The History of Camp Pets!

Either Yogi or Kayzak...

How much do you love camp's dogs, Nike and Norm? I mean... they are playful, adorable and always provide some entertainment when they are around. Not surprisingly, Nike and Norm are not the first "camp pets." We thought we'd go back to the mid-70s and give you a little detail on the camp pets that we've had over the years.

In 1974, Tom Schmid (Marie's brother) got a dog for Christmas, who was named Yogi, and a few summers later, Kayzak joined the crew to accompany Yogi. Both Yogi and Kayzak were beloved by the campers and staff.

Buckley!

Flash forward 20years and camp has a new creature roaming the property - a fawn! Buckley the deer spent his first summer at Foley in 1996. Buckley was known to make appearances in the winter as local residents of Father Foley Drive have shared memories of Buckley following them around as they cross country skied on Whitefish Lake. Buckley spent a few years hanging around the area before moving on. It makes me wonder if there are any of Buckley's descendants roaming the woods behind the soccer field.

Casual Sheep outside the office.

Four-legged creatures aren't the only kinds of pets camp has. In the late 90s Foley was home to two birds: Ka-Kaik, a Red Tailed Hawk, and May-Goo, a Great Horned Owl. Both birds left in 1998, but for a few summers they were quite exciting. They lived in cages outside the wheelhouse. I know some alumni remember sitting around them for bird shows. What a fun learning experience! We also had a Boa Constrictor in 2000, named Taz! I wonder if he lived in the Nature Center with the other snakes?

Apparently we had some new four-legged friends in the late 1990s and early 2000s. While doing some research I found the following quote, "Sheep enclosure - Baaaaad idea." Not quite sure what to make of that but I'm sure if you ask Marie she'll give you the scoop! A few other creatures that you may not have expected to see at camp: Smiley, the alligator, and Stella, the hedgehog.

Stella the hedgehog.

Of course there are the old standbys that you can always expect to see at camp: all of the snakes inside the Nature Center along with some turtles in the enclosure outside. Hopefully the new Painted Turtle and Snapping Turtle, Muncher and Bowser, live a long and happy life at Camp Foley, or the surrounding area, just like Woody the Wood Turtle, who passed away in 2007.

What do you think about all of the camp pets Foley has had? Do you remember any other camp pets? One thing is for sure - I am willing to bet that the next 35 years will bring a variety of new animals to camp, even if they only stay a short time! 

 

TBT: Critter Invasion

Jordan teaching Nature in 2012.

Growing up in the area, I have always had a passion for all the critters I could find in the woods. As a kid I would come back to my house with an assortment of critters in my pockets: a snake, a frog or two, and possibly some worms, depending on the day. This passion for nature brought me to Foley even before I was a counselor, learning more about the snakes and spending time at Hidden Lake catching as many turtles that would fit in the bottom of the canoe.

After making the decision to be a Foley counselor in 2012, I taught in the Nature Center and began to pass on my love for the all things that creep, crawl, and swim (except spiders, of course). With being part of the nature program, I got to completely relive my childhood, which was incredible! A big difference in being at camp is I had the opportunity to spend my time in the woods with a group of campers, rather than exploring alone. This group-style adventuring allowed for the finding and safe capturing of a wide variety of critters and a bunch of them during our hunts.

Jordan teaching a Critters class during Environmental Ed
in Spring 2013.

My first summer as a counselor I experienced many critter happenings for the first time. A vivid memory I have is having campers catch red belly snakes and create habitats in the nature center for them. We fed the snakes and kept them for about a week at a time. At the end of one of the sessions, we came across seven red belly babies as we were cleaning out the tank. I have never experienced a captured animal giving birth while in captivity and I loved sharing that experience with all the campers.

Among the red belly snakes, campers also caught salamanders, skinks, garter snakes, painted turtles, saw snapping turtles, found worms, and gathered many insects for our critters to eat. I enjoyed passing along information that I love and sparking their passion for the outdoors and all it contains.

--Jordan Anderson

TBT: 2009 CIT/LIT Campfire and More

2009 CITs and LIT 3s.

A long time ago when I decided to join the LIT program at camp I had no idea how much it would change the rest of my life.  It was a great way to spend time with my friends and be involved at Foley.  My last year of camp in 2009 I began to really enjoy my work as an LIT.  I had always been a bit shy, but I loved the LIT program because every idea was taken seriously and we all enjoyed working as a team.  I loved the planning and working with all the campers. 

One thing we worked especially hard on was our campfire.  We decided that half of us would be aliens and the other half would be humans.  The aliens landed at camp and needed help adjusting to life at Foley.  We came together and shared our different cultures, which included the aliens showing the humans the food that we loved.  This consisted of ketchup, yogurt, salsa, cheese, jam, mustard and peanut butter.  It was the worst thing I’ve ever eaten.  But the CITs and LITs all came together to put on a show and have fun with the other campers; we also all enjoyed watching Evan Oncay sweat all his green paint off over the campfire. 

3rd Session CIT/LIT Campfire in 2009.

This was a memory I kept with me when my days as a camper ended and my countdown quickly started for the summer of 2012 when I could finally come back to camp as a counselor.  As I was waiting to come back to camp I realized just how much I enjoyed all of my LIT work, and how much fun it was helping the younger campers.  I thought about this during college application time and I began thinking how thankful I was that I did this program because one day I realized that I wanted to be a teacher. 

Foley taught me the skills to help lead a crowd, to assist a counselor in a canoeing class, to help a camper that was lost, that we all need to clean up after ourselves, that the clean plate club is the best club to be in, and that I enjoyed watching a kid learn from something I helped teach. Foley gave me the confidence to try what I wanted, and here I am in my junior year of college as an education major because camp showed me I can go after my dreams. 

-Rachel Gans 

TBT: Learning to Shoot at Foley

One of my first memories of Foley, actually one of my first memories period, is being at the Rifle Range with my Dad during family camp.  Sitting in his lap while he held the .22 up for me, I tried to shoot at the paper targets down range. I can’t remember whether or not I hit them but that wasn't important. What was important was that at that moment I was forever infatuated with the art and precision of shooting.

Jack teaching Riflery in 2012.

When I was old enough to go to Foley by myself I was always most excited to be able to shoot again and in my eight wonderful summers of heading up north to camp I took Riflery every signup.  As I got better at shooting, I realized that it wasn't the result of my work or the awards I got that were the things I loved about Riflery but the process. Taking that big breath, relaxing the rest of my body, and focusing on that little black dot. Lining up that shot was when my mind was at it’s clearest, body at it’s calmest, and heart as relaxed as it would ever be.   I have not been able to find any activity that replaces those feelings, which is why to this day I still shoot and hunt, and it is what inspired me to be a Camp Foley counselor.

In the summer of 2012, teaching campers new shooting positions became a joy as I watched kids transfer to the sitting position after shooting prone for so long. I especially remember helping Claudia Leon with her elbows when sitting and Thomas Schroeder with his balance and hands while he figured out the standing position on his way to the Expert Award, the highest Riflery award Foley has to offer. 

Teaching me how to safely and responsibly shoot, the Foley Riflery program was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me, and I am proud to have passed on those values and traditions on to other campers last year. Which is why I returned again for summer 2013!   

-Jack Revord

TBT: Zac and the Corn Snake

Calvin the Corn Snake!

As I was getting packed up for my return to Camp Foley in 2013, it made me think about all the memories and friendships I made. One of the activities that I really liked to teach was the nature class. The campers were always excited to go on nature walks and hold the snakes. The nature room was very busy some days and I always enjoyed showing the campers the snakes. One of my favorite and strangest memories from the nature room was during my snake class. I had taken out the Corn Snake so the campers could hold it and see what it looked like. What happened next was quite strange and I have never had this happen to me before, but when I set him on the table all of a sudden he decided to go to the bathroom on the table. It startled me for a second because it was so random and it hadn't happened before. It was very memorable and will always remind me about my first year at camp.

TBT: Parker Remembers Some Camp Dances

One of the favorite nights of camp is the Grand Dance Festival. Campers dress up crazy and make their way to the Wabi for a memorable night of dancing like a fool with friends. As you grow up and out of camp, you'll definitely remember a lot of the dance themes, popular music and spending time with friends in the Wabi (or Basketball Court if you were around for those dances).

This summer will be my tenth at camp. For most of my summers, especially as I got older, one of my favorite nights was the dance. Gettin’ my boogie on to some classic Backstreet Boys hits and rocking out to Bohemian Rhapsody--what could be better? When I look back at my dances as a camper, two moments jump out at me.

Parker with friends at the PJ Dance in 2009.

One of my very first memories of camp is from my first summer in 2003. I was a wee young ten-year-old in Yakama, and first session had been progressing quite nicely. I had made new friends, and I learned how to play Mafia; everything was great. Then, disaster struck. The dance theme was announced: Cabin Colors. Each cabin picked a color and everyone was supposed to deck themselves out from head to toe in said color. My cabin-mates decided that pink was the best choice, and I started freaking out because I didn’t own any pink. Worst case scenarios started flashing through my head: Would my cabin-mates stop liking me because I didn’t match? Would they bar me from the dance if I wasn’t dressed for the theme? Ten year old me couldn’t handle it. I was so distressed about not having any pink that I started crying.  

Everything turned around when, probably about twenty seconds later, some of the girls in my cabin asked if I needed to borrow anything.I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited to don a bright pink rain poncho than I was on that night.  All of my earlier fears were completely unfounded. I really hope that I gave my friends a caring bead at our cabin counsel later, because their offer to share brightened that entire session for me.  

Fast forward to my last year as a camper, 2009 first session. Something about being a CIT, being back out on the basketball court, and being there with a ton of my friends made that night incredibly special. When all the wolves got together at the end of the night to circle up and sing along to Piano Man (because that had magically become a thing the year before), I felt like we were a family. That dance was the cherry on top of a great session, and one of my favorite camp memories.

Parker with staff and campers at the dance in 2012.

As a counselor, the dance is still one of my favorite nights of camp. The Wabi and its new tech is cool as can be; the flashing lights just make me want to break out into a round of Call Me Maybe or Aaron’s Party. All of last summer’s dances were fantastic, and had some particularly brilliant themes (I’m looking at you, Bro-down Throw-down). Even if it’s a little warm, when the music is blasting, I feel the need to dance with anyone and everyone. I will dance at you until you dance with me. Though my dance skills are a bit lacking, I like to think I make up for that with enthusiasm. I’ve got at least four spectacular nights ahead of me this summer-- who’s going to dance with me?  

--Parker Poche

Are you ready to put on your dancing shoes this summer? We hope so because each session you can count on attending an awesome and memorable Grand Dance Festival! 

TBT: Mary Claire and Spidey Sacajawea

Counselors Katie and Mary Claire
with CIT Maddie L (center).

For this Throwback Thursday, guest blogger and 2013 counselor, Mary Claire, recalls some of the weirdness that happens at camp and how fun it can be! We can't wait for all of the counselors to start planning cabin themes and special events for summer 2013. Who knows what kind of crazy shenanigans they'll have the campers doing in 2013!

When I think back on my time as a counselor at camp, I think of being creative, quirky, and weird! That's what is so magical about camp to me: you can be the person you want to be without fear or reservations. I think this is perfectly demonstrated by the themed cabin activities we do at Foley. 

Everyday Sacajawea

Every session, the cabin theme changes and along with it, a cabin event. Regardless of the age group, each cabin has some kind of themed evening. One that sticks out to me happened this past summer during 3rd session.  

Our cabin theme was Spidey Sacajawea. On any other day, the girls in the cabin looked like normal, Coyote girls but on that night, everyone looked like a little bit silly and a lot red! That evening we had a spider web made out of rope that everyone had to make it through, Spider-Man style (that means no touching the rope!) We walked like spiders all the way to the short climbing wall and climbed across it sideways. Then at the end, we made some pretty tasty cookies with chocolate frosting that looked like webs. And during all of this, we had a BLAST. 

Spidey Sacajawea.

Just like most things at camp, cabin activities are what you make them. If the girls had had bad attitudes or didn't want to do the cabin activity, it could have been a mediocre evening. But instead, they decided to make the most out of it by dressing up, taking funny pictures, and being unafraid to be a little weird and have a lot of fun. 

-Mary Claire Costello

What kinds of fun activities are you looking forward to this summer? Before you come to camp, be sure to visit the Meet the Staff page on the website. Find out which counselors (like Mary Claire and her 2012 Spidey co-counselor Katie McGuire) are returning in 2013, and to learn more about the first-time counselors.

TBT - Evan Recalls "Barefooting" in 2005

Dan Lamm (left) as a counselor
in 2005.

This is one of those memories that I will never forget from camp. It is still as clear as it was the day it happened. I was in Dan Lamm’s, or as some of you may know him Dan the Man, skiing class back in 2005. We decided to break out the boom to try barefooting. I had no idea what I was doing and it did not help that it was a fairly windy day out.

Evan as a camper in 2005.

When it was my turn to go, I was a little nervous but figured I could get it done. If you have not seen someone barefoot off the boom before, you start out in a superman position holding on to the boom. You then swing your legs around to the front so you can barefoot of the side of the boat. As the boat started to drag me through the water, I realized this was not going to be that easy.

All of a sudden we were going pretty fast and I was still just being dragged in the superman position. I was not strong enough to pull my legs out in front of me, so there I was just being dragged by the side of the boat. Bouncing off every wave that we hit. But here is where the unthinkable happened.

Evan waterskiing in 2005. This is not the barefooting
incident. Thankfully.

One second my swimsuit was on¸ the next it was gone. As soon as I realized that my swimsuit had come off, I let go of the boom. I must not have tied my suit tight enough because when I hit one wave at the wrong angle, the lake took my suit. There I sat in the water, with just a lifejacket. When I told Dan what had happened, we were both laughing and he tossed me my towel.

But it was not my towel. It belonged to the little fox girl who Dan had spotting for him in the boat. The towels looks very similar however I did not realize this until I was already in the boat wrapped up in the towel. Once we realized that I had the wrong towel, the little girl could not understand why she could not have her towel; English was not her first language. Me and Dan tried to explain, still laughing, why I could not take off the towel until we got back.

Evan as a counselor in 2012 with cabin Shingwako.

The whole time Dan, the rest of the campers in our group, and me were laughing about the incident. We eventually made it back, and I was able to get a new pair of shorts back at my cabin. That ended up being Dan’s favorite memory of the session when it came time for closing campfire, which I was pretty proud of at the time. I will never forget that day. It is just one of the many memories I have of camp, and they always brighten my day every time they pop into my head. Whitefish still has my swimsuit down there somewhere.

-Evan Oncay

TBT: Rachel Remembers Some Crazy Weather!

Mother Nature at Camp

Rachel as a counselor for cabin Ishtakaba in 2011.

I will be a third year counselor this year and I don't even remember the number of summers I have spent at Foley. That being said, my first two summers as a counselor couldn't have been more different. The first year was cold and rainy, even I, a seasoned 1st session camper and native Minnesotan, thought it was too cold to jump in the lake. The number of days we changed lesson plans, cancelled classes, started late because of the rain were too numerous to count. My second summer was hot and I wished I could jump in the lake for the swim test at the beginning of the sessions, but was helping the nurse check everybody in. Last summer the accessory to have was a water bottle filled to the top at breakfast and empty by morning fun.  The differences in the summers taught me one very important thing, No matter how much you plan or think "I've got everything under control" don't count on mother nature cooperating.  

The treehouses at lower mosquito were put in during some of my last summers as a camper. With two trips as a camper and eight trips with my own campers to the treehouses I have learned that very lesson. I think it rained every trip up there except one which is a pretty impressive statistic. Even though it rained, I think those were my favorite trips; there is nothing like the sound of rain hitting the leaves of the tree when you wake up or as you fall asleep at night. The rain also does one very important thing that anyone who has gone to the treehouses will know….it keeps the mosquitoes down!  Despite the numerous trips I have made back to camp after in the rain after a night at the treehouses I wouldn't have traded anything for them. I got to know my campers better by sharing games and stories in the treehouse cabin then I ever could trying to catch them between classes or before they go to bed.

Rachel as a counselor for cabin MicMac in 2012.

The crazy weather brings about some crazy things including hours practicing for the camp-wide lip syncs and then being told that classes were getting back on schedule and the lip syncs would have to wait. Watching the cabins perform, starting with the youngest and finishing up with the oldest campers, is exciting and hilarious. You never know what song anybody is doing, that is kept like a national secret. The dance moves that everybody comes up with are hilarious, we can make moves to almost anything.

I can't wait for this summer and all the crazy weather that is bound to happen. I mean we still had snow at the end of April and several lakes still have ice on them in May. So let's get this summer started and see what the crazy Minnesota weather will bring us. Whatever it is it will create some awesome memories that I'm sure all my friends will be sick of hearing before I can make some new ones.

-Rachel Westra

TBT: Katie McGuire Was Once Homesick!

Katie and Molly on staff in 2012.

If you know Katie McGuire (longtime camper and third-year counselor), you know how much she loves camp. Camp, Creighton Bluejays and Jerseys & Jordans -  that pretty much sums up Katie's passions. She loves camp so much, it's hard to believe that even she once struggled with homesickness! It happens to almost everyone, so don't feel bad if you get a little homesick. Here is Katie's Throwback Thursday story. And this summer, if you ever find yourself a little homesick, track down Katie and I'm sure she can help you out!

The first time I went to camp it was 3rd session 2004. I came with my cousins Shannon (11), Molly (10-like me), Megan (8), and Emily (7.) Shannon and Molly had come for a few years before, so I had heard all about Foley prior to my arrival. Many memories I have from my first few years are blurry or skewed, but I remember my first night like it was yesterday. 

My stomach had been in knots all day; I had never learned so many things or met so many people all at once in my whole life. I finally felt comfortable during campfire and enjoyed the energy everyone had. For the last song, just like we still close campfire, we sang taps. I didn't know the words, but I could go along with the hand motions. Listening to that song, in silence of the woods, I had never felt so at peace. 

Katie, Molly and cabin Micmac in 2004.

The quiet walk back helped me digest the day. Even though I had started to feel more comfortable, I was still apprehensive as we got ready for bed and did high-lows. Once flashlight time was over, it hit me that I was not going to be at home for two weeks, I had never spent even a quarter of that time away from my parents. I became homesick and cried until I fell asleep. 

The next morning, I told Molly how I was sad because I missed my family. She told me that I didn't need to be homesick because these people would become my family, and this place would become my home. Molly McGuire at the young age of ten was wise beyond her years (she was basically as wise then as she is now... she peaked early). 

Katie and Molly as CITs
in 2009.

And it turns out what Molly said was right. Because of her, and her wise words, I am about to start my 10th consecutive year at Foley. 

So if you are a parent or kid sitting at home wondering if it’s the right time to go to overnight camp, trusts me — it’s the right time. If you’re 8 or 16 or anywhere in between, sign up because you don’t want to miss any more chances to spend your summer in paradise. We promise we will never run out of room in the Foley Family; you can be part of it too!

Were you ever homesick at camp? How did you cope with it? Hopefully you had someone like Molly to help!

TBT: Wise Words from some Hall of Fame Staff Members

As I was working on a project, I realized how many 2013 staff members have been inducted into the Camp Foley Hall of Fame, meaning they have been at camp for 10 or more summers. So, for this Throwback Thursday I thought I'd share a bit about what makes Camp Foley so special to them and why they have continued to come back. Maybe their wise words will be just the spark you need to write your five year essay? Or maybe it will just help you to realize how much the staff really loves Foley and why they are here for yet another year!

Kylie Beltz (inducted 2007) – written 2003, age 10: “I, and maybe you, have noticed that everywhere you look there are smiling faces of the campers. Friends are a huge part of Camp Foley.”  

Emilia Kronschnabel (inducted 2007) – written 2002, age 10: “This is my fifth year at Camp Foley, and boy have I learned a lot! And I still have a lot to learn.” 

Ally Daily (inducted 2009) – written 2009, age 15: “There are some things in camp that are visible to everyone, but some things can only be seen by those that have experienced the magic of Foley.” 

Courtney Kronschnabel (inducted 2009) – written 2004, age 11: “It means once I’m here, I never want to leave because of all the laughs, cries, falls, meals you've had, you don’t want to leave all the fun at Camp Foley.” 

Claire Revord (inducted 2010) – written 2005, age 11: “When I stop and think about two simple words, Camp Foley, I realize that it isn't just a camp. It’s a place where friendships grow, where memories are made, where laughs and smiles are shared. 

Chris Revord (inducted 2010) – written 2006, age 12:“The thought of Camp Foley brings smiles to my face. It reminds me of so many incredible memories, and brings tears to my eyes.” 

Peter Hughes (inducted 2010) – written in 2010, age 16: “When my hand goes down for the last time for taps, that beautiful chapter of my life will be dotted with its final period… With me I will take the friendships, the lessons, the memories, and the idea of how truly amazing life can be.” 

Joe Dwyer (inducted 2012) – written 2007, age 13: “Ever since that first day a lot of things changed at camp around me like new campers, new counselors, and new activities. It’s all really awesome with all these new experiences, it’s like opening up presents during Christmas.” 

Molly McGuire (inducted 2012) – written 2005, age 12: “Oh, another thing I can’t forget is expressing yourself. At camp you are free to be yourself and not pretend to be someone you're not.” 

Together, these counselors have almost 100 summers under their belt! That is outrageously cool and we couldn't be more excited for them to be back sharing their love of Foley with all the campers. 

What do you think makes Camp Foley so great?

TBT: Camp Cousins - Courtney & Emilia

A Family Tradition

Kronschnabel camp clan in 2008!
Clockwise from left: Courtney, Emilia, Matt, Nick and Tory.

The whole reason I got involved with Camp Foley was because of my dad, Peter Kronschnabel. In 1967, at the age of seven, he went to camp for his very first summer. He probably didn't realize the tradition he was starting with our family when he walked into Mic Mac on arrival day. Since he was a camper, there have been 18 family members that have either been a camper, counselor or nurse at Camp Foley. I have had the pleasure of going to camp with my brothers, Matt and Nick, as well as my cousins, Sara, Emilia and Tory.  

While going to camp with my brothers was always a treat, being at camp with Emilia has been an experience I’ll never forget. Ever since our first year together in 1999 we have shared more than just a last name. During our 10 years as campers we shared three cabins, one bunk and countless memories together.

Emilia and Courtney getting on the camp bus in 1999!

One of my favorite camper memories with Emilia has to be when she helped me write my Bridge Crossing Essay. She had written hers a year earlier than me, and I thought hers was the greatest, so I just HAD to get her advice on what to write about. She sat with me for a whole rest period and helped me write what seemed like the longest, most important essay I would ever write. At the age of 11, Emilia helped me realize camp is about more than just learning how to sail or knit a scarf. It’s learning about myself and what kind of qualities I want to carry with me. While this essay definitely wasn't the longest I've written...it still may be the most important.

Our shenanigans didn't stop when our camper days were over. Last summer we spent our first summer as counselors together. It was the first year in our Camp Foley history that we weren't in the same age group doing the same activities. She being a Fox counselor and myself a Wolf counselor, we had different schedules and events to plan/go to. We learned to cherish our time together at the Marina. 

Emilia and Courtney, part of the 2012 Marina staff.

Ever since we were little, our favorite activities took place at the waterfront. I loved sailing and she (for reasons that are still a mystery to me...) loved windsurfing. Our love for the marina did not come out of nowhere. The rich tradition that my dad and uncles laid down started way before Emilia and my camper days had even begun. Hearing their stories about the good ‘ol days at the Marina is what really sparked our interest and kept us wanting more. While their stories are pretty top notch, I’d say Emilia and I have created some quality ones of our own in 2012. The site of Emilia hundreds of feet from shore stranded in a safety boat that she was unable to start will always make me chuckle.

I can honestly say that with out my cousin Emilia, camp for me would not be the same. We share so many wonderful memories at the one place we can both call home. I am truly looking forward to spending another glorious summer with her at Camp Foley. 

Written by Courtney Kronschnabel. 

TBT: Matt Carney's First Summer Birthday!

Matt and Aaron in 2009. Pre-birthday shenanigans. 

For me, summer of 2012 at Camp Foley seemed like it was filled with a lot of empty birthday wishes. In a matter of two months, I went from being a thriving, young 19 year-old counselor to an old geezer somewhere between the ages of 50 and 80.

Allow me to elaborate. On a fine Foley morning, my good friend and assistant director, Aaron Nelson, decided he would play a practical joke by telling my campers to sing me happy birthday as a wake up call. Not only did they sing happy birthday, they made sure to remind me that it was, indeed, my birthday. I’ll let you in on a little secret: my birthday is in December.

Maybe Aaron was trying to be thoughtful, “Matt Carney never had a birthday at Foley, maybe I’ll give him 50 of them!!” And so the wishes continued. Day after day, campers would say “Happy Birthday!” and I would say “thanks” or “it’s not my birthday!” Nobody got the memo. The wishes became so real that Aaron actually convinced me Candy was baking a cake for my cabin. Unfortunately, the cake never came.

Campers Mary Grace Schuler and Megan McGuire
collecting fish during sailing. Fourth Session 2012.

As the sessions passed, my continuous birthday stayed continuous. But as the wishes stayed the same, Whitefish Lake decided to give me a new present. As many others can probably recall, the temperature of the lake killed off a certain species of fish, which collected in thousands upon the shore. The Marina and Swim dock became a disastrous place for water activities. At one point, there were so many fish that the JY’s racing class had a competition to see who could collect the most fish in their boat.

While many of the counselors and campers saw this as an opportunity to be on the land, Mr. Nelson saw this as gold mine for his cruel joke. At the peak of the fish infestation, Aaron had the majority of the campers join in singing happy birthday to me while gathered on the benches. After lunch had ended, I could hear the chant “Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust” erupt behind me. That day would officially be my unofficial birthday.

Matt as a cabin counselor for Kadigomeg.
Third Session 2012

A few of the Wolf boys grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. As the chant continued, I was dragged to the swim dock to face my wet and fishy doom. I walked down the stairs and turned around to see several counselors with giant grins, ready to toss me on the count of three. I lied down at the edge of the dock and let the counselors grab my limbs. The only thing I could do now was embrace my destiny. And so it began: “ONE... TWO... THREE!!!!” I was airborne. As time seemed to stop, something inside me was changing. I hit the water and euphoria came over me. Even though I never had a birthday at Foley, all of my dreams had come true. A “Foley Never” had become a “Foley First.”

As I opened my eyes to observe my fishy comrades, I realized that all of the empty birthday wishes were not empty at all. They were signs of love and affection. I had people around me that cared for me and supported me, but it wasn't only me. Everyone at camp has it because it’s what camp is all about. At Camp Foley, it’s everyone’s birthday every single day. Even if you might not be turning a year older, every camper and staff is treated with the excitement and joy similar to the way they would be treated on their birthday. To me, that’s what makes camp great.

To conclude this elongated tale, I raised my head out of the water and did what any wet, grimy counselor would do: run after campers. So I jumped out of the water, and sent the kids screaming. On this fine day, nothing could stop me from having fun.

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.

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

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!