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! 

 

D is for Dog

Nike & Norm in Staff Uniforms

Norm on a Boat

Two common sights around Camp Foley are Norm and Nike, the camp dogs. While Nike is known for her fluffy, teddy bear appearance (she is a mini Golden-doodle), excitability and overall carefree nature, Norm is a bit more serious, fiercely loyal (you can always tell where Alli is as he will be waiting outside of the whatever building she is in or following close at her heels) and lovable in a one on one situation.

The two dogs are best buds, often laying in the sun together or harassing chipmunks. However, just like human best friends, they have lots of differences. At any picnics you have to watch your plate if Nike is out, she is stealthy, fast and always in the mood for a good Sloppy Joe or peanut butter sandwich, but Norm will sit by you whining for a snack, however he rarely goes in without an invite. While Nike loves to swim, Norm prefers to chase squirrels. Norm is happy to sit quietly at campfire, Nike, not so much. Norm hates rain boots, Nike hates thunderstorms.

Nike "helping" with Docks

While they add entertainment and smiles to everyone (and sometimes just annoy us), we have found that from time to time, kids feeling a little down or missing home have loved to have Norm or Nike to talk to or pet for a few minutes. A little reminder perhaps of their pets.

Dogs really do make the best friends.

The Office Dogs

Are you ever curious as to what Nike and Norm do at camp all winter?  They have pretty extraordinary lives. Up in the morning to chase a few squirrels as they trot to “work” and then a long morning nap in the office – and yes, Nike has an office chair!  

Afternoons are the filled with treats from Mary and occasionally the FedEx man or some basking in the sun.  And they have a lot of reading to do as well!  Then they run and run and run in the late afternoons and evenings clocking well over 3 miles out on the lake.  Chasing snowmobiles and deer are a couple of their favorite sports.  Foley is not only a very kid friendly place, it is a dog friendly facility as well!