TBT: Emilia and Windsurfing

2013 counselor, Emilia Kronschnabel, reflects on why she loves 

Emilia Windsurfing as a camper.

Windsurfing so much, and in my professional opinion, her love affair is completely valid. (As Windsurfing is absolutely the best activity offered at the Marina. But I, Krista, may be biased.)

So I love camp, who doesn't? One of the many reasons I have come to love camp over the years is the ability to learn new skills while at camp. I was a camper for 11 years, but it was my first year as a counselor that I realized how much fun it can be to teach new skills to campers. I teach Windsurfing, and though Courtney may say Sailing is better, I believe Windsurfing is the best activity to take down at the Marina. (So come take it if you haven’t yet!!) I learned to Windsurf at Foley, and every day I teach it, I love it more because I’m able to teach campers a skill they probably wouldn’t have learned anywhere else.

Teaching Windsurfing, like a pro, in 2012.

When a camper pulls up the sail successfully for the first time and begins to go, I think I get as much satisfaction out of just watching them as they do actually sailing.  My time learning to windsurf began while I was young and inexperienced, and Christine McGarvey (one of the AD’s this summer) taught me how using the old simulator on Foley green. I signed up for Windsurfing because I needed a water activity, I thought Christine was cool, and I had never tried it before. I ended up loving it and signed up for it every sign up for the next eight-or-so years. When I was finally able to successfully turn around and not have Christine tow me in it was a great day. I came to love the sport and developed some quality skills, and now I love to teach it. 

This is not a joke, in 2008 (Emilia's last year as a camper)
she took a pic of her last signup sheet. The picture is
captioned as: "Always fourth period, don't know
what I woulda done without it."

 Last summer, I was lucky enough to have some campers that reached that same goal. They would go out at the beginning of the class period, cruise far out into the lake, and then make their way back. Don’t get me wrong, I love towing windsurfers in too. I get an extra boat ride where I get to learn more about the campers in my class, but seeing the look of success on someone’s face when they've accomplished something for the first time is truly magical. Learning for myself as a camper was one thing, but watching others learn is much more satisfying. Foley gives campers the ability to make wonderful friends and to learn some amazing new skills. Signing up for something new can open up a new world for campers, as it did for me, and as I’ve seen it do for others. So this summer- try a new activity- it might just become your favorite!  

-Emilia Kronschnabel

Did you ever try an activity for the first time and have it become a new favorite? What activities are you excited to get back to, or to try, this summer? 

TBT - Evan Recalls "Barefooting" in 2005

Dan Lamm (left) as a counselor
in 2005.

This is one of those memories that I will never forget from camp. It is still as clear as it was the day it happened. I was in Dan Lamm’s, or as some of you may know him Dan the Man, skiing class back in 2005. We decided to break out the boom to try barefooting. I had no idea what I was doing and it did not help that it was a fairly windy day out.

Evan as a camper in 2005.

When it was my turn to go, I was a little nervous but figured I could get it done. If you have not seen someone barefoot off the boom before, you start out in a superman position holding on to the boom. You then swing your legs around to the front so you can barefoot of the side of the boat. As the boat started to drag me through the water, I realized this was not going to be that easy.

All of a sudden we were going pretty fast and I was still just being dragged in the superman position. I was not strong enough to pull my legs out in front of me, so there I was just being dragged by the side of the boat. Bouncing off every wave that we hit. But here is where the unthinkable happened.

Evan waterskiing in 2005. This is not the barefooting
incident. Thankfully.

One second my swimsuit was on¸ the next it was gone. As soon as I realized that my swimsuit had come off, I let go of the boom. I must not have tied my suit tight enough because when I hit one wave at the wrong angle, the lake took my suit. There I sat in the water, with just a lifejacket. When I told Dan what had happened, we were both laughing and he tossed me my towel.

But it was not my towel. It belonged to the little fox girl who Dan had spotting for him in the boat. The towels looks very similar however I did not realize this until I was already in the boat wrapped up in the towel. Once we realized that I had the wrong towel, the little girl could not understand why she could not have her towel; English was not her first language. Me and Dan tried to explain, still laughing, why I could not take off the towel until we got back.

Evan as a counselor in 2012 with cabin Shingwako.

The whole time Dan, the rest of the campers in our group, and me were laughing about the incident. We eventually made it back, and I was able to get a new pair of shorts back at my cabin. That ended up being Dan’s favorite memory of the session when it came time for closing campfire, which I was pretty proud of at the time. I will never forget that day. It is just one of the many memories I have of camp, and they always brighten my day every time they pop into my head. Whitefish still has my swimsuit down there somewhere.

-Evan Oncay

Camp Creature - the Ice!

Alli atop the ice ridge.

Sometimes, we consider the lake to be a “creature” of its own as there always seems to be something cool happening with it, especially in the winter. Whitefish Lake doesn’t get quite as much action in the winter as it does in the summer, but it does get some! There are currently a collection of ice houses, used for ice fishing on the lake, and there are other winter activities, such as cross country skiing or snowshoeing, that can take place in the winter as well. 

Marie and Alli were recently out on the lake looking at the amazing ice heaving (or jacking) that has taken place and caused some ridges on our shoreline. We wanted to investigate what causes the ice on the lake to pile up on shore in such a way. 

Alli atop the ice ridge.

First things first, why does the ice crack and separate? Usually, it is caused by wind or underwater currents. The wind can push the ice around, causing it to fracture and pile up in some areas or pull away from the shore in other areas. Temperature can also play a part in the ice cracking. As the temperature rises and falls, the ice sheet contracts at different rates at the top and bottom of the ice sheet – the rate is especially different when there is limited snow fall and thus little insulation on the ice sheet. Often, ice cracking can be heard by those near it, such as ice fishers or cross country skiers. 

Alli and Nike exploring.

After the ice is cracked, the now separated ice sheets can be pushed toward or away from the shore by wind, causing it to pile up and form the ice ridges. Apparently, very little wind is needed to actually cause the ice to drift. The ridges can also be formed by the expansion of the ice due to cracking. When water rises in the cracks and freezes, the ice sheet expands slightly. As the temperature fluctuates, the ice will continue to expand and thus push against the shore. 

It creates quite an interesting sight, but sometimes these ice ridges can cause serious damage to property as the ice pushes soil and rock into mounds on the shoreline. But don’t worry, the Marina and Swimdock both seem to be handling the ice just fine! 

Enjoy this fun video Alli and Marie took:

 

Are there any fun winter weather things happening in your area? We know the east coast got hit with a huge winter storm last weekend. Here at camp, we got eight to ten inches of snow. Forget outside sweep, we had a lot of outside shovel and plow to do this Monday morning at camp! Whatever the weather is like in your area, we hope you're enjoying your winter months!

Thorwback Thursday: Sailing in the 70s with Rob Kugler

This TBT is a little different than what you're probably used to seeing! For this week, we have a great story from a Camp Foley alum from the 70s. If you're a Foley sailor, then this TBT is definitely for you! 

Name: Rob Kugler

From: Hastings, MN
Years at Camp: 1974-78
Family that has attended Camp Foley: Father (Joe) in the 40s and two children (Logan and Taylor) in the Mid-Late 2000s. 
Camp Memories: Canoe trips on the Pine River, early morning waterskiing with breakfast on the beach, sailing as a crew-member on the Checkmate, Capture the Flag, tetherball battles and Bob Schmid's (Marie's father) fun gentleness.

Rob Kugler, opening the trophy in 2012.

We heard from Rob Kugler's family in 2012 about tracking down an old Sailing Regatta Trophy that Rob won some time in the 70s (they wanted to surprise him with it for his birthday). We were able to track down the actual trophy that Rob and his friend, Alberto, received for a Regatta they participated in on Whitefish Lake. As Sailing is one of Camp Foley's most popular activities, we thought we'd have Rob recall the memory for us..

The regatta was a Whitefish Chain event that brought in sailors from all over the chain of lakes (Upper and Lower Whitefish, Cross and Rush).  I am not sure but I believe Camp Foley was the only camp that participated.  We had two entries, both in the small boat class.  Within that class there were 20-30 entrants, there was also a large boat class but I do not remember much about that category or who raced or prevailed.

Sailing at Camp Foley in the 70s.

I was assigned the “Johnson X” which at that point had a few years on her, was sturdy and a bit on the heavy side.  It was a great boat in a heavy wind.  Unfortunately the day dawned and it was a perfect Northern Minnesota summer day - soft blue sky, warm sun and virtually no breeze.  Perfect day for waterskiing but not sailing!  I hoped that as the day warmed a breeze would pick up but as it stood in the morning it was clear that I could only bring one of my two crewmembers.  I cannot remember how we decided (maybe a coin flip?) but Ted Kronschnabel was left on the shore and I ventured out with my remaining crewmember Alberto.  

I was very pessimistic as I reviewed our competition – tiny boats (Sunfish, Razor’s), light speedy boats (M-16’s) and a variety of boats from cabins around the lake all of which were smaller and lighter than the Johnson X.  At the start we managed to hit the line at the horn but that was our last sniff of the lead.  As we strategized our tacks and executed our turns, we were passed by many of the smaller and lighter boats (many of whom seem to mock us as they went by).  I still recall the frustration of doing everything we could to squeeze a little more speed from the old gal but still losing ground to the other boats.  Finally, we crossed the finish line, not in last but certainly far back in the pack.  

A bit disheartened, we pulled up on the beach that served as race headquarters and got out of the Johnson X.  It was at this point that Tom Schmid (my counselor, sailing instructor and race sensei) came up to us in a very excited state.  I supposed that he or another camp boat had done well.  Tom explained that despite where we had finished we had done very well and that the race employed a handicapping system that accounted for wind speed and boat weights to level the playing field regardless of the weather.  This was news to us!  He said we would need to wait around for the final race results announcement to see but he thought we might have snuck in with a “place” which would have made us very happy.  

Finally, the results were tabulated and the lead Regatta committee member began to read the small boat class results.  He started with the third place finisher and to our disappointment it was not the Johnson X.  Disappointed we shrugged at each other but we felt better knowing that Tom had thought we had done well.  The Second Place was announced and then came the first place announcement.  When the name the “Johnson X” was announced I remember being stunned for a few seconds then jumping and embracing with Alberto and then being told that I had to go accept the First Place trophy which I gladly did in front of a group of our competing sailors, family members and friends.  

The trophy: 1st Place, Rob Kugler, 1976.

I will never forget that moment, the sun, the lake, the sand, and the good natured applause from everyone on the beach.  That evening when we got back to Camp we had dinner under the pines outside the Dining Room and I was asked to get up and make and say a few words on the big victory for our Camp and the Johnson X.  When I was done everyone clapped and cheered again – another very big moment!

Over the years I have thought about that day many times and what it meant to a seventh grade kid to have success like that!  My family has heard this story many times – although I am not sure they believed it until they saw the Trophy!   I believe moments like that and the lessons learned from those moments help build a foundation that in some small way help direct a life.   This is just one of the many reasons that I sent my son Logan and my daughter Taylor to Camp Foley.

Do you, or does anyone you know, have any stories from camp that you'd like to share for Throwback Thursday? We'd love to hear from you! Just send an email to Fun@CampFoley.com. For other fun memories from the 70s, check out the old newsletters on the Foley website.

Thanks to Rob Kugler for sharing such an awesome memory 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

What's in the woods?

There could be more than just the trees in the woods around Foley... Don't turn your back! Sleep with one eye open!

We're glad to bring you our latest episode from Foley's Video Madness class. Be warned though, it's a scary one...




- Ricky Searson, Assistant Director

Pimp My Towel!

Foley introduced a brand new activity for Summer 2012 in the form of "Video Madness!" This class invites our campers to get in touch with their expressive side to produce short video creations. What are these short videos about?.. well that's the beauty of this class... they're about whatever the campers want them to be!

Take a look at this hilarious video below created by our 1st session campers. It's a parody of the popular TV show 'Pimp My Ride'...camp style.


  

- Ricky Searson, Assistant Director

 

 

What’s cooler than cool? Ice Cold!

That is what the dining hall is going to be this summer! Just kidding, it will be climate controlled for sure. If you remember those couple times last summer when the floor of the dining hall looked like a lake and we were always telling you to walk slow and be careful, I am sure you do if you worked in the kitchen, mopping up all that dirty water after meals!

AC units on east side of Dining Hall.

Well, fear no more! This spring we installed two air conditioner units. This will help out with the humidity issues we have in the dining hall and make a much more enjoyable place than it already is. Remember, rain, sun or snow, we eat 3 times a day, the only activity that goes on no matter what! I am excited to put them to use!

Until next time, stay cool!!

- Chris Mathiowetz, Director

Quick check up with Shane

Shane F.

We are busy preparing all of the details for Camp Foley to be ready in time for summer, and I had the chance to have a few questions answered by 2nd year camper Shane F. from Edina Minnesota. Looking back on Shane’s first year at Foley I can see that he was a “busy camper,” no pun intended! Shane left 2011 with 8 awards and also went on a 3 day canoe trip! 

I asked him what he remembers about his first day at camp. “It was very welcoming, but I was a little confused at first. The camp counselors explained everything and took care of me and put me at ease.” His favorite activities were shooting rifles, his three day canoe trip, and fishing.

How has camp changed you as a person? “It has made me more independent and confident.” And lastly I always ask for some advice to give to a first time camper. “Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you have never done them before.”

This returning year Shane will be accompanied by his sister, so he must have been talking all about it when he left Foley…

- Adam Ashley, Assistant Director.

Why the world needs summer camp

It is not easy for parents to make the decision to send their child away into the waiting arms of strangers who promise to take care of them – people who promise to show them the wonders of nature, fun, new skills, and friendships.

Jeff Merhige, executive director of YMCA Camp Kern, believes the world needs the next generation to be more tolerant of each others views, ideology and beliefs. Summer camp is an opportunity for children to be exposed to the best of human character. Trends show that children are making more friends online than at any other time in the past. This in itself is a startling statistic because it lends itself to children to desire to spend more and more time online and therefore away from a healthy real-life social environment.

Camp Foley... where kids can be KIDS!

Camp Foley enables campers to meet kids and staff from all over the world - from many races, cultures and socioeconomic cultures! Foley teaches children valuable skills, including social skills and challenges in a wide range of physical activities. These skills could never be taught from a computer screen.

Camp is a place where kids interact with people face-to-face, and at the same time, learn about themselves and others around a camp fire.

Growing up in the UK, summer camp was simply not an option for me as a child. Unfortunately the United Kingdom does not offer these kind of precious opportunities. I believe that the youth of the UK would benefit greatly from being able to attend summer camp much in the same way that American kids can. Personally I would have loved the opportunity when I was young. My advice: truly embrace this opportunity!

- Ricky Searson, Assistant Director

Busy Spring weekend

The weekend of April 14th and 15th was a busy but extremely fun weekend! We had our first ‘work weekend’ of the new season. We tackled a little spring cleaning, erosion, shingling, and stick-pick-up! It all started on Friday the 13th, scary right? Actually it went very well! We handled a little rain but muscled through it! We tore the shingles off Nature, Crafts, and Kildare! Our goal was to finish 1 roof a day, so in the shingling department, due to rainy weather on Sunday we fell short! But we did what we could do. You will have to look close next time you come to camp!

Emma helps with the shingles

We cleaned the newly redone windows in Mic/Sac, they are too fancy! We also worked on conquering some erosion that gives us trouble in the spring time. We back-filled troublesome places on the main tarred loop of camp along with some giving some trees some much needed new black dirt.

Jake helps with some pickup

I would like to say thank you to our wonderful helpers of the weekend... Tom, Emma, and Jake Ryan, Jim Welch, and Perry, Amy, Matthew and Thomas Greenfield.


Until next, stay handy…

Chris Mathiowetz, Director

What's eating you?

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s the unofficial state bird...the mosquito! There are very few animals on Earth that evoke such a feeling of misery like the mosquito. And, if you have ever visited Camp Foley I am sure you have had the pleasure of being woken up in the the middle of the night to itch one of those mosquito bites, which almost always end up in the most awkward place possible. Mosquitos are a natural, and healthy part of our environment here at Foley, and even though you might not stop disliking them, my hope is that you will have a new-found understanding of them.

Female Mosquito feeding.

Mosquito is Spanish for “little fly” and there are over 3,500 species in the world with about 50 of those species living in Minnesota. Mosquitos begin their lives in water, about 10 days, as larvae. They feed on organic matter that lives in stagnant water and breathe oxygen through little tubes called siphons, which look a lot like a snorkel! Over the next 10 days they will eat and grow into an adult mosquito and fly away. If you think that they grow up fast, it is because the average mosquito only lives about 6-8 weeks.

During the course of their short lives, they spend their time doing two things....eating and laying eggs! As far as eating goes, only female mosquitos eat blood. That is right ya’ll, females suck blood from people and animals, while male mosquitos feed off of plant nectar. Human skin produces over 300 chemical odors that smell like dinner to the mosquito. They can also detect body heat. So, really it is almost impossible to keep a mosquito from finding you!

So even though you may think mosquitos are very annoying creatures, they do play a role in our ecosystem! They are a reliable source of food for thousands of animals including bats, birds, frogs and fish. So, the next time you head outside, grab that mosquito repellent and don’t let the mosquitos take a bite outta you!

- Carrie Stageman, Assistant Director

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.

The noise of more than just kids.

Wailing, hooting, yodeling and laughter are all fairly common noises to hear around Camp Foley in the summer months. This year, all that noise has returned about 3-4 weeks early according to the Minnesota DNR. Why would the DNR be listening to campers you ask? Well they aren’t talking about campers, they are talking about the loons!

According the Minnesota DNR, unseasonably warm weather has brought this state bird back earlier than expected. Loons migrate to warmer climates in the winter months, but I guess like most people who visit Minnesota, they just couldn’t come back soon enough!

A beautiful Common Loon pictured on Hidden Lake.
(Photo by Alli Faricy)

Loons are named for their clumsy appearance on land and need about 100-600 feet of “runway” space before taking off for flight. But, once they get going in the air, they can fly up to 75 miles per hour! I guess that speed comes in handy when making the long trek back and forth from the Gulf of Mexico! Here in the United States, loons are protected by the Migratory Bird Act which prohibits the hunting or harassment of the birds. It is even illegal to have a loon feather! But, down south where the birds live in the winter time, they are hunted and even eaten.

Known for their striking red eyes, black heads and necks and little white speckles on their bodies, loons can weigh up to 12 pounds feeding on all the delicious fish of Minnesota lakes. Those red eyes help the loons see deep into the dark water....they can dive up to 250 feet in search of food and stay under water for 5 minutes!

Minnesota has more loons (about 12,000) than any other state except Alaska and the coolest thing about about them is that they bond to their lakes! That’s right, in the spring loons find their way back to the same lakes as the previous years. It is thought by experts that loons bond more to their lakes than they do to their mates. So, if you see the same nest year after year, you most likely have a permanent neighbor.

Nearly everyone who visits Camp Foley, or any lake in Minnesota for that matter, knows and loves the loons. It is part of the atmosphere and experience here at Foley. Don’t forget to watch out for, and listen for, the loons!

- Carrie Stageman, Assistant Director