Giving back to Foley

Foley. It’s amazing how a simple five-letter word can not only bring back so many memories, but it is also a place I call home. In my life, I have been so blessed to have Camp Foley as a part of my life. From soda bread Sundays, to rainy day lip syncs, every day at Foley is a special day. Special because there is no place in the world like Camp Foley. Special because there is no one like the friends at camp anywhere else. And special because each individual, camper, staff, administrator, or director makes it special.

Having fun at camp during my CIT year.

Sitting outside over-looking the icy, slushy Whitefish Lake on a beautiful day during my spring break, special memories come to mind. Tessa Lee’s first summer here and our seven year old selves sleeping in the Tipi. Making endless friendship bracelets. Singing camp songs. Looking up to the Tek girls and wanting to be one of them. Soon enough, it was my last summer as a camper and I was a CIT along with Parker Poche’, Matt Carney, Eric Newman, and Dan Suchsland (most of whom will be back as counselors as well). I wasn’t ready to say good-bye to the only summer I’d ever known, and the best possible summers anyone could ever ask for.

Some of you who know me might be thinking, “She lives at camp, so she never really had to say goodbye,” or something along those lines. But what you don’t know is how hard it was to hear camp songs through my bedroom window, or to see people running around Foley Green or splashing in the water, and to know that I could never be a camper again.

Me and Tess, 2001.

Going away to college out near Boston, Massachusetts, made me realize more than I already knew of how an extraordinary place Foley is. Being there all the time, I think I took the experience, the friendships, and the summers for granted. The last couple summers haven’t been the same without camp, and that is why I decided to be a counselor this summer. I want to give back to camp because camp has given me so much, and has made me who I am. Whenever I am coming back to Minnesota from school, I pause at the top of the big hill and look at the lake, and I know I am home. No matter how near or far, Foley is always with me, as it is for most of us who have been blessed with being a part of the Foley Family.

- Kylie Beltz, Counselor.

From New to Cool

When I spoke to Maggie H on the phone the other day, she was happily on spring break and enjoying sleeping in and laying low. That being said, the moment I started talking about camp you could sense the excitement rise in her voice. Suddenly she was off the couch and across 3 states (she lives in Illinois) and was back on the waves of Whitefish Lake (she said waterskiing was her favorite activity). Here is what she said:

Maggie H. During Summer 2011.

So your sister came to Foley for a few years before you joined us, what was it like finally being able to understand what she was always talking about when it came to camp?

It was really cool! She talked about it so much that I knew a lot but now we can talk about it together which I really like. 

What was it like being a first year camper?

Scary. I didn’t know anyone so I was pretty nervous I wasn’t going to make friends. But the minute I got to camp I realized how nice everyone was and they were just so warm and welcoming I felt like I had been there for 5 years. 

What is a skill that you learned at camp that you can use now that you aren’t here?

Well, I am getting ready to go in to high school next year so now I know what it is like to be in a new environment and make friends. I also learned how you shouldn’t have to put on a show for people all the time and that you can just be yourself. 

Do you keep in touch with your friends that you made?

Yes. We use Facebook. Ha. 

Is there anything else you want to say to all the readers?

Camp is so much fun! If you don’t know whether to come or you are trying to decide – do it! You will regret it if you don’t. 

I can’t make this stuff up, people.

Maggie is a twelve year old from Northbrook, IL where she is finishing up 8th grade. Besides waterskiing, she loves making friendship bracelets in her spare time at camp as well as hanging out in the cabin and talking. Thanks to Maggie for spending some of her hard earned spring time talking to me. If you would like to be interviewed for the “Rattlin’ Blog” – email me!

- Alli Faricy, Director

Camp Foley Camper Speaks Out

Ellie Mahoney

Ellie Mahoney, an 8th grader at Our Lady of Grace in Edina, MN shares some of her highlights at Camp Foley. This will be her 6th year at Foley!

Ellie resounds what many campers say about their happiest Foley memories, “It is meeting new people from everywhere.” She describes the people at Foley as “nice and fun”. She recalled her first sailing experience with her friends as being “windy”. She “felt free, felt excitement and happiness.” She continues to sail as it has become one of her favorite activities. Waterskiing also tops the list and she was very proud of dropping a ski and making it completely around the circle. In 2012, she is looking forward to “getting out on the lake and having my lake time”.

Camp has changed Ellie in that it “made me realize that there is a lot to do out-of-doors instead of being inside.” She mentioned that Camp Foley “means a lot to me because I get to do a bunch of things that I can’t do in Edina.” She is looking forward to returning to camp and said, “Everybody should come to Foley because it is fun and you meet cool people.”

On a side note her U12A Hockey Team was the Minnesota state championships on March 16th! Congratulations to Ellie and her team! Also pictured from Camp Foley are Coach Dave Horan and Leah Gresham. Click here to see more pictures.

U12A Edina Hornets