What is Camp Foley's philosophy?
The purpose of Camp Foley is to provide young people with the opportunity to develop new friendships and skills in a natural, informal setting. Foley provides each camper with various opportunities to develop new friendships and strengthen existing ones. We encourage each person to develop their skills in a variety of activities.
Foley creates in each individual an appreciation for the natural surroundings and a concern for their impact on the environment. Foley guides each camper to be kind, just and responsible through the practice of positive social and moral skills. Foley teaches and practices the acceptance of young people of all races, religions, economic brackets, and nationalities.
What is the background of the camp director?
Marie Schmid is well qualified for her position as the director of Camp Foley. The camp has been in Marie's family since 1949 instilling the importance of Foley's rich traditions and philosophies. Marie has been involved administratively with camp since 1978 and became director in 1985. She has a degree in Education from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN.
Marie balances raising her own family and providing young people with a quality camping experience. Marie is very active in the every day occurrences of Foley. Throughout the day she can be found virtually anywhere in camp - telling a story during a campfire, watching lip syncs in the barn, or visiting with campers in the dining hall. She is also active in the American Camp Association in accrediting summer camps in Minnesota and in other volunteer areas that promote rich camping experiences for children.
How long has Foley been around?
Foley was founded in 1924 by Father John P. Foley. Owned and operated by the Schmid family since 1949, special care and consideration goes in to every detail from the facility care to long-term planning to quality programming. There is a history of tradition at Foley, yet we are progressive in that we realize change can be a positive thing. Our Foley families are important to us and we want to offer them the best in camping. Click here for more information about the History of Foley.
What about the size of Foley?
Our size is just about perfect for any camper. We are large enough to create non-stop fun in the cabins and camp community, yet small enough to give close and personal attention to each individual camper. With approximately 160 campers per session, the directors and all of our counselors are able to get to know and recognize each camper. Special needs can be met and quality care can be achieved.
Can we schedule a Tour?
Of course! Please give us a call (218-543-6161) or email us to set up a good time to visit. We are more than willing to show you around!
What is Foley's tuition cost?
The per week tuition cost of camp not only includes the basic physical commodities that a camper can obtain; it also includes the quality and excellence in camping achieved during your child's stay. It includes top-notch active instruction of activities. It includes the professional leadership of the directors and counselors. There are very few add on expenses compared to other camps. Camp Foley is truly an investment in your child's future. Click here for current Dates and Rates!
What are the qualifications for counselors?
Throughout the years, Camp Foley has maintained a reputation for quality counselors. This tradition of caring, talented and enthusiastic counselors has not been by accident. When we choose our counselors, we are selecting adults who will be positive role models for young people. Each counselor must pass an evaluation based upon Marie, the directors and mother of four children, being able to say "yes" to the question, "Would I want this individual caring for my own children?" Before we hire a prospective counselor, they have: completed an application; had three reference forms completed by former employers or instructors which attests to their character; completed a standardized personal interview; been assessed on their communication skills, personality, self-image, interpersonal skills, values, maturity and intellect; and been found to have the initial knowledge, experience and abilities to instruct at least two activities offered at camp.
When a counselor agrees to work at Foley, he or she signs a commitment to the values and philosophy of Camp Foley. We also complete a background check including a check of the National Sex Registry.
Each counselor completes an intensive training program at Camp Foley before the campers arrive. This eleven-day session is one of the longest and most complete training periods in comparison to other camps.Our counselors actively rehearse all emergency procedures, attend seminars on discipline, child abuse, age characteristics of campers, cabin living, health and safety, program planning, and the philosophy, goals and objectives of Camp Foley.
Our full time directors continuously evaluate and support each staff member through morning staff meetings, personal evaluations of their instruction in activities and work in the cabin group.
Some important facts about our counselors:
- Over 60% of Foley counselors are past campers or staff
- Over 70% of Foley counselors are certified in CPR and First Aid
- Over 60% of Foley counselors are certified in Lifeguard Training
How Do We Provide Campers with the Opportunities to Make Friends?
One of the most frequently asked questions from parents of prospective campers is, "Will my child be okay if he/she isn't coming to camp with a friend?" Yes! Every session many campers do venture to Foley without a friend for many different reasons. Foley will assist parents in arranging for children to meet, write, or call another camper prior to camp by providing phone numbers and addresses.
Prior to opening day, careful attention is given to composing cabin groups. One important consideration is creating a blend of campers conducive to formulating new friends. On the bus, campers are introduced to others who are of similar age and, many times, to their cabin mates. Cabin counselors personally welcome each camper upon arrival to camp and introduce them to their cabin mates.
Cabin councils, held several times each week, stress friendships and cooperative living. All campers participate in an evening program that stresses respect, acceptance and cooperation among all members of the group. Many other camp events also foster friendship building including: camp banquets, friendship campfires, autograph signing and all-camp activities.
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