Information for parents about writing letters, where kids stay, healthcare while your children are here, and how to reach Camp Foley staff.
Click here for a printable version of this page as well as the packing list!
Contact Information
Phone
Students are not allowed to call or receive phone calls unless it is an emergency. The Center's number is 218-543-6161.
Mail
Please send your cheerful letters no later than Monday. Saturday before departure from home would be best.
Mail to: Student's Name Foley Environmental Center 9303 Father Foley Drive Pine River, MN 56474
Students are unable to receive or send email.
Directions to Foley
Living Arrangements
Students live with teachers and adult supervisors from their school in rustic cabins with wood burning stoves. Boys and girls live in separate areas, with central, modern wash, shower, and toilet facilities.
Foley's Core Staff
The Directors, Marie Schmid and Alli Faricy and their core staff are educated and trained to teach the academic classes and to live and work with children. Marie is a second generation director, who took over from her mom in 1985. Before becoming a year-round camp director, Marie was an elementary teacher in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Alli has a degree in Marine Biology and has been back in Minnesota, working full time at Foley, since 2004. All Foley Staff Members have accredited background checks and are trained in the major youth development areas prior to the start of the program.
Supervision
The teachers and adult supervisors from the participating schools, teach and assist in various program areas and live with the students in the cabins. They are ultimately responsible for the supervision of the students. Any concerns about behavior or expectations of students while at the center should be addressed to teachers directly.
Homesickness
Every individual adjusts to being away from home differently. This can be a challenge to some students. A parent can help by reassuring their child that they are loved, talking positively about independence and separation, and not promising them that they can call or come home if they are lonesome. Visiting students is strongly discouraged as it is disruptive to the program and child. Be strong and be reassured that the child's teacher will call you with major concerns.
Medical/Health Care
Parents are responsible for all expenses incurred by illness or accident of their child including transportation for medical reasons. Foley does not carry individual medical insurance. There is a Foley staff member certified in first aid and CPR on site at all times. Medical attention is available in Pine River, Crosslake, Crosby or Brainerd.
Ticks
If a deer tick (the type of tick that may carry Lyme Disease) is embedded into a camper; it is removed, documented, and parents receive written notification. However, not all campers find these small ticks on them or come to us when they do. In addition to verbal reminders, we have posters in every cabin reminding campers to check for ticks daily. Daily showers and/or swimming also help to eliminate ticks.
We do want you as a parent to be aware that Camp Foley is in one of the many areas of North America in which deer ticks can be found. If your child develops a localized rash or flu-like symptoms - chills, fever, headache, and fatigue - you may want to contact your family physician and mention that your camper was at a camp in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. A Lyme disease test may be conducted. If detected in the early stages it can be treated successfully by antibiotics.
