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.

Grateful for YOU

In 2016 we had a lot to be thankful for, from completing our 92 summer serving youth, to welcoming many new campers in to our Foley Family, to having the opportunity to cuddle with Nike and Norm on the daily.

Always at the top of the list is our entire Foley Family. We are infinitely grateful for the incredible campers, staff, and alumni. You are the reason camp has such a feeling of "home."

The Foley Family is spread far and wide across the world, which is a beautiful thing. We enjoy celebrating with you all in spirit and were excited to receive photos from current and past Foleyites. Below are few of those photos!

We look forward to seeing where 2017 takes each of you!

Pippa, a staff member in 1999 and 2000, and her family pose for
a photo near their home in South Africa. Happy Holidays!

Lilly, camper for 10 years, celebrated on the slopes in Colorado.

Former campers and staff Diego, Claudia, Mauricio, and Regina
sent their holiday greetings from Rome. 

Hally, a staff member in 2014 and 2016, celebrated back home in Australia
by putting "another shrimp on the barbie." 

Louise, a current camper, had a frosty time decorating cookies
for Santa with her younger cousin near Minneapolis! 

Peter, a long time camper and staff, celebrated
with his preschool students in the province of Sanmatenga.



Explore CAMP FOLEY and REGISTER your child today. 

I is for Immersion

Camp has its own special culture; traditions and history help to create an atmosphere that draws families back year after year, and our campers love feeling like a part of the Foley family. In fact, when campers leave home and arrive at camp, they may find that they are immediately immersed in camp life and camp culture, surrounded by songs and games, and already in a completely new mindset.

We take this concept of immersion to an even higher level. Campers come from all over the world for the Camp Foley experience, and while their hometowns range from Buenos Aires to London to Tokyo, Foley becomes their new home. International kids beam with pride as they see their English improve, and American kids make friends from across the globe that they’ll remember forever. Through everything, we see unity in the spirit of camp. Our campers know that when they arrive, they will find a home where they are immersed in not only culture and language, but also true camaraderie.