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 informed of newsworthy topics and even provide some humor in the midst of you learning valuable information. We're taking today to give you some suggestions for podcasts you can incorporate in your lives!

If you check out this page on Camp Foley's site, you'll be directed to a part of our website devoted to some environmentally conscious links. There are four kid-friendly podcasts displayed here that are informative for kids (and adults, too)!

For the Family

Brains On is produced by a non-profit organization called American Public Media, and it works to answer questions about the world. Their goal is to encourage natural curiosity - they boast that it can be enjoyed by any age! Here is a list of their 5 most popular podcasts they've done so far.

 The next one we're featuring is The Naked Scientists Podcast which is usually suited for kids (parents may want to pre-listen), and its mission is to deliver scientific reporting and entertainment of the highest caliber. It was started in 2001, and it is currently one of the world's most popular science shows!

The Show About Science is hosted by Nate Butkus, a second grader, who has guests on his show to help investigate and explore scientific topics about the world.  This one is sure to spark some curiosity!

Peace Out is a relaxation podcast that focuses on mindfulness and stories for kids (adults, you'll enjoy this one too!) to practice breathing and visualization exercises. These exercises are great as a before-bed wind-down to help find a smooth transition into quiet mindfulness - or any time of the day.

These 10 TedTalks are specifically meant for the family to enjoy together or individually no matter your age. Though this suggestion is not a podcast, it can be listened to with the entire family!

For Parents

Additionally, this list of 17 Parenting TedTalks, may be something of interest! Topics include Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection, How to Raise Successful Kids - Without Over-Parenting, and Love, No Matter What.

Zen Parenting is a podcast run by a husband and wife team whose mission is to use experience, research, pop culture and humor to explore various topics.

*Keep in mind: these are suggestions, and we understand that each of our Foley Families have different values and some of these podcasts may work for you and some may not!

That being said, check them out - see what you like! We hope you enjoy these suggestions and find some valuable information and humor for both kids and adults.

Environmental Education Always on the Mind

The school year is well underway and our campers are comfortably immersed back in their everyday, hometown lives. As youth developers, our goal is to have a positive impact on youth year round, not solely during the summer months while campers are in camp. So how can we ensure students are remaining active and developing important life skills? We can partner with the schools, of course!

Students interacting with a western hognose snake during Critters.

A majority of ACA accredited camps, Foley included, take pride in their partnership with schools throughout the United States. We partner with schools in Minnesota by way of our environmental education program. Check out Foley's program specifically! Environmental education is such an important and unique learning opportunity that gets kids out of the classroom to learn in a hands on setting. From learning how to light a fire using flint and steel to viewing wild animals in their natural setting, the depth of knowledge and experience gained is priceless. 

Students closely observing an adult beaver while canoeing
during Enviro Education at Foley. 

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which goes into effect during the 2017-2018 school year, sets the stage for more opportunities for schools to partner with camps and other organizations which allow for out-of-school time experiences. Classroom learning is obviously important, we just can't forget the importance our natural world has in our educational growth.

Take the time to explore that state park you drive by everyday, every moment spent outdoors can be beneficial!  

If you know of a school that may be interested in learning more about our program, email fun@campfoley.com.

Students testing our their lumberjack abilities during Woodskills.

"As the young spend less of their lives in natural surrounding, their senses narrow, physiologically and psychologically and this reduces the richness of human experience ... we NEED contact with nature." - Richard Louv

Climbing to success

Foley Outdoor Education students Maria R., Tyler K. and Jordan P. take a moment to talk to us all about the climbing and team games activities here at camp. These three students joined us along with the rest of their 6th grade from St. Boniface school. Here is what they had to say...

- Marie and Alli, Directors.

You Can't Dibs Nature!

Snapping Turtle (Photo by A. Faricy)

As I canoed along on my second to last of 14, three hour canoe classes over the last three weeks, I examined the actions of the 6th graders. A couple were kneeling precociously in the bottoms of their canoes, hands outstretched, canoes tilted dangerously to one side, attempting to catch painted turtles.  Others were cautiously peering in to the murky bottom in search of the elusive snapping turtles that are frequently spotted.  While still others, craned their necks skyward watching two of the seven local bald eagles swoop effortlessly in and out of the trees.  I smiled as I heard one 6th grade girl say to another "We dibs that turtle!".

"Dibsed" Turtle (Photo by A. Faricy)

The fact that kids were "dibsing" turtles was some what of an accomplishment for me. As we stood on the shore prior to our adventure, many of the kids squirmed nervously at the mention of catching turtles. Now they wanted them. Wanted them so bad they "dibsed" them. That is about as close as you can come to formal ownership when you are in 6th grade. Success.

Nested Loon (Photo by A. Faricy)

After catching a couple turtles and handing them off to some of the kids who were not so lucky as to dibs a turtle, we made our way through a small tunnel and out on to the larger lake. I want to believe that the nesting loons were grateful I made the kids wait for me as I stood watch near their nest, keeping excited kids from getting to close as they took pictures with their disposable cameras. When an eagle swooped low over the loons nest the kids got to see what a nervous, angry adult loon looks like. I was just grateful the loon seemed more nervous about the eagle than us.

As we made our way back, I couldn't help but smile about the response the girl who had her turtle "dibsed" out from under her had to her friend..."You can't dibs nature!"

So true.

Alli Faricy, 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.