Camp Foley vs. Camp Rock

 

Want to talk about Disney? Good, me too!

Most of us are familiar with those classic Disney Channel movies that played throughout the early 2000s. Musicals became the popular thing across disney after the success of "High School Musical". But after a movie about kids singing their way through high school, Disney took it one step further! A movie about kids singing their way through CAMP! I present to you all... CAMP ROCK!

Camp Rock is a 2008 American musical television film directed by Matthew Diamond and starring Demi Lovato, Joe Jonas, Meaghan Martin, Maria Canals-Barrera, Daniel Fathers, and Alyson Stoner. It is about Mitchie (Demi Lovato), a young girl aspiring to be a singer, and her time at Camp Rock, a summer music camp, where she will discover friends, adversaries, romance, and her voice. Pretty standard Disney stuff, but after watching this movie, kids might be left with some pretty unrealistic ideas about what summer camp actually is. I am here today to set the record straight!

You can watch this movie right now with a Disney+ subscription. 

What is the same?

Because the movie takes place at a camp, there will of course be some similarities to Camp Foley...

1. Camp Rock is set on a beautiful, picturesque lake. Camp Foley is set on Whitefish lake and the waterfront is a place where many of campers love to go, although there is more sailing and skiing done, than singing. 

2. 

   Campers helping in the kitchen

   Mitchie’s parents discuss at the beginning of the film that they can’t afford to send her because it’s too expensive. This can be a reality for a lot of families who want to send their children to camp. Camp Foley offers many different options for financial assistance, from scholarships, to helping with dish washing. Our octo and our dishwasher program looks a lot like what our main character Mitchie takes part in at Camp Rock. 
3. At Camp Rock, the character Tess is the diva of the camp. Prepare yourself to be shocked, but all camps have diva’s (both campers and counselors). But this isn't always a bad thing, and camp divas can come into their own and embrace the amazing experience they are apart of. Camp brings out the best in people. Just like what happens at the end of the movie. 
4. The campers (and counselors) break out into random synchronised songs without any advance warning – especially during meal times. While Camp Foley may not have the production value of Camp Rock, we do end up singing an awful lot. Any of our opening and closing campfire skits would look right at home in a Disney Musical. We even sing before every meal in the dining hall, perhaps with less choreographed dancing. 

What are the differences?

There are many differences between a movie about camp and camp itself. Camp Foley, in my opinion, is just as magical as Disney, but we don't the Jonas Brothers... not yet anyway. 

Big and little kids come to Foley

1. The campers at Camp Rock are all practically borderline adults. At Camp Foley, campers ages can range from around 7 to 17 years old.
2. Our diva Tess rocks up to Camp Rock in a limo, without parents. Campers usually get dropped off by their parents or take the bus up from the Twin Cities. We do have some parents picking up campers by boat, and even sea plane, but I’ve yet to see any campers arrive by limo!
3. I never saw anyone on Camp Rock lugging HUGE duffels out of the cars on Camp Rock, or counselors sweating while helping to trek them to the boys and girls end in the midday sun. Real camp is a little less glamorous, and a lot more hard work on opening day!
4. The campers at Camp Rock seem to spend a lot of time unattended, whether in their rooms rehearsing or while eating their lunch in the dining hall. At camp, it’s rare the campers are ever alone without a Counselor in sight. Counselors are always available around Camp Foley, and supervise all activities. Campers may find themselves without a counselor right next to them during free time, when they can lounge on Foley green or hang out in the hammocks. But our staff are never far away. 
5. Although campers often break into spontaneous, synchronised song, it’s rare that a complicated dance ever accompanies it unlike at Camp Rock. Sure we have movements that go along with songs, like Wisconsin Milk, The Damper song, The Banana song and more, but nothing quite as polished as the kids have going on in this movie. Also, I’ve never seen anyone dancing on the dining hall tables at Camp Foley! Lets keep it that way!

   

   We sing at campfires!

6. The Counselors at Camp Rock (minus Shane Grey aka Joe Jonas) all seem pretty old to me. The majority of Counselors at Camp Foley range from 19 to 25. I see your age bias Hollywood!
7. At Foley, generally you will find that the campers spend their free time making friendship bracelets and playing Tetherball, rather than rehearsing laboriously for an upcoming talent show Although this has been known to happen during our Founder's Day celebration, but that's only one night of the session, not the whole point of camp. 
8. The cabins on Camp Rock look pretty cosy with a few single beds dotted around, rugs on the carpet and curtains on the windows. If you have been to Camp Foley you know our cabins definitely don't look like this. We have beautiful cabins here, but having carpet and curtains would make them a lot harder to keep clean and a lot harder to keep fresh air flowing in and out.
9. Camp Foley is technology-free zone. The kids at Camp Rock have cell phones and laptops, which for me defeats the whole point of going to camp and getting away from the real world!
10. The campers at Camp Rock all look very clean and presentable with brushed hair and ironed clothes. Half the fun of camp is that you don’t have to worry about mud on your clothes, or wearing the same outfit twice in two days.

At the end of the day Camp Rock is a fun movie. It has some heart warming moments about kids finding their passions and true selves. This is exactly what we hope will happen for all our campers when they come to Camp Foley. But I think we can all agree, the real deal is always better than a movie. 

Happy Campers are WE, Here at Camp Foley!

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!!

History of Archery

 Here we are with another installment of our History Blogs! This one will focus on the history surrounding Archery as an activity here at Camp Foley! Archery has been around since the beginning of Foley History and is very popular still today! Check out how Archery has changed over the years...

1940s

This is the decade where we first see pictures of campers shooting archery at Camp Foley. The range as we know it looks a bit different in these old pictures. The boys are using wooden bows and rtin cans to keep their arrows up right while shooting. 

The range has changed a lot

1950s

Not a lot happens in the 50s to change Archery, but it definitly happened. In 1953, Archery area cleared and the building added for storage. 

1960s

Here we are in the 60s! In 1961, Field Archery is introduced properly and there is one designated place to shoot bows. 2 years later, improvements are made to the Archery shed. Then next year in 1964, 6 new bows are purchased for the campers. In 1965, target dollies/carriers are purchased $117.00, and a back drop net is set up at the back of the range to stop arrows. Finally in 1966, the target archery range is doubled in size, with an established permanent firing range.   

Check out the old Archery sign!

These are some old targets

1970s

Stepping into the 70s, girls can finally be seen shooting on the archery range! Other than a whol enew demographic coming to camp, new bows are purchased in 1971. 

Check out this old target

Campers making their own arrows, should we bring this back?

1980s

Nothing new is recorded for Archery in the 80s, but look at these kids shoot!

Nice Shot!

1990s

And we made it to the 90s! A few small changes happen and the range slowly starts to look like we know it today. In 1995, New archery targets are purchased. Years later in 1998, new games take archery off of the range and onto the soccer field for a time! And at the end of the decade in 1998, 5 moveable targets replaced on the range, 

Hand drawn targets!

2000s

Almost at the end, coming into the early 200s! In 2002, new bows, arrows, and target faces are added to Archery. A year later in 2002, the outside storage center for targets is built, no more wet targets! In 2004, we brought back field Archery will return for Foley’s 80^th anniversary. Also that year 20 recurve bows are purchased. Then in 2009, deer, antelope, javelin, and 10 point bull’s eye targets are added to give campers a variety of things to shoot at. 

Peek the deer in the back!

Sitting "Pretty" waiting to shoot

2010s

We have arrived to the present day! A few last things are added to complete the archery range as we know it. In 2013, new 3 dimensional animals (Zombie,  Mini Polar Bear, Giant Mosquito, Stegosaurus, Badger, , Poison Frog) are added and the old ones are retired to the paintball fields. In 2018, new recurve bows are purchased. And that's all there is folks! Archery has always been a staple activity here at camp and we don't expect that to change anytime soon.

Dino-Mite archers! 

The LITs focus on Social Justice

The University sponsored the event

 This summer our LITs (Leaders in Training) participated in The Maverick Social Justice Camp. This camp is part of Minnesota State University Mankato programming and was completely virtual. The Maverick Social Justice Summer Camp aims to promote awareness of social justice issues and help cultivate secondary education (9th - 12th-grade) student leaders, especially in multicultural communities. The camp exposes participants to various topics relevant to social justice, especially as they pertain to multicultural groups. Topics our LITs focused on included racism, sexism, and classism. 

The camp took place from Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 26 and was free to participate in. This camp took the place of what would've have been two weeks of leadership classes and programming here at Camp Foley, and campers that participated in this camp will move ahead to the next level in the Foley Leadership program. 

Here's what our LITs had to say...

What are your overall thoughts on the experience and what you learned?

"I thought the camp was very interesting and an experience that has shaped my opinions and thoughts on so many different forms of injustice today. It was fun talking to other people from different backgrounds as well and learning about their stories/journeys with social injustice."- Meghan Jurgens(15)

"I think it was a great opportunity to learn more about the racial discrimination that many minority groups have faced and still face today. It was a great way to start a dialogue, especially with students my age who are also passionate about social justice. I had a blast meeting people from different states and it was fun seeing familiar camp faces." - Betsy Fries(16)

"I thought the social justice camp was really cool experience during the time of covid and George Floyd's death. Those situations helped enhance the meaning and importance of these conversations we were having regarding climate change and systemic racism." - Gregory Forsbreg(16) 

"My main takeaway from Social Justice Camp were all the new viewpoints I experienced there that I've never been introduced to before. There were many times the Social Justice Camp counselors taked to us about topics I was familiar with, but had an interpretation I had never thought of before. Their lectures widened my horizons a lot." - Ella Flynn(16)

What was the most important thing you took away from the Social Justice Camp?

"That even though we come from different parts of Minnesota, We are still so similar. We've all had our struggles and successes with the concept of Social Justice and that its a learning process for everyone." - Meghan Jurgens(15)

"I think it was surprising to learn his much power young people have about the matter, yet still we're only so young and can only do so much."- Betsy Fries(16)

"The experience of hearing and discussing everybody's different backgrounds and first hand experiences with the issues were very important in making our conversations uncomfortable in a good way." - Gregory Forsbreg(16) 

"Going into Social Justice Camp, I was expecting it to be more similar to LIT curriculum at camp: talking about what makes a good leader, giving examples, etc. Instead the camp focused more on progression and roots of inequality in our society. We talked more about race and gender identity then we did about leadership."- Ella Flynn(16)

Our LITs and CITs volunteering for "Kids Against Hunger"

Camp Moves Me has BEGUN!

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!!!

If you follow Camp Foley on social media (specifically Facebook or Instagram) then you have probably seen Foley Directors, Staff and Campers participating in an event called Camp Moves Me over the past few years during the month of October.

Camp Moves Me is a fundraising campaign run by the American Camp Association (ACA). Camp Foley is accredited through the ACA and in doing so is eligible to set up a scholarship fund to raise donations that help more kids come experience a summer at Foley!

The campaign is one focused on exercise and fundraising. Participants dedicate their October exercise and log the miles as they run/walk/hike/bike etc. while friends, family, co-workers and the like can donate to support their efforts which ultimately supports the Camp Foley Scholarship Fund.

Click here to Donate Today!

Participants are usually folks passionate about Camp Foley and passionate about helping other kids experience a life changing summer at Camp! We have 11 participants at the moment who are excited about getting out and moving for the kids, and 28 contributions!

Shout out to these campers who are moving this year..

• Maisie M.
• Emma M.
• Aria M.

It's not too late to join the team and be a participant yourself! Register HERE. 

For additional information on this campaign click here.

First Time Camper? Check this out: A Beginner's Guide to Camp Foley

A Beginner’s Guide to Camp Foley

Welcome to Foley! As two long time campers (with a combined 10 years at Foley), we know that coming to camp for the first time can be pretty intimidating. So from some formerly terrified first year campers to another, here’s a guide to help ease your fears as much as we wish ours could’ve been. Prepare to make this summer incredible!

First off, the packing list. Now, it’s pretty extensive and has a great outline for all you’ll be needing, but let’s get into the specifics. While some things are definitely necessary to bring with you to camp (deodorant, shampoo, sun screen, etc.), other items are up for more personal preference, like swimsuits, for example. Although the Foley packing list says to only bring two swimsuits, this year we’ll be bringing three. We spend a lot of our day at the waterfront and prefer to avoid any situation where we might have to put on a cold, wet suit. If you're like us, these next 1-4 weeks you’ll be spending a lot of time around the water. Believe us, you'll want that 3rd suit! Next, your actual clothes. Bring some extra layers to put on during those cooler nights, and make sure to bring comfy clothes to wear around on the daily. Most importantly, bring clothes that you feel most comfortable in! To be honest, there will probably be 4-6 outfits that you’ll find yourself wearing almost every day. Make sure they’re ones you’re totally able to move around in, and make sure you don’t care about them too much (not all of our shirts have always survived). Pack some extra accessories, too! Personally, we always bring some sort of camera (to document all of the good times), letter-writing materials (send the Foley address to your friends and family so they can write you!), and friendship bracelet string. Above all, we bring tons of costumes. We can promise you that there will be more than enough opportunities to dress up in wild outfits- make sure to bring enough to stunt on everyone during all of Foley’s special events.

So the day finally arrives! You’re stepping out of the bus or car and into that blinding Minnesota sunshine. What should you expect? For starters, step out with an open mind. Be ready for new experiences. Let yourself be excited! In our opinion, it’s pretty impossible to not have a great time at camp, but making the most out of your time can really help you have the best time possible.

The first day is always a whirlwind of rules, introductions, campfire songs, and spaghetti. It can get to be overwhelming at times, especially if you’ve never been away from home for too long. It can also be really exciting! You get to meet all of the new people in your cabin (they won’t be new to you for too long, though), set up your bunk and unpack, and watch the crazy opening campfire skits. If you’re ever feeling too overwhelmed, talk to one of your counselors. They’re there to talk to you and help you through things- reach out to them!

On the first night, when you’re finally lying down in your bunk, surrounded by the people who are about to become your best friends, take a second to think about what you want to make sure to accomplish in the next few weeks. Set some goals for yourself to live up to. Try to do one thing everyday that scares you. Get out of your comfort zone, talk to as many people as possible, put yourself out there! If there’s any place on earth to take risks and be yourself, it’s definitely camp.

Now- the first morning! The day before, you will have picked your first out of three schedules that you’ll have during your time at camp. When choosing those five activities, here’s what we recommend:

1. Choose two things that you’ve never tried before.
2. Choose two activities you know you love.
3. And choose one activity that’s going to get you out of your comfort zone. 

If you’re not sure where one of your activities begins, don’t be afraid to ask someone. People at camp are some of the friendliest people you’ll probably ever meet, and no one expects you to know where everything is on your first day. So ask around!

The next few weeks will go by in a blur. Win as many canteens as possible, laugh as much as you can, and don’t bet that you’ll eat six pieces of Sodabread (believe us. It’s not worth it). Above all else, make sure to live in the moment. Enjoy the gorgeous nature surrounding you, enjoy the amazing time you have with the people around you, enjoy the little things that make camp what it is. Explore, be open, be curious!

Time spent at camp doesn’t match up to time spent at home. Days can feel as if they’ve gone by in a week, and weeks can feel like they’ve gone by in hours. At the end of your summer at Foley, it might feel as if it’s only been minutes since you first stepped out of that bus or car and into the sunshine. And you’re definitely going to leave already looking forward to what next year’s camp adventures have in store. So before you first walk out into your new home away from home, remember to make the most out of your time. We promise it’ll be worth it. Camp has been one of the most meaningful experiences in our lives, and we hope it’ll be the same for you. Can’t wait to see you this summer!

Faith and Grace :)

Thinking About Summer Plans? We Know We Are!

Our mission here at Foley is, 'We partner with parents to drive campers to grow, gain grit, investigate, and build independence.' But what does that truly mean for me (the parent)?

As parents, you are probably starting to get to the end of your summer planning and beginning to finalize all the plans for the family. Why not make camp a part of those summer plans?! Summer camp is a benefit to your child's growth and development, but it's also a benefit to you - the parents!

You might be thinking: "So what do I, as a parent, get out of this summer camp thing?"

Your kids are experiencing an intentional, individualized, structured few weeks away from home that gives you (the parent) the benefit of having more independent, confident kids. The article above has a great link for parents on how to prepare both themselves and their children for summer camp. The list has applicable ways to get ahead and lay the groundwork for a successful time away.

A safe environment for kids (and parents) to take risks is proving to be a much needed aspect of our lives. We know that homesickness is natural, but so is kid-sickness. Parents, you are definitely going to miss your kids, but it's a great opportunity for you to also take the risk of sending your child to a place that positively shapes them. Sending your child to a place where they are safe, cared for, and encouraged to take risks allows that room for growth and independence that we at Foley strive for.

The article, Anxious Parent? Sending the kids to camp can be great for you, too, from the Boston Globe goes into more depth regarding the benefits of summer camp for both you and your kids.

Parents, including our own Beth Foster, consistently see a difference in their kids when they return home after time spent in camp.

So, as you finalize those plans, think Camp Foley. Give your kid the gift of camp, complete with lifelong skills, friendships, and memories. Give yourself the gift of risk-taking growth, practice coping, and time doing what YOU would like to.

Register today for Summer 2019 and experience the benefits of camp for you and your child!

Camp Moves Simon. Participant Spotlight!

This October we saw our highest number of Camp Moves Me participants yet! 20 wonderful members of our Foley family dedicated their October exercise (running, biking, swimming, hiking, walking, kayaking/canoeing, etc.) and asked family and friends for donations. Donations go directly into the Camp Foley Scholarship fund, thus directly impacting our campers. 90% of the money raised will be deposited into our fund so we can help get more kids to camp next summer (the other 10% goes to the American Camp Association). We are ecstatic to say this Camp Moves Me campaign was our most successful yet! Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of the participants and donors. You are incredible. 

We recently had a conversation with one of our campers who participated for the first time to get his thoughts on the Camp Moves Me campaign. Simon was a first year participant and raised over $400 during the month long campaign. The heart and drive this young man displays to help make this world a better place is inspiring. 

Featured Participant: Simon M.

Age & Years as a camper: I'm 12 and next summer will be my 6th summer at camp!    

                 

Simon racing in Vail, Colorado, while repping a
Camp Foley sweatshirt! 

Hobbies Outside of Camp: football, lacrosse, downhill ski racing, hanging out with family and friends, and helping people in need. 

Favorite Camp Meal:  Pancakes! They are so good!          

Favorite Camp Song: Down By The Bay

Why did you choose to participate in Camp Moves Me? I chose to do Camp Moves Me because I wanted to help raise money for people who couldn’t go to camp and experience the awesomeness of it so that they could go and experience it. 

What mode of exercise did you choose and how many miles did you complete?  I chose biking and I biked 100 miles. 

Completing 100 miles of biking is quite the accomplishment! What motivated you to complete your miles? My motivation was like I said before, because I like to help anyone in need. Also, I love to be outside and biking. 

Do you feel that all kids should have the opportunity to go to summer camp?  Yes, I do think that all kids should be able to go to camp, especially Camp Foley, because it changes your life. It makes you a better person and you have the most fun of your life. 

Would you recommend others participate in Camp Moves Me? Yes, I do think that more people should participate in Camp Moves Me because they are helping other people and it’s a good, healthy choice for them to push themselves to be active.


Way to go, Simon! We are proud of your accomplishments. Thanks again to all of the donors and participants - you help make camp great! 

Morning Fun & Free Swim: But What To Do?!

Twice a day, campers are given a 30 minute break from activities to spend playing gaga ball, making friendship bracelets, shopping at special canteen, going to Paddle Mania swim or joining in a small activity that a staff member leads (like pogo sticking or parachute games.) This 30 minute window of free time is called Morning Fun, in the morning, and Free Swim, in the afternoon.

With so many options, campers sometimes struggle to decide what to do each day with their time. However, some older returning campers have gotten what to do at Morning Fun and Free Swim down to a science. One of our male LIT campers, who attended Camp Foley for 3rd and 4th session this past summer, shared what he thinks of these special free times and how to best use that time.

Max Corona, 3rd & 4th Session Wolf 

"What are the best things to do during Morning Fun and Free Swim? A lot of Fox campers will come up to me and ask this. Throughout my time at camp, the ideal activity during these times has changed.
When I was a Fox, the answer would be whatever burned the most energy. I can remember going to the tennis courts and playing tennis or going to play basketball.
A few years later, as I grew into a Coyote, I spent a lot of my time with my cabin at the swim dock on the watermat and swing. Later on, the swim dock got a little old and I wanted to move on and do other things. I would start huge games of four square with kids from all over camp. Another thing we would do is set up a circle of camp chairs and just hang out, talking and catching up about our days.
Now as a wolf, Morning Fun and Free Swim are a time I just want to spend hanging around with friends. Recently, all of my friends and I have been taking hammocks and a speaker out in front of the dining hall and just hanging out. Whenever another camper asks me for ideas about what to do during the hour we have off in the middle of the day, my answer is usually to do whatever you want, because the majority of the time you will enjoy what you are doing at camp."

Thanks for the insight, Max! And we totally agree. Whatever campers want to do they can and should! Because we love giving campers choice and options. So much of camp life is scheduled that these times are really meant for campers to do whatever they want to help make their camp experience just that... their's.

What Camp Foley Means to Mae

This Thanksgiving, as with every Thanksgiving dating back to 1924, we are thankful for our campers. This year we will put the spotlight on one of our Hall of Fame inductees, as we are incredibly blessed to have alumni just like Mae in our Foley Family. Mae wrote her Bridge Crossing essay during her 5th summer as a camper (2012) and had the opportunity to read it aloud to all of camp while she entered the Hall of Fame in 2017. As a 16 year old,  Mae found her 11 year old writing to be quite comical as she took frequent laugh breaks while sharing what camp means to her with her camp peers.   

What Camp Foley Means To Me

Mae M. 

2012

I love Camp Foley so much! It is awesome and it is the main thing I look forward to doing the summer. It is like fourteen days in paradise.

Camp Foley means friends! Everyone always has so many friends at Camp Foley. I love going back to camp to see so many of my friends that I have not seen in a year. It makes me so excited to go  back to Camp Foley! Also, all of the people and counselors are very, very nice and awesome. They are always smiling and giving great advice to everyone.

Camp Foley means super fun activities! All the activities are so awesome. But my very favorite two of all the many activities are windsurfing and soccer. I was so excited when they added soccer. I like playing with a TON of people. I also love facing my brother and sister in soccer. Windsurfing is also super cool. I get so excited while I am windsurfing.

Camp Foley means overnights! Every year I have slept in the tree houses. It is awesome because we have hot dogs and a treat. We also play a fun game called Mafia and a whole bunch of other games. Along with the tree houses I am also excited about my first year being able to go on a canoe trip. It reminds me of going to the Boundary Waters with my family, except at Camp I will be going with all my friends instead. I think it will be even more fun going with my friends. I am excited to be able to cook our own food and sleep in a tent.

2017

Camp Foley means amazing food! Camp's food is so yummy! Sometimes we even get special treats like ice cream and soda bread. I think canteen was one of the greatest inventions ever. You can eat ice cream, candy, and pop. So Good! It makes my tummy rumble just thinking about it. I love Baker's Square Night. It is pie night. All of the older girls dress up. I love camps pie.

Camp Foley means history. All of the cabins are names after American Indian people or tribes. It is so exciting to figure out which cabin I will be in every year. Camp Foley has been around since 1924. Both my parents were counselors at Camp Foley and my mom started there when she was eight years old. So if it weren't for Camp Foley I would not be here.

Camp Foley means super fun extra crazy things. I love how camp always does funny skits and lip syncs. The opening campfire is always my favorite of all three campfires. The staff is so funny! I also love the banquets. The food is so yummy and it is so fun to dress up in crazy costumes.

Camp Foley means activities, food, overnights, dances, lip syncs, and campfires. But it mostly means friends, and having a very fun time at Camp Foley.

Thank you for letting us share your essay, Mae! If you would like to be featured on the Rattlin' Blog please shoot an email to Jordan. Or if you know someone who would love all of the yummy food just as much as Mae does, Register Today! 

Smooth Sailing into Summer '17

The ice is out on Whitefish and we can't contain our excitement for the fast approaching summer months! As we have watched the ice retreat and leave behind more and more open water, one specific addition to the waterfront comes to mind, the Hartley 12s.

Picture this, you and three of your besties are nervously walking across Foley Green to join 3-4 sailing. I say nervously because this will be your first time sailing in a boat larger than a Bic. When you arrive, you are instructed on the necessary skills required to sail before you even head down to the boats (which helped one friend who has never sailed, but of course you already learned in Sailing Bics). After hearing all this, your confidence is building and you head down the Marina steps and finally get a good look at the new, blue Hartley 12 sailboats, and woah are they beautiful.





As you and your besties begin rigging your boat, you realize these boats are nowhere near as intimidating as you thought. With the ample crew space, deep cockpit, and a high boom, you start thinking you don't need to be a pro to enjoy sailing these boats. One of your friends, who is an experienced sailor, also looks excited as she explains how smoothly a Hartley 12 sails through big waves and she points out that it is a very stable boat so capsizing is unlikely. You and your friends set sail and enjoy the next hour out on Whitefish learning how to maneuver this Hartley 12. By the end of the summer you know you will be confident and ready to teach new friends the exciting art of sailing in the summers to come!

Hartley 12's are a phenomenal sailboat to develop and enhance your skills and we cannot wait to see campers out sailing on Whitefish this summer!