third!

Where are our second session St. Louis campers? Why do you think so many St. Louis kids LOVE Foley and second session? I bet everyone was calling it "Soda" that session and not "Pop"!

Were you at camp in the 80s? Were you at Ancient Greek Days and have a photo to share? We'd love to see it! Tell us your CF memories for TBT!

Camp Creature: Trumpeter Swan

Do you know what the heaviest bird native to North America is? Here is a hint, this bird is also the largest waterfowl native to North America. If you answered the Trumpeter Swan, you would be correct!

See more photos!

The Trumpeter Swan averages about five feet in length with a wingspan of six to eight feet! Can you imagine comparing this large bird to one of smallest Fox campers? The Trumpeter Swan was a very common bird in Minnesota until the mid-1800s when central and western Minnesota were being settled. The bird then became over hunted. In 1984, when the state conducted a review on the status of the bird, they discovered had disappeared completely from the wild. Beginning in the late 80s, specific efforts were made to reintroduce the Trumpeter Swan into the wild in Minnesota. Currently, there are more than 2,400 free-flying birds in Minnesota. The swan is still considered threatened in Minnesota. 

Trumpeter Swan range. Red: breeding range,
blue: non-breeding, purple: year-round.

The interesting thing about the Trumpeter Swan's reintroduction into the Minnesota wild is that the birds do not migrate in the winter. About 150 years ago, the swans would migrate to Missouri, Arkansas or Texas in the fall and return when the ice began to melt off of the lakes. Today though, many Trumpeter Swans in Minnesota do not migrate south in the winter. The Trumpeter Swan can be found, during different times of year, throughout Canada and northern/central United States. In the warmer months, the swan lives in freshwater marshes, and along ponds and lakes. Through the winter it lives on lakes, streams or rivers. Their nests look like a large, open bowl made of aquatic vegetation or grasses lined with down and some body feathers. These nests are typically found on elevated sites, surrounded by water, such as a beaver lodge (like the beaver lodge on Hidden Lake!). Trumpeter Swans have a diet almost entirely of aquatic plants. In winter, they may also eat grasses and grains. The young are fed on insects, small fish, fish eggs and plants to provide more protein in the early months. 

Trumpeter Swans on Whitefish Lake in late fall 2012!

Fun fact about the Trumpeter Swan: It mates for life! Most pairs are formed from about four to seven years old, although sometimes as a late as 20, and sometimes, if a male Trumpeter Swan's mate dies, he may not pair again for the rest of his life! 

For more information on the Trumpeter Swan, and the continued conservation efforts, check out the DNR's website. Have you ever seen a Trumpeter Swan in the wild? 

What's Your Grit Grade?

Find your grade on
Duckworth's site.

The American Camp Association (ACA) recently spoke with Paul Tough about his book, How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character. In the interview, he mentions a Psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, Angela Duckworth, who has actually created a "Grit Test." Are you gritty enough to find out your actual grit grade? (When you get to the page, click on "Get Your Grit Score.") There is also an interview in the Washington Post with Michael Thompson, the author of Homesick and Happy: How Time Away From Parents Can Help a Child Grow. In the interview, he talks about the importance of resiliency, or "grit": "You can't know you're resilient until your resilience is challenged. And resilience or grit is key because it's what gets you through the hard times in life." Alli, for the most recent newsletter, wrote an article about this exact idea and uses Tough's book to to explain how it translates into what we try to do for our campers at Foley. Take a moment to read what she has to say, if you haven't already! 

     I would be willing to bet that most of our camp parents have attended parent-teacher conferences with some regularity. You have sat across the table from a variety of dedicated teachers that have offered advice on how to help your kids improve math, science, reading and writing skills. You have listened to accomplishments, goals and expectations. For some parents this can be an extremely rewarding conversation. One that makes you pat yourself on the back and say, “Yes, my kid is going to make it.” For others of you, this quarterly conversation can come with a lot of anxiety. Perhaps school isn’t going as well as you would like for your kid. You may be left scratching your head and saying, “What is my kid doing wrong?” What if there was something else on that report card? Something that you could work on without the use of books or chalk boards or overhead projector.
      Paul Tough, author of How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, suggests that schools should be doing just that (and don’t worry, some are). We should be offering kids a “character report card.” Parents, school officials, teachers and kids should be in a constant conversation about how well kids are learning to cope with adversity, make friends, work through problems and my favorite – exhibit grit. Mr. Tough argues that in order for kids to truly succeed in life they need to find safe ways to do what every parent (and anyone else who loves kids) find it hard to do – fail.
      Mr. Tough writes, “For many of us, character refers to something innate and unchanging, a core set of attributes that define one’s very essence. [Researchers] Seligman and Peterson defined character in a different way: a set of abilities or strengths that are very much changeable — entirely malleable, in fact. They are skills you can learn; they are skills you can practice; and they are skills you can teach”.
      I recently had the opportunity to see Paul Tough speak at the American Camp Association (ACA) annual conference in Dallas, TX and what struck me while listening to him talk was that camp is exactly the place that offers all of the things he is talking about. Plainly put our kids “fail” on a daily basis. They don’t win sailing races, they don’t quite get enough points for an award in archery, they disagree with a cabinmate and the event they plan for a group of younger kids is a complete disaster. Sometimes they go days, or even weeks, without earning a single award or accomplishing a tangible accolade.
      I, not once, but twice have worked with a kid that has tried to get up on skis and/or wakeboards countless times with no success. (Don’t worry, the kids counted.) Two hundred times of thinking they are going to accomplish something and “failing.” Ninety times of having the “embarrassment” of falling, quite literally, on their face in front of a group of “accomplished” peers. But they tried. They tried very hard. And was there disappointment sometimes? Yes. Was there a feeling of “failure” on occasion? Of course. And not just for my poor skiers. All of the kids experience these feelings at some time.

Indeed it does!

      So what made it all worthwhile? On the 97th and 211th try, the world stopped spinning. The water felt a little warmer and the sun shined a little brighter. And I’m serious. No kidding. The faces of those kids could have stopped an army. One of the kids got so excited she flung her arms in the air and let go. Her jubilance literally propelled her out of her skis. Shortest, successful run of skiing ever.
      That grit, that determination, that ability to fail and fail and fail is exactly why we, “camp people,” do what we do. It may not be what we are supposed to tell the parents of our campers, but we love to see kids fail. So when the report cards from the school year are hung on the fridge and the bags are packed for camp, we ask you to turn your attention towards the other report card - the one that lists creativity, worldliness, kindness, teamwork and of course, grit.

      Let us help your kid work on that Grit Grade. Let us help your kid to fail. Never fear - it’ll be a blast.

~Alli Faricy, Director

2013 Preview: Foley Records

How far can you spit a raisin?  If you're a Fox/Coyote girl and can spit one further than 20 ft, you're the new record holder! How long can you stand on/roll the log without falling? If you're a Wolf boy and can stay up there longer than 2:51, consider the record yours! Do you and a friend have mad frisbee throwing skills? If you're both Wolf girls and can throw one back and forth more than 96 times, you're going down in the Foley record books! Are you a Fox/Coyote boy? Is your friend a Fox/Coyote boy? If you answered YES to that and can run a three-legged race faster than 13.63 seconds, you'll be a Foley record holder!

Obviously, these aren't the ONLY records campers will be trying to break in 2013, but you'll just have to wait until camp to hear about the others. Some of the records haven't been beaten since the early 90s! A couple of the records campers will try to break this summer are currently being held by two returning staff members, Kylie Beltz and Mary Claire Costello. Maybe they can give you some tips on how to break the records! 

Here is the exciting news: This summer, we're adding some brand new, never been beaten before records. Will you be the first person to break one of these records? If you're up to the challenge of rolling an orange across the Soccer Field with your nose you just might be! But wait! There's even more exciting news: 2013 will be the first year we're attempting large group records. There is even a rumor going around that we may attempt to break an actual Guinness World Record. I'm currently trying to find out if there's any truth behind this rumor. Stay tuned for my findings.

Alas, if you had your heart set on beating the record for Lowest Limbo or Tennis "Ups," it's just not going to happen. This year Foley is retiring five records that are considered to be unbeatable. Congratulations the following people who will forever hold the Foley record:

LONGEST TIME CONTINUOUSLY TREADING WATER

Junior Girls: Kerry Hennessey - 2 hours 27 minutes (2000)

Senior Girls: Lark Nierenberg & Krista Strobel - 2 hours 50 minutes (2002)

Junior Boys: Charlie Bussmann - 2 hours 14 minutes (1999)

Senior Boys: Tom Epstein - 2 hours 2 minutes (1999)

LOWEST LIMBO

Junior Girls: Hayley Babcock - 12 inches (2001)

Senior Girls: Bridget Haymaker - 13.5 inches (2000)

Junior Boys: Adam Puldy - 11.5 inches (2002)

Senior Boys: Joey Freund - 16 inches (2001)

NUMBER OF TENNIS “UPS”

Junior Girls: Alissa Ryan – 5,288 (2001)

Senior Girls: Breen Hagerman – 10,010 (2002)

Junior Boys: James Shandorf – 10,379 (2000)

Senior Boys: Zander Coomes – 12, 850 (2000)

NUMBER OF HOPS ON ONE FOOT

Junior Girls: Mary Claire Costello – 15,326 (2001)

Senior Girls: Marinana Vera – 15,100 (1995)

Junior Boys: Jack Pigozzi – 21,233 (2000)

Senior Boys: Cody Kehl – 7,343 (2002)

LONGEST DISTANCE WALKED BALANCING A BOOK ON YOUR HEAD

Junior Girls: Maria Galland – 2 miles (2007)

Senior Girls: Mary Cushman – 2.98 miles (2005)

Junior Boys: Connor Failor – 4825 ft (2007)

Senior Boys: Will Lorentzen – 2.42 miles (2007) 

What records will you attempt to break this summer? Do you have any suggestions for a World Record for Camp Foley to break? We're all ears. If you'd like to know more about something that's happening in 2013, give us a holler and it can be our next 2013 preview article! Get excited everyone 107 days until First Session, 121 days until Second Session, 136 days until Third Session and 150 days until Fourth Session!

Foley, Futbol and Friends of the Orphans

What is the number one most important piece of equipment around camp? It's the one thing that gets used every day, rain or shine?  You can't play GaGa, 4-Square, Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Dodgeball, Bocce Ball, Croquet, Kickball and this year Spiekball and 9-Square without it. The answer: A ball.

Did you know there are literally millions of kids around the world that would cherish a ball with their lives... IF they could afford to own one?  It's no coincidence that Soccer is the world’s sport as it is quite often the easiest thing for kids with little to no worldy possessions to play. Owning a soccer ball allows kids to be imaginative, practice teamwork and problem solve, plus it gives them an outlet for aggression and a hobby to keep them out of trouble. This type of play is what makes camp so great. Often the staff, leadership members and even the campers are making up games, coming up with new uses for equipment and using their imagination to interact. Wouldn't it be great if camp could provide kids across the world with the opportunity to do the same? Well, we are!
We are partnering with an organization a Foley Alum, Gaby Driessen, works for called Friends of the Orphans to donate soccer balls to children that live in orphanages in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through the One World Futbol Project, Foley families can donate a soccer ball directly to Friends of the Orphans. Gaby provided us with a bit of background information on the organization and what these soccer balls will mean to it: 

 READ ENOUGH AND JUST WANT TO DONATE? CLICK HERE!

Friends of the Orphans is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned, abandoned and disadvantaged children through the support of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH, Spanish for “Our Little Brothers and Sisters”) network of orphanages in Latin American and the Caribbean.  As the US branch of NPH, Friends of the Orphans raises both awareness and funds for the NPH homes located in nine Latin American and Caribbean countries.  Thanks to the generous support from our US supporters, the 3,800+ children of NPH are able to receive the basic needs that every child deserves – clothing, education, food, and most importantly, a loving family.   The key pillar of the NPH orphanages is that there is no adoption; the idea being that the children can be at ease, knowing that they will always live with their brothers and sisters.  In fact, all the children of NPH refer to each other as brothers and sisters – the children will tell you that they have over 3,000 siblings! Click here to donate a soccer ball to some of these children now.

The NPH El Salvador girls varsity team huddles
before a game in the 2012 NPH Futbol Tournament. 

Today, futbol (soccer) plays a very significant role in Latin American culture.  Similar to how children in the US start playing football and hockey at young ages, children in Latin America grow up learning how to play futbol.  Some of today’s best international soccer players, Messi, Silva, among others, are all from Latin America and learned how to play futbol in Latin America. Friends of the Orphans and NPH encourage its children to learn and play futbol.  Each NPH home has a boys and a girls varsity team and a boys and girls junior varsity team.  

The children practice year around, and ultimately they compete in the annual NPH Futbol Tournament.  In 2012, all the NPH teams met at NPH Nicaragua, where they competed for the 2012 title of best NPH futbol players.  Perhaps it was their home team advantage, or maybe they truly were the greatest players out there this year, but NPH Nicaragua boys and girls teams won the tournament and were named champions. 

Gaby's entire family (including Foley alum mom, Martha Lopez-Tolsa and siblings, Tali and Alex) has been heavily involved with Friends of the Orphans and NPH for over 15 years.  Gaby and Alex had the opportunity to travel to NPH Guatemala last May, where they played futbol with several of the children.  The Driessen family has had the opportunity to see first hand how futbol gives the children of NPH the opportunity to learn the importance of being involved, being active and being a team player. 

Gaby Driessen enjoying an indoor game of futbol
with the youngest children of NPH Guatemala.

Alli and Gaby along with fellow alum Maddi McCrea are heading to the orphanage in Guatemala in April and look forward to delivering some of the soccer balls at that time! Click here to assist Foley, the Driessens and Friends of the Orphans in its mission to better the lives of children throughout the world!

Donate a Soccer Ball Today!

Hopefully, you've already read a bit about why Foley is encouraging its families, friends and alumni to donate a soccer ball to the organization Friends of the Orphans. Now you just need to know how it works, which is very simple!

Photo taken from One World Futbol
Project's website.

Step 1: Visit www.OneWorldFutbol.com

Step 2: Explore the website if you wish, but to donate specifically click on "Buy Now."

Step 3: You can either buy a One World Futbol for yourself and by doing so donate one as well. Or you can just donate a ball. Please select the blue futbol as the gold is special for Chevrolet.

Step 4: In your shopping cart enter promo code "Foley."

Step 5: Proceed to checkout and know that you've officially brightened the day of many young people.

If you have questions or are confused by how to donate, please call the Foley office: 218-543-6161.

Thank you so much from all of us at Foley and Friends of the Orphans.