A Home For All

Matt throwing up the double peace signs as he leads his squad on banquet day

Since 2010, Foley has had the privilege to be the proud employer of more than 20 international staff members. The vast international presence in camp is undoubtedly one of the most exciting facets of the camping experience.

"MOM! You won't believe it, my counselor, Matt, is from the Czech Republic and he is the COOLEST." - Campers in Cabin Kadigomeg 2017.

This international experience is made possible by the J-1 Visa, which allows individuals to come to the US on a cultural exchange work program. Earlier this year, the "Buy American Hire American" executive order put obtaining a J1-Visa at risk, which would be a major bummer to camps far and wide. In honor of camp professionals continuously pushing forward to ensure the camp counselor portion of the J1-Visa is not impacted, we'd like to share some heart warming words about what camp means to an international counselor as well as how one of our American campers feels about the amazing international staff who call camp home.

Jimmy, Counselor 2017, Australia

"When you go to camp in the US as an international counselor, like I did, the process for getting there can look a little daunting. Flights, J1-Visa application, paperwork, and interviews can look intimidating. But is it worth it? Yep. You bet it is.
There isn't anything like spending a summer at camp in the US, with each camp having their own ingrained culture, community, focuses, and the opportunity to be a part of something that should not be forsaken.

Jimmy sharing his passion for biking

I can't talk about being an international counselor without thanking the team at Camp Counselors USA for getting me there. I don't care how organised or mature you are, it's awesome to have someone hold your hand and walk you through the process. You'll find that virtually all camp organisations will be amazing in their own ways. I heard no complaints about organisations from the other internationals, all positives.
I mentioned earlier that all of the paperwork to get to camp and even once you're there can be a bit daunting. But I want to reiterate that it is 100% worth it. Camp gives you endless opportunities to grow as a person and make a difference in someone else's life. Be a superhero in the eyes of a ten year old even though you don't see yourself as a hero. Be a life coach. Be life coached! Learn more about yourself and about how other people work. I took so many valuable skills home from camp, some basic, like how to do laundry, and some were genuinely life-changing. Learn how to comfort grief, how to brighten someone's day, how to give purpose to someone who believes they have no purpose. Camp is not easy, it's not supposed to be easy. It's supposed to make you a better person, whether you're a counselor or a camper. Camp is definitely worth it and it could not have been possible without the J1-Visa."

Patrick, 7 Year Camper, USA

"It is absolutely amazing, the things you can learn from all the staff coming from different countries. Their beliefs, and different cultural backgrounds always intrigue me. The diversity at Foley is what sets is apart from other camps and is one of my favorite parts about Camp. It is crazy how much you can know about another place after spending just two weeks with a person. Camp wouldn't be the same without the international staff."

We are excited to make even more memories with international staff as they all play an important role in our culture. The J1-Visa is a vital part in allowing us to do just that. If you would like to read more into the logistics behind how the J1-Visa could be impacted, please check out this Public Policies Article that appears on the ACA website.

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust

One of Camp Foley's best traditions (in my professional opinion) is it's birthday tradition. I love when the entire Dining Hall sings "happy birthday" to someone as they stand on a milk crate and followed by the counselors surrounding the birthday camper and singing the staff birthday song. Who can resist ominously chanting, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, we hate do it, but we must we must," as campers and counselors follow the birthday boy or girl to the lake to be thrown in by his or her counselors? Follow all of this up with a special Foley birthday cake - amazing! Guest blogger and 2013 counselor Melissa Martutartus recalls the birthday of one of her 2012 campers.

Melissa helping to throw Jessica into Whitefish Lake.

I have many favorite moments that I can recall from my first summer at Foley. I love the fact that there are so many traditions that one would only understand having gone to Foley. One of which is to be thrown in the lake on your birthday. It was one of my favorite moments, being a new counselor, that I was a part of throwing my camper into the lake. It made me feel like I helped make Jessica’s day even though she knew it was coming. However, it made my day even more because the entire camp was watching. I felt as though it is an honor to throw someone into the lake. And since Jessica was a member of my cabin, we were able to laugh as a cabin about it that night together! 

-Melissa Martutartus

Have you ever celebrated a birthday at Foley, or  might you be a first-timer camper this summer and have this tradition to look forward to? Do you have another Foley tradition that's your favorite?