Welcome to Camp Foley, nestled on the serene shores of Whitefish Lake in Pine River, Minnesota. Established in the heart of the Northwoods, this scenic camp offers a picturesque backdrop for a range of outdoor activities, making it an ideal setting for youth development through adventurous and educational experiences.

Camp Foley has a rich history of fostering independence and skill development since its inception. With a philosophy centered around building confidence, character, and community, the camp encourages campers to challenge themselves, develop leadership skills, and form lifelong friendships.

Catering to boys and girls, Camp Foley provides a coeducational environment where campers from diverse backgrounds can grow together. The camp is designed for various age groups, allowing for tailored programs that are age-appropriate and engaging.

At Camp Foley, the spirit of adventure thrives, supported by a mission to empower young individuals to reach their fullest potential. Here, each camper is encouraged to explore, discover, and achieve in a safe and supportive setting, making their summer both enriching and unforgettable.

Programs Offered by Camp Foley

Camp Foley offers a diverse array of programs designed to cater to the interests and developmental needs of its campers. The programs are carefully structured to balance skill development, fun, and personal growth, making each day at camp both exciting and rewarding.

Programs and Session Lengths

Campers at Camp Foley can choose from sessions varying in length, including one-week introductory sessions for younger campers or first-timers, traditional two-week sessions, and extended options for those who wish to experience the full breadth of camp life throughout the summer. This flexibility allows families to plan around their schedules and provides campers with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the camp experience.

Specialty Programs

To cater to a wide range of interests and talents, Camp Foley offers specialty programs in areas such as:

Arts: Campers can engage in activities like painting, ceramics, and drama, fostering their creativity and artistic skills.
Sports: With facilities for basketball, soccer, archery, and more, campers can either hone their existing sports skills or try out new athletic pursuits.
Science: For those intrigued by the workings of the natural and physical world, science programs offer hands-on experiments and explorations.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp Foley is structured to provide a balance of activities, meals, social time, and rest. Here’s what a typical day might look like:

Morning: Campers start the day with a hearty breakfast followed by a morning assembly. The day kicks off with the first set of activity periods, where campers engage in their chosen programs.
Midday: Lunch is followed by a rest period, allowing campers to recharge. The afternoon resumes with more activity sessions, often focused on specialty programs or group games.
Evening: Dinner in the dining hall is a time for everyone to gather and share their day’s experiences. Post-dinner, there might be organized evening activities such as campfires, talent shows, or night hikes.
Nighttime: The day concludes with cabin time where campers can unwind and reflect on their day with peers and counselors, followed by lights out to ensure everyone is rested for another fun-filled day.

The structured yet flexible schedule at Camp Foley ensures that every camper can find something they love, challenge themselves, and build memories that last a lifetime.

Accommodations in Camp Foley

At Camp Foley, the accommodations are designed to enhance the camping experience, providing comfort while maintaining the essence of a traditional camp environment. The camp ensures that all campers feel safe, comfortable, and part of the community from the moment they arrive.

Sleeping Arrangements

Camp Foley features cozy, well-maintained cabins that serve as the primary accommodation for campers. These cabins are designed to blend into the natural surroundings, offering a rustic yet comfortable living experience. Each cabin houses a small group of campers, typically sorted by age and gender, along with one or two counselors who provide supervision and support. This setup fosters a family-like atmosphere where campers build close bonds with their cabin mates and counselors.

Dining Options

Mealtimes at Camp Foley are both nutritious and enjoyable, providing a communal setting that reinforces the camp’s community spirit. The dining hall is the gathering spot where all campers come together to eat three well-balanced meals a day. The kitchen staff prepares a variety of meal options to cater to different tastes and dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific dietary accommodations upon request. Emphasis is placed on healthy and hearty meals to fuel the campers throughout their active days.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Bathroom and shower facilities at Camp Foley are conveniently located in proximity to the cabins. These facilities are shared among campers and are regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure hygiene and comfort. Separate facilities for boys and girls are provided to ensure privacy and convenience. The camp also ensures that there are ample facilities to accommodate all campers, avoiding overcrowding and promoting a smooth daily routine.

Camp Foley’s accommodations and facilities are thoughtfully designed to ensure that every camper’s stay is comfortable, safe, and conducive to an enjoyable and memorable camping experience.

Activities in Camp Foley

Camp Foley provides a wide array of activities designed to cater to varied interests and promote skill development in a fun and supportive environment. The range of activities ensures that every camper can engage in both favorite pursuits and new challenges.

List of Activities Offered

Water Activities: Summer camps can enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and fishing in the pristine waters of Whitefish Lake.
Land Activities: Options include hiking, biking, climbing on a ropes course, archery, and various sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball.
Creative Arts: Those inclined towards creative expression can participate in crafts, pottery, drama, and music.
Adventure and Exploration: The camp offers nature exploration, environmental education, and campouts, allowing campers to learn about and engage with the natural world around them.

Special Events or Traditions

Camp Foley is rich with traditions and special events that enhance the camp experience:

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These bookend each session, helping campers feel welcomed at the start and celebrated at the end.
Theme Days: Regularly scheduled theme days, like “Pirate Day” or “Superhero Day,” encourage creativity and playful engagement.
Campfires: Regular campfire gatherings foster a sense of community and are times for storytelling, singing, and sharing experiences.
Color Wars: A camp-wide team competition that spans several days, involving a variety of sports and challenges, encouraging teamwork and camp spirit.

Skill Development Opportunities

Camp Foley is committed to fostering personal growth and skill development in campers:

Certifications: Opportunities for older campers to earn certifications in areas like lifeguarding, first aid, and sailing.
Leadership Training: Programs designed to cultivate leadership skills, such as counselor-in-training (CIT) programs for teenagers.
Personalized Skill Tracks: Campers can focus on developing specific skills in areas they choose, receiving instruction and practice time to improve at their own pace.

The diverse activities and special events at Camp Foley are structured to ensure that every camper has the opportunity to learn, grow, and most importantly, have fun. These offerings are integral to creating a memorable and enriching summer experience.

The staff of Camp Foley

Camp Foley is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for all campers, which is supported by a dedicated and well-qualified staff. The camp takes great care in selecting, training, and maintaining a team that is not only skilled but also passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Camp Foley maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives individual attention and care. The typical ratio is approximately one staff member to every four campers. This ratio allows counselors to effectively supervise and engage with all campers, ensuring a personal and positive camp experience for each child.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

The hiring process at Camp Foley is rigorous and includes multiple steps to ensure that only the most suitable candidates are selected:

Background Checks: All potential staff members undergo thorough background checks.
Interviews: Candidates participate in in-depth interviews to assess their experience, skills, and fit with the camp’s philosophy.
References: Camp Foley requires and checks multiple references for each candidate to ensure reliability and suitability for the role.

Staff members are typically college-aged or older, with many returning year after year. The camp prioritizes hiring individuals with previous experience in camp settings, education, or child development. In addition to their backgrounds, staff members often possess skills pertinent to the activities offered at the camp, such as sports coaching, arts, or outdoor adventure leadership.

Training and Certifications

Camp Foley ensures that all staff members are equipped with the necessary training and certifications to handle both routine and emergency situations:

Pre-Camp Training: Before campers arrive, all staff undergo an extensive training program that covers camp policies, child behavior management, safety protocols, and specific activity training.
CPR and First Aid: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Many also have additional certifications, such as lifeguarding, boating safety, or wilderness first aid, depending on their roles.

The camp also encourages and supports ongoing education and professional development, ensuring that staff skills remain sharp and up to date. This thorough approach to staff selection and training ensures that Camp Foley not only meets but exceeds the expectations for care and safety, providing an environment where campers can thrive.

Safety and Health in Camp Foley

Camp Foley prioritizes the safety and health of its campers and staff, implementing rigorous protocols and maintaining comprehensive facilities to ensure a secure and supportive environment.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Camp Foley has established a variety of safety protocols designed to prevent accidents and manage any that might occur:

Activity Safety: Each activity at camp is supervised by trained staff, with specific safety rules tailored to the nature of the activity. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to high standards.
Emergency Drills: Regularly scheduled drills ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with procedures for handling emergencies such as fires, severe weather, and other potential risks.
Security Measures: The camp is equipped with controlled access points, and visitors are strictly monitored and required to check in and out, ensuring that only authorized personnel and campers are on the premises.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Camp Foley is equipped with an on-site health center staffed by qualified healthcare professionals:

Medical Staff: The health center is typically staffed by a licensed nurse and/or a doctor who can provide routine and emergency care. Additional staff may include EMTs or paramedics, especially during high-activity periods.
Facilities and Supplies: The health center is equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs, from minor injuries and illnesses to more serious conditions. It is stocked with essential medications and first aid supplies. The camp also maintains relationships with local hospitals and clinics for quick referrals in case of more serious medical issues.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Camp Foley has comprehensive plans in place for various emergency scenarios:

Communication: In case of an emergency, the camp has protocols for communicating quickly and effectively with camp staff, campers, and parents. This includes the use of alarms, intercoms, and, if necessary, mobile communications.
Evacuation Plans: Detailed evacuation plans are in place for natural disasters or other emergencies that might require movement to a safer location.
Parental Notification: Parents are immediately notified according to the camp’s emergency response plan, which outlines the steps for dealing with different types of incidents. The plan ensures that parents are kept informed and that their children are cared for as needed.

Camp Foley’s commitment to safety and health is evident in its meticulous planning, well-trained staff, and well-equipped facilities, all of which ensure that campers can enjoy a safe and healthy camp experience.

Cost and Registration in Camp Foley

Camp Foley strives to provide a memorable and enriching camp experience while maintaining transparent and accessible pricing and registration processes. Here are the details regarding the cost, registration, and financial assistance options.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attending Camp Foley varies depending on the length of the session and the specific programs chosen by the camper. Generally, the fees cover:

Accommodation: Lodging in well-maintained cabins.
Meals: Three nutritious meals per day, along with snacks.
Activities: Access to all camp activities, including specialized equipment and facilities.
Supervision: Care from experienced and trained camp staff.
Additional Costs: There may be additional costs for certain optional activities, trips outside the camp, or specialty equipment.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Registration for Camp Foley is typically handled online through the camp’s website:

Early Registration: Early registration often offers a discount and is encouraged as spaces in popular sessions can fill up quickly.
Deadlines: Specific registration deadlines are set for each session, and these are clearly communicated on the camp’s website and through promotional materials.
Required Information: Parents will need to provide medical information, dietary restrictions, and other relevant details about their child during the registration process.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Camp Foley aims to be accommodating with its payment and cancellation policies:

Payment Plans: The camp offers structured payment plans that allow families to spread the cost of attendance over multiple months.
Refunds: Refund policies are typically outlined at the time of registration. Generally, there is a non-refundable deposit, with partial refunds available up to a certain date before camp begins.
Cancellations: For cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or family emergencies, Camp Foley often works with families to find the most equitable solution, such as rescheduling or providing credit for future sessions.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Understanding that the cost of camp can be a barrier for some families, Camp Foley offers scholarships and financial aid:

Scholarships: These are awarded based on need and sometimes merit, and they can cover a portion or the entirety of the camp fees.
Application Process for Financial Aid: Families interested in financial aid are encouraged to apply early, as funds are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Detailed information about the application process and required documentation is available on the camp’s website.

Camp Foley is dedicated to making its camp experience accessible to as many children as possible, offering various options to assist families in managing the costs associated with a quality camp program.

Camp Foley offers traditional summer camp experiences in various durations, and the fees depend on the chosen program length:

2 Week Session: $3,710
3 Week Sessions: $5,355
5 Week Session: $8,100
6 Week Session: $10,710

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Foley

Camp Foley aims to ensure that both parents and campers are well-prepared for their camp experience, providing detailed guidance on packing, adhering to camp rules, and making the most out of the time at camp.

Packing List

To help campers have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, Camp Foley provides a recommended packing list that includes:

Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing, including swimwear, rain gear, and sturdy footwear for hiking and sports.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, and a pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Equipment: Any specific gear required for specialized activities (though most equipment is provided by the camp).
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and small personal items to make the cabin feel homier.

Rules and Policies

Camp Foley establishes clear rules and policies to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all campers:

Technology Use: To encourage engagement and interaction, the use of personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops is typically restricted or prohibited during camp sessions.
Visitation: Visits from family members are usually limited to specific visiting days to minimize disruptions and maintain the camp schedule. All visitors must check in with camp staff upon arrival.
Behavioral Expectations: Respectful behavior towards peers and staff is expected, and policies regarding bullying and other inappropriate behaviors are strictly enforced.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For those new to the camp experience, Camp Foley offers several tips to ensure a smooth transition:

For Campers:
- Engage Fully: Try new activities, make new friends, and be open to the full camp experience.
- Communicate: Speak up if you’re feeling homesick or have concerns—staff are there to help!
For Parents:
- Stay Positive: When discussing camp, focus on the exciting opportunities and fun your child will have.
- Prepare for Separation: Especially for younger campers, practice time away from home to ease the transition.
- Communication: Understand the camp’s communication policies, including how and when you can expect updates about your child’s experience.

By following these guidelines and preparing adequately, both campers and parents can look forward to a rewarding and memorable summer at Camp Foley.

Camp Foley in Pine River, Minnesota, stands out as a quintessential summer camp experience that combines adventure, learning, and personal growth in a safe and engaging environment. With its comprehensive range of programs and activities tailored to different age groups and interests, Camp Foley ensures that every camper has the opportunity to explore their passions, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. The camp’s commitment to safety, coupled with a well-trained, caring staff, allows parents to feel confident in the quality and security of the camp experience.

From water sports and creative arts to outdoor adventures and leadership training, Camp Foley is designed to provide a fun-filled summer that enriches the lives of its campers. The nurturing atmosphere encourages independence and growth, making Camp Foley not just a place to spend the summer, but a significant stepping stone in a child’s life. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning camper, Camp Foley offers a unique environment where fun and learning go hand in hand, crafting unforgettable summer memories that last a lifetime.