New New New. Even Better Than Llama Rides...

We did a thing yesterday. Some of you loved it. Some of you hated it. It was all in good fun. If we offended you, we’re sorry, but we couldn’t let April Fools go by without some kind of prank. So if you didn't figure it out by now our social media post yesterday was an April Fool's joke! We're sorry for all of the crushed spirits and heartbroken campers who wanted Llama Rides this upcoming summer... BUT we do have many NEW things this summer at Foley!

One thing we strive for at Camp Foley is to be active listeners to our campers. Specifically we want to listen to what their input is for new items, different programs and overall changes to camp because after all, they’re what camp is all about! Check out below some of the NEW changes coming to Foley this summer all thanks to our amazing campers and their feedback.

Photo taken from campbusiness.com

Archery Tag

We are bringing a new meaning to the word “tag.” Campers wanted more “shooting sports” so let us introduce you to Archery Tag from Upshot. With so many variations of tag already at camp, why not add the most exciting version yet? This event requires the same safety equipment needed for paintball, except replace the paintball marker with a bow and arrow. Archery Tag is a high energy activity that will pit two teams against one another and using large foam tipped arrows they will work to eliminate players on the opposing team. Will your cabin group prevail? See you this summer to find out!

Photo taken from SolFit at swimline.com

Giant Stand-Up Paddleboards 

Paddleboards aren’t new to Foley, but in exploring more items to use down at the Waterfront because of camper input, we stumbled upon the Maori Giant SUP! These giant paddleboards fit up to 6 people and are perfect for cruising around with your best friends while working on those communication and team building skills. Camp will be gaining 2 of these boards and we can’t wait to get down to the lake to try them out!

Photo taken from SolFit at swimline.com

Floating Yoga? Bring on total relaxation!

With the interest in yoga continuously on the rise, paired with requests from campers to combine their passion for yoga with their love of Whitefish Lake, we are proud to announce the arrival of Aquatic Fitness Mats. Prepare yourselves for the most incredible Swim Dock fitness classes you could have ever dreamed about. These durable mats will be absolutely perfect for yoga, meditation, and other general mindfulness activities. This might be the best way to calmly take in the beauty of Foley’s waterfront and Lower Whitefish Lake.

SkyHigh FlyRide

Photo taken from Zapata Flyride

Every year, Wolves (campers aged 14-16) get to experience camp from a different viewpoint. During Fun in the Sun each session Wolves are able to try Flyboarding. Flyboarding has been a part of camp for the last few years giving the oldest campers the experience of soaring above Whitefish while learning from the best in the world. (Seriously. Our instructor Caleb competes Internationally!) This year we are kicking it up a notch by incorporating a new flying craft: Flyride! This new device is like a bike on the water and is something new for our campers who have already experienced the thrill of the Flyboard. Imagine being able to see Camp Foley from an aerial view while hovering on a floating jet ski – pretty awesome, right? Check out the photos and we’ll see you on the lake for Summer 2019!

We are excited about all of the new activities this summer! Which new activity are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below.

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.

Chris & Kyle Revamp the Wabi

Look at what we’ve done…or, should I say…"Look at WABI DONE!"

During the spring of 2011, I was faced with the reality that Camp was in need of extra space! What with extra activities and increasing numbers of campers around here, something had to be done to expand our capabilities. I was torn between the decision of either revamping an existing space or building a new facility from scratch. After considering my options, I embarked on my most creative project to date... A complete revamp of the Wabi building! Let me start out by saying this was one of my favorite projects I have ever gotten to do. The new Wabi building is now a multi-purpose facility - and the new home for drama, dance, yoga, and the newest addition group fitness. Oh, and I better not forget to mention that it is also the home for end of the session slide shows, and Grand Dance Festivals.

I had the privilege of deciding what would best suit our needs in the building. The building is equipped with your basic home theater system with a little extra kick! We also have two very nice 50" plasma TV’s in there!

I and another camp employee, Kyle, had the opportunity to install the sweet set-up. We had to work fast to get it installed but we did it in time to have the kids enjoy it last summer. A feeling of satisfied achievement washed over me when the kids actually got to see it and use it for the fist time - when the kids took to the big padded floor for the yoga and dance class, and a nice seat to watch the slide shows from. The ultimate best part for me, however was watching the kids walk into the Grand Dance Festival! The lights (yes we have sound activated lights that go with the music) and the music system rocked the kids and they danced the whole time! It is just a great atmosphere.

Until next time…

-Chris Mathiowetz, Director, Camp Foley