Try Out Some of These April Fool's Day Pranks!

Happy April Fool's Day, fun-loving Foleyites! It's the funniest day of the year today, and we hope you didn't think we would leave you without some creative, fun prank ideas. Use these on your family or friends, and don't be afraid to add your own twists!

Goofy Googly Eyes

This one is easy and perfect almost any location -- the office, classroom, or right at home! Pick up a pack of googly eyes and stick them to unsuspecting items. The result is silly (if slightly creepy) and is sure to get some laughs.

The Never-Ending Word Search

Wanna keep your friend busy for a while? Challenge them to complete this word search puzzle faster than you (tell them you found all the words in under three minutes!) and watch as they realize none of the words can be found! Then, just as they're about to give up, make sure to point out the words "April" and "Fools."

Useless Soap

Ah, a classic April Fool's Day prank! If you haven't tried this one before, 2016 is the year to give it a shot. Start with a normal bar of soap and some clear nail polish. Coat the whole bar of soap in the nail polish, allow it to dry thoroughly, and place it by mom and dad's sink. When they try to use it, the soap won't bubble up!

Their Favorite Food -- Or Is It?

Make April Fool's Day lunch or dinner a little extra special with these recipes! From a delicious mashed potato ice cream sundae to meatloaf cupcakes, your "victims" won't even be mad. Enlist friends and family to help you make them!

Alright, pranksters, have an awesome April Fool's Day, and don't forget to be safe and considerate -- nobody likes a mean prank! And, when you've got someone good, tell us how you did it on Facebook or Twitter.

Thank You, Johan Cruyff

We all know what it's like to watch the best of the best in action and think to ourselves, "I want to be like them someday." Having role models is such important part of growing up and figuring out who we were meant to be and what we were meant to do.

Yesterday, the world said a tearful goodbye to Dutch athlete Johan Cruyff, one of the greatest soccer legends of all time and a role model to generations of stars to come. Known for his quick and crafty style of play, the former Barcelona and Ajax player revolutionized soccer in the Netherlands and around the world, helping to develop what is referred to today as "Total Football." He was a perfect example of what it meant to be smart on the pitch -- while he was never much of a show-off, he played to the strengths of his teammates while scoring nearly 400 goals over the course of his career.

To this day, Cruyff and his signature style live on in modern soccer, and the kids of today who will be legends themselves tomorrow will certainly know his name. At Camp Foley, you can expect that our soccer coaches will be looking for ways to bring that same intelligent, team-orientated mindset to every game we play this summer.

So thank you, Johan Cruyff, for decades of inspiration and constant reminders to follow our dreams. We at Camp Foley will think of you with every beautiful goal we score.

In Good or Bad Weather, These Indoor Activities Rock

Oh, boy. Is it March already?

Around this time of year at Camp Foley, we start seeing temperatures well below AND above freezing. With rain, snow, and sunshine all in the same week, how can we plan a fun day? If the weather's got you down, look no further than the trusty indoors. Here are three great ideas to snag for your next rainy day.


1. Bake and decorate cookies.

Cookies are quick and easy, and there are flavors for every picky eater! Grab a couple of friends or family members to help you whip up a batch, and then decorate to your liking. If you're feeling especially artsy, we think these flower cookies are almost too pretty to eat -- give 'em a shot!

2. Build a comfy fort.

What could be better than snuggling up in a blanket fort with a book or movie? Make one big enough to share with pals, or shut the world away for a while and enjoy some alone time. This page has some great ideas for forts that will keep you cozy until the sun returns.

3. Get started on yoga.

If you have some space for a little movement, yoga is a great indoor activity for almost any age and skill level. Not only does yoga strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, it can also be relaxing (especially with the sound of rain outside!).

If you're new to yoga entirely, here's a really helpful beginner tutorial. Parents, this one's a great video for getting your younger ones into it, too!

We know it's tough to stay inside for too long, but every Foleyite knows that fun is everywhere you look, no matter the weather. Let us know what your favorite rainy day activities are! Comment below or fill us in on Facebook.

F is for Faith

Camp Foley was originally founded by Father John P. Foley in 1924 and has proud roots in the Catholic faith. A lot has changed in 91 years, but to this day, campers sing grace before each meal and attend Catholic or non-denominational services every Saturday evening. We know that faith, Catholic or otherwise, is an integral part of each child’s personal development and well-being. We aim to help kids foster their own faith through careful guidance and by encouraging independent and group exploration.

Catholic campers or campers desiring a more traditional service on Saturday nights can experience mass in the stunning Our Lady of Snows Chapel, singing songs and celebrating their beliefs together. This gives campers the ability to take a break from the hustle and bustle of camp life to reconnect with themselves and others spiritually.

Foley counselors also offer a non-denominational service that is open and designed for all campers. Topics explored during non-denominational services include happiness and caring for others, and counselors illustrate these concepts with poetry, books, and hands-on activities. The goal here is to help campers achieve that spiritual connection through a better understanding of the world and people around them.

E is for Engage

There’s a place for everyone at Foley, regardless of interests or skill levels. We believe that every camper deserves to be engaged with camp life in their own special ways, whether it be through intense activities like wakeboarding and archery or through the creative arts activities like photography or guitar. We know that growth occurs when counselors and staff engage campers in activities that allow them to gain confidence and receive helpful feedback.

Never should anyone at camp feel bored or uninvolved; with days and nights packed with fun opportunities to form friendships, learn new skills, and see themselves in new, positive lights, kids are always a piece of the Foley puzzle. Like any team, we need the unique strengths of each and every person in order to be at our best. With that in mind, we seek to give and receive that constant and varied engagement.

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.

C is for Considerate

Summer camp is a great opportunity to develop one’s own skills and grow as a person. What sets Foley apart, however, is our emphasis on growth while simultaneously helping others to grow. Consistent acts of caring and consideration are typical for the Camp Foley camper or staff member; on a daily basis, we see people looking out for others even when help isn't requested.  People aren't the only ones being cared for at Camp Foley either. The Camp Foley community is committed to protecting, honoring, and playing in nature, whether it’s by throwing a ball for one of the camp dogs or making a point to pick up trash when we see it. Every day we are reminded of the importance of being considerate towards everyone and everything at camp.

The feeling you get in your stomach when you go out of your way for the well-being of someone else is one of the best feelings you can have. The only better feeling is the one that comes when you know that you matter to someone else. As 2015 Foley counselor Peter has said, "we should strive to not have to watch our own backs because we know that our friends, cabin mates, and counselors are."

B is for Breathtaking

Summer camp campers and counselors at Camp Foley come from all over the

Photo by Camper Genevieve S

world (last summer 24 states and 11 foreign countries to be exact), a fact of which we are immensely proud. On the first day of each session, one can hear tales of the bright lights of New York, the beaches of Cancun, and smooth Parisian accents drifting through the air, and it is often wondered how we all ended up on the same piece of land in northern Minnesota.

After a few strokes of a canoe paddle through the Whitefish waves or a night of stargazing on top of the marina, it’s easy to see why Camp Foley is so magnetic. Campers fall asleep to singing loons and wake up to crystal blue skies peeking through the pines. They look out over the summer camp from the top of the climbing wall and wave to the sailboats as they skip over the Minnesota water on wake boards. And on quiet afternoons walking the trails, they can look straight ahead and see nothing but trees.

A is for Appetite

At Foley, our campers and staff have a special kind of hunger. Maybe it’s the rumbling in their bellies after a tough afternoon spent canoeing on Whitefish Lake, twisting in and out of yoga poses, and ringing the cowbell at the top of the climbing wall. Perhaps they’re especially ravenous dreaming of soda bread on Sunday mornings. But anyone at Foley, from the youngest fox campers to our oldest veterans, will tell you that the real appetite at camp is a true desire to be more, do more, and most of all, grow grit and investigate independence.

Campers wake up in the morning wanting to push beyond the boundaries they may have previously set for themselves. They try new activities, open their hearts to new friends, and discover new talents they never knew they had. They are not afraid of failure because they know that even the clearest path to success is riddled with it.

At the end of the day, after the dinner grace has been sung, food has been shared and eagerly eaten, and the last activities have come to a close, the counselors put their campers to bed knowing that their biggest challenge for the next day will be to provide them with the best opportunities for growth. The Camp Foley experience is a multi-course meal, the meat of which is the confidence kids have after seeing that there is no end to what they can accomplish. This is why the appetite here can never be fully satisfied; the possibilities are endless, and the growing never stops.

A camper works hard to get up on water skis for the first time.

So what do I, as a parent, get out of this summer camp thing?

One of the most popular questions we get in our camp office is:

"What will my kids gain from their time at camp?" 

Our answers always touch on ideas such as independence, resilience, socialization, new experiences, or lasting friendships. We could go on for hours. And, if you talked to any of the parents of kids who have attended camp before, they could too.

The question we don't generally hear (because let's face it, parents are awesome, selfless people) but may be interesting to consider is "what do the parents of campers get out their child's time at camp?"

All parents want the best for their children and watching them mature, learn new skills, experience great feats, and make new friends can be just as rewarding for parents as is for campers. Many camp parents tell us that their camper comes home standing a little taller or being a little more helpful. All of sudden making their beds or cleaning up after a meal doesn't seem like quite as big of a task.

New camp parents often speak about how they feel guilty for "sending their child away for 2 or 4 weeks" or  "for having fun with their friends, in a kid free environment."

We understand. But, we are here to say - don't feel guilty!  Instead of thinking you are "sending them away to camp" think instead that you are "giving them camp". The best gifts in life are the ones that you can take with you wherever you are. The ones that never seem to go out of style. The ones that no matter how old you are, you can think back to exactly what you were doing when you were given that gift.

Camp is a gift that you can literally never lose. The value in that feeling you will have as a parent when you realize you have just offered your kids something to last a lifetime is incalculable.

Parents work hard to provide the best for their children and when they give them the gift of camp, they hope their hard-earned money is going towards a great cause. We talk a lot about how to prepare kids for camp but how much do we talk about how to prepare as a parent?  

So parents!  Don't feel bad for taking a vacation, relaxing, getting a massage, or just sleeping in for a week straight. You deserve it! And while you are doing all those wonderful things, you can rest assured that your child is in great hands and having an experience that they will be proud to share with you when they get home!

Free Range Kids

When a news story started circulating in the Washington Post last week entitled "Parents investigated for neglect after letting kids walk home alone", it made me (Marie) think about my parenting style. Would I have done the same thing?  Who is responsible for making those independence choices for my kids?

I started to do some Google searches and found the Free Range Kids website.  There were some thought provoking articles with unique prospective. Here is quote from Lenore Skenazy, who wrote Free-Range Kids - How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts with Worry: 

Any risk is seen as too much risk. But if you try to prevent every possible danger or difficulty in your child's everyday life, that child never gets a chance to grow up. We parents have to realize that the greatest risk of all just might be trying to raise a child who never encounters choice or independence.”

If you are not a “helicopter parent” are you a “free range parent”?  Or do you fall somewhere in between?  We believe that camp is all about giving children choice and independence in a safe environment. Maybe we can be part of their "free range".  Thank you for allowing your children to grow each summer with us.

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!

Motherlode

Foley parents are the best and we are so grateful that you entrust your children to us.  As Directors, we are continuously educating ourselves on the many trends of youth development and of raising children.

While googling a keynote speaker, I came upon a blog, Motherlode; Living the Family Dynamic  and became immersed in many of the posted blogs.  Lead writer and editor, KJ Dell’Antonia, refers to the blog “as a source you can count on for information about family life, news coverage of family-related issues and research, and a smart, informed discussion of all of the above.”

As a parent of four myself, I found some great information about how to relate to my kids and a fresh look at some of the things they may be going through. Likewise, I was able to take many snippets away for use with the campers at Camp Foley.

After reaching my limit of 10 free articles per month without having a subscription I was booted out – until next month...

~Marie Schmid, Executive Director  

What Parent Should Know Before Summer Camp

It's that time of year again when parents begin the very important camp search. For families that haven't found their children's "summer home" this can be a very daunting task. While parents that know which camp their children will attend can breathe a sigh of relief (until of course it comes to picking a session and registering... eight months before summer even begins).

Luckily, there are a host of wonderful resources out there to help choose the perfect camp. The American Camp Association's search tool, Find a Camp, is a great source, as is, Lantern Camps if you're looking for accredited overnight camps.

Only once a parent has found the "perfect camp" does the worry set in. What on earth have I signed my child up to do? On the bright side, there are so many resources online that are designed to help parents feel more comfortable about sending their children away to camp.

Today contributor, Alesandra Dubin, wrote a handy article for Today Parents called, "7 things I wish I knew before sending my kids to sleepaway camp."

To be honest, we can't fully get behind tip number three (ziplock bags to the rescue) because we think it takes some of the independence and responsibility out of the camp experience, but the other six tips are truly great.

One of the best pieces of advice from Dubin: "Understand they [kids] need time to adjust. If your kid skips off happily into camp the very first minute - terrific. But don't count on it. Even a rocky start can lead to a beautiful experience."

Read the whole article here. 

Camp Pancakes

NOT Camp Pancakes (but probably also delicious)

Have you ever woken up and thought to yourself... "If only I could have Camp Pancakes for breakfast. Because if I could, I would undoubtedly ace that test, dominate that speech in English and get all of my homework done before Survivor!"?

Because that happens to me all the time.

How does one describe Camp Pancakes? They are sweet circles of deliciousness that happen to be the correct balance of doughy and fluffy at the same time. They are happiness on a plate. Camp Pancakes could turn Alexander's terrible, no good, very bad day into a wonderful, all good, only great day in the blink of an eye. And now you can make these pancakes at home because we're about to provide you with the top secret recipe.

It's said that Father Foley himself developed this recipe over a campfire many years ago*. Camp Pancakes have been a part of camp dining for many years, so give the recipe a try at home and let us know how they turn out! 

*That has most definitely never been said

Camp Foley's Buttermilk Pancakes 

2 Cups of Floor

2 Eggs

1/3 cup of canola oil

2 cups of Buttermilk (can use sour milk, milk or any combination)

2 cups of flour

¼ cup of sugar

8 tsp. of baking soda

To make them taste the closest to camp’s, mix up the day before and refrigerate overnight.\

Stay Hungry, Camp Foley!

Hummingbird Parents and Summer Camp

I recently stumbled across a very interesting blog posted by Richard Louv on the Children & Nature Network. The title: "Hummingbird Parents": Seven Actions Parents Can Take To Reduce Risk And Still Get Their Kids Outside." In the blog, Louv provides seven ways a parent can let their child have independent play - outside - and still feel in control and aware of their child's needs.

I fully recommend reading the entire article, but I want to address two of Louv's seven actions specifically.

Action 1: Take your kids outdoors

Anyone would agree that most children today do not spend as much time outdoors as children used to. Bike races around the neighborhood, exploring the woods for hours on end and disappearing into a neighbors house for a snack just don't happen as often as they used to. To this, Louv says, "If we want our children or grandchildren to experience nature, we'll need to be more proactive than parents of past generations." It's not up to the kids to get out of the house because often it's not their choice. Parents must be committed to introducing their child to nature. This brings me to the second action...

Action 2: Be a hummingbird parent

We hear the term "helicopter parent" all the time, which may be why children don't experience the outdoors as much. Parents are worried about their child disappearing into the woods for hours without checking in. Sometimes it's easier parking a child in front of a screen because there they are safe, under the watchful eye of a parent or trusted supervisor. Louv encourages parents to take Michele Whitaker's approach of being a "hummingbird parent." The idea is that parents can supervise their children - from a distance. Let them make their own experiences and "zoom in" when safety is a concern. This takes the hovering out of parenting.

How this fits into camp

As camp professionals, we hear all the time about the fears a parent may have about sending their child away for weeks at a time. Will they wear sunscreen? Who are the counselors watching my child? Will their allergies be an issue? All of these fears are understandable. We think summer camp is the perfect opportunity for parents to practice being "hummingbird parents."

When a parent decides to send their child to camp, they are deliberately sending their children outside to experience nature. After researching the right camp, parents can send their children off feeling confident that their child will be well cared for while they are away. Parents can zoom in by sending mail (and requesting mail back) or calling to speak to a camp administrator with concerns. It's hard for a parent to hover when their child is away being independent. This allows children to grow and investigate on their own. Sure, they may fall or fail a few times but that builds grit. 

grow GRIT. investigate INDEPENDENCE. 

Tater Tot Hotdish

Last summer, Joey P. (a five-year camper) said, "The food has changed my life. I mean it is so good." And you know what, I would have to agree. 

When you sit down to a meal, how often is it a meal that someone whipped up for 200 of your closest friends and family members? Answer: Never. At Camp Foley our awesome Cooks, Directors and Staff make it possible for everyone to come together, three times a day, over some pretty delicious food.

One of those menu items: Tater Tot Hotdish (TTHD). This camp meal has a cult-like following at Camp Foley, and it is NEVER to be called Tater Tot Casserole. Because this is Minnesota. #HotdishForLife

It consists of tater tots, ground beef and cream of mushroom soup (plus some secret seasoning). That's it! But somehow those ingredients come together in a 100% amazing taste experience. Your taste buds haven't lived until they've tasted Tater Tot Hotdish.

At camp, Tater Tot Hotdish is served with a bowl of cooked vegetables. And remember: Every table has to finish their vegetables! WHY?! Because vegetables are not only good but good for you. Campers and staff can also head to the salad bar for some leafy greens, fruit and a variety of other items. 

I caught up with one alum, Leslie Strobel, to see why she loves Tater Tot Hotdish so much. 

Who do you think loves tots more...
Leslie or Napoleon Dynamite?

Interviewer: What are three words you would use to describe TTHD?
Leslie Strobel: Delicious, Filling, Awesome
I: Why is TTHD your favorite camp dinner?LS: Because it's something I associate with camp; a meal that I only eat there.
I: How do you eat your TTHD?
LS: Well... If there are extra tater tots after all of the vegetarians take them, I get some and add it to the hot dish because I love tater tots.
I: No ketchup?
LS: No, I am a purist. 

Do you agree - Is TTHD better without ketchup? Let us know in the comments section. 

Stay hungry, Camp Foley.

Send an email to ad@campfoley.com with your favorite camp meal to be featured on the Rattlin' Blog!

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

Campers arrive in less than three months! So what better way to kick off our three-month countdown than by talking about everyone’s favorite... camp food!

It may surprise those people that never came to Foley how much campers love the meals! Some meals have been offered for what seems like forever, while others are new to the scene in the past few years.

This is NOT camp Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup.
But come on... how good does it look?

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup has definitely been around for a while, and year after year the campers seem to really love it! The meal is always served with a bowl of veggies (usually carrots, cauliflower and broccoli) and a sleeve of saltines.

The real question is: How do you eat your camp Grilled Cheese? Do you dunk your Grilled Cheese in the soup? Or do you prefer to dunk it in some ranch dressing? Do you eat all your soup first and then the Grilled Cheese or save the Tomato Soup for last?

According to camp professionals (aka: me), the best way to eat your Grilled Cheese is as follows: Get half a bowl of Tomato Soup, rip the crusts off the Grilled Cheese and dip the crust pieces in the soup. Then, squirt some ranch dressing onto your plate and dunk the crust-less sandwich into the ranch dressing. If you eat this meal in any other fashion: YOU’RE WRONG. Kidding! To each their own! Maybe share your Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Meal Strategy in the comment section below.

Camp Foley Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Meal Facts:

1.  It takes three to four counselors more than two hours to make the 400 or so Grilled Cheese Sandwiches we eat for this meal!
2.  The amount of wheat bread we use to make the sandwiches would be longer than three and a half school buses! 

Try making Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup at home with your family for a delicious camp-inspired meal! Make sure to serve it with veggies and saltine and don’t forget the ranch dressing!

Camper Blogs! Part 3

We have our third, and final, camper blogs! We hope you enjoyed last week's blogs by Cecelia and Esperanza. This week Sam and Celina share with us about trying new things and Treehouses! Here's what they had to say... 

Treehouses at Camp Foley.

Having Fun at Treehouses by Celina M. 

At Treehouses, you always have fun because you cook your own food, and you bond with your cabin. You go with your cabin and counselors. It's not an actual house on a tree. When I first went there, I actually thought that it was a house on a tree, and I thought, "Where do we go to the bathroom?" and all those other questions. When I got there I realized I was wrong. You sleep at the Treehouses for one night, and if you need to go to the bathroom you use the wilderness latrine. It's really fun, so come to Camp Foley. When I went there, I had a lot of fun because I played games with my cabin, and you talk about camp at night. It's completely safe. I recommend you bring a flashlight, sleeping bag, bug spray and more.  

Will you ring the cowbell?

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone by Sam D. 

The reason why I think camp was created is because people wanted to have kids try new things and get out of their comfort zone. Not a lot of kids get to shoot a rifle at clay pigeons or have snakes slither around their arms.  Most kids never get to do this at their home. At least I don't. I love to go waterskiing and climb the climbing wall. I am usually afraid of heights, but I still tried anyway. Camp Foley does a very good job at making kids try new things, and nine times out of ten, the kids love the activity. Whether it's getting a bulls-eye in Archery or making as much noise as you can on a drum kit, the kids love the activities and come back next year. 

We hope you've enjoyed the camper blog posts! If you're a camper (or alumni) and would like to be a guest blogger just send an email to Fun@CampFoley.com! We'd love to share your stories with the Foley community! 

Bejewled - Epic Trailer!

Looking for a great new movie to watch this summer? Getting bored with the same old romantic comedies or horror movies? Then look no further than here, folks.

That's right! The creative minds in our Video Madness class this summer filmed and produced the trailer for their latest box office smash 'Bejeweled'. Check it out...


- Ricky Searson, Assistant Director