You May Know What a Minnesota Spring Looks Like...

...but have you seen Japan? As most of us are finishing up our spring break festivities and travels, we at Camp Foley know that some of you went to some pretty cool places. And, in honor of the new season, we'd like to take you on a little tour of some of the coolest spots around the world as spring drifts in.


1. Osaka, Japan

Cherry and plum blossoms are some of the most iconic signs of spring, and Osaka is known for its soft, pink aesthetic right around April. When you think of sweet aromas and delicate flowers, think Japan! Nothing is more beautiful than a setting that perfectly combines the natural soothing elements of spring with the exciting architecture of a world-class city.

2. Aspen, CO, USA
Aspen is just one of many gorgeous places to visit in Colorado, and there is no wrong time to go. The plus side of visiting in the spring? The skiing is magnificent and boasts some of the best views in the country, while temperatures become more moderate for other activities like hiking.

3. Paris, France
What better place to witness the blooming of spring than the City of Love? Paris is magical year round, but flowers popping up around the base of the Eiffel Tower is a sight like no other. Sip on some coffee and stroll through the place that delivers on beauty and style this time of year.

4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Midwestern folks are just dying for a nice, hot day around this time, and a trip to Rio de Janeiro would certainly do the trick. April is moderate in temperature, and Rio is significantly more low-key during the spring and fall -- perfect for a more relaxing experience.

And the list goes on and on! Naturally, we're all missing the cool waters of Whitefish Lake right about now as well, but have you checked your calendars recently? We're just a couple of months away from the start of Camp Foley 2016!

Patience is a virtue, Foleyites, but we know that doesn't make waiting any easier. That's why we're inviting everyone to share their Spring Break stories and plans with us on Facebook and Twitter. Get those photos and memories up, and we'll see you in June!

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.

Check out our work...

Now summer camp is well and truly under way, we would like to cast your minds back a month or so to our Outdoor Education program this spring. We had such a blast teaching our sixth-grade visitors about the beauty and value of earth, and we believe they had a great time too!

Take a look at this short video which shows some pages of the students' workbooks, along with audio clips of the kids talking about their favorite memories of visiting the center.

We want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who took part in our Outdoor Education program this past spring! See you next time...

- Marie and Alli, Directors

Climbing to success

Foley Outdoor Education students Maria R., Tyler K. and Jordan P. take a moment to talk to us all about the climbing and team games activities here at camp. These three students joined us along with the rest of their 6th grade from St. Boniface school. Here is what they had to say...

- Marie and Alli, Directors.

From New to Cool

When I spoke to Maggie H on the phone the other day, she was happily on spring break and enjoying sleeping in and laying low. That being said, the moment I started talking about camp you could sense the excitement rise in her voice. Suddenly she was off the couch and across 3 states (she lives in Illinois) and was back on the waves of Whitefish Lake (she said waterskiing was her favorite activity). Here is what she said:

Maggie H. During Summer 2011.

So your sister came to Foley for a few years before you joined us, what was it like finally being able to understand what she was always talking about when it came to camp?

It was really cool! She talked about it so much that I knew a lot but now we can talk about it together which I really like. 

What was it like being a first year camper?

Scary. I didn’t know anyone so I was pretty nervous I wasn’t going to make friends. But the minute I got to camp I realized how nice everyone was and they were just so warm and welcoming I felt like I had been there for 5 years. 

What is a skill that you learned at camp that you can use now that you aren’t here?

Well, I am getting ready to go in to high school next year so now I know what it is like to be in a new environment and make friends. I also learned how you shouldn’t have to put on a show for people all the time and that you can just be yourself. 

Do you keep in touch with your friends that you made?

Yes. We use Facebook. Ha. 

Is there anything else you want to say to all the readers?

Camp is so much fun! If you don’t know whether to come or you are trying to decide – do it! You will regret it if you don’t. 

I can’t make this stuff up, people.

Maggie is a twelve year old from Northbrook, IL where she is finishing up 8th grade. Besides waterskiing, she loves making friendship bracelets in her spare time at camp as well as hanging out in the cabin and talking. Thanks to Maggie for spending some of her hard earned spring time talking to me. If you would like to be interviewed for the “Rattlin’ Blog” – email me!

- Alli Faricy, Director