Although we are partnering with parents to build independence in kids, we also understand that communication with your camper and camp staff is important. Please don't hesitate to call or email us with any questions you may have, or to check on your camper. Here is some information on what to expect from your camper as well as us throughout your camper's stay at Foley.
Communication with Your Camper
Will I get any mail from my camper?
In a 2-week session, you will receive a postcard from your camper written within their first few days at camp, and a letter written towards the end of their first week. We encourage campers to write home, but if you do not hear from your child regularly, don’t panic! This generally means that he or she is having fun and is doing just fine!
How much should I write to my camper while he/she is at camp?
Write a welcome letter to your child and mail it several days in advance. This letter is held until your child arrives at camp and it can be quite special to receive a letter on the first day. Newsy and cheerful letters written regularly are important! Yearning for a letter from home can create feelings of homesickness for your camper. Campers prefer letters over emails!
[Camper's Name] [Camper's Group]* Camp Foley 9303 Father Foley Dr Pine River, MN 56474
*Fox (5th grade and younger), Coyote (6th, 7th & 8th grade), Wolf (9th grade and older)
Can I send care packages?
To help us with our goals of building camp community and being environmentally conscience, we are asking that you do not send any oversized envelopes or packages while your camper is at camp. It is considered a package if it arrives in a box, a padded envelope, or other envelope of any size that appears to contain more than one letter. If we can, without incurring mailing costs, we will return the package to sender, or it will be donated to charity. All food or candy in any mailing will be donated to the food shelf.
What if my camper forgets something at home?
If you need to send something that your camper forgot at home, please send it in the following fashion:
Camper Name C/O Directors at Camp Foley 9303 Father Foley Dr Pine River, MN 56474
The package will be opened and items taken to the camper ASAP.
Can I Email my camper while he/she is at camp?
Yes! While our experience has shown that campers prefer to receive “real mail” from home, they may also receive incoming emails or faxes. Emails are printed once a day and delivered at mail call. Electronic greeting cards or attachments will not be printed. All emails should be sent to campers@campfoley.comwith the Camper’s Name and Group (either Wolf, Coyote or Fox) in the subject line. Computers are NOT available for the campers to return emails.
Can my camper call home during the session?
It is not advisable or generally permissible for your child to call home or for you to call him or her at camp. However, you may call with questions or concerns about your child. If necessary, we will visit with your child or their cabin counselors or check into their activities for you and return the call. You and the director may discuss whether it would be appropriate to visit directly with your child. As part of our mission statement we are trying to build independence in kids and feel this is a big part of that process. We also want to partner with parents, so please let us know if you have questions or concerns.
Communication with Directors & Camp Staff
Will I get any mail from the Foley staff during the session?
If your camper is a NEW camper AND is 13 years of age or younger, you will receive a brief report of your camper’s first three days from your camper’s counselor.
If your camper is attending a 2 or 4-week session, you will receive a final report at the end of the session from your camper’s counselor regardless of your camper's age.
For 1-week session campers, our cabin counselors will send you a brief final report.
Will you email me with questions?
Yes! Make sure that our email address, fun@campfoley.com, is on your “safe” list or add us to your email address list to ensure that our emails reach your InBox.
What if there is an emergency at home?
If there is a family emergency, such as a death or serious illness, please contact Marie Schmid, the Director. She will assist you in making phone contact with your child, provide support for your child in camp and make any necessary travel arrangements.
Is it ok for me to call and check in on how my camper is doing?
Of course! We want you to feel confident with how your camper is doing; however, parents should prepare themselves for separation. Each summer we visit with more “child-sick” parents than we do homesick campers! Always call with your concerns about your child’s adjustment to camp, and be assured that we will call you if we feel it is necessary.
When does camp call me?
We will call you with health-related concerns or emergencies (see Healthcare and Meals). We will also call for your input in adjustment, behavior or other concerns and questions. Our goal is to form a partnership with you and create the best possible camping experience for your child. If a camper is outwardly experiencing a high degree of anxiety, due to homesickness, we will call.
What if there is a weather concern?
If you have concerns regarding the weather at camp or other large regional or national emergencies, please check our website for current updates. We will frequently update information on our Homepage to let you know if there are any such emergencies. This is the easiest and most direct way to get this kind of information. For general weather information scroll to the bottom of any page of the website and click on the weather icon.
