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Camp Foley
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What Makes Camp So Awesome?Have you ever thought about what kids do all day at a summer camp? There is no t.v., no video games, and no computer access! Why do kids go to camp? Just what happens at camp? One Foley camper was overheard telling his grandma that he felt like there were 400 hours in a day at camp because he "got to do SO MUCH STUFF"! Many of our campers complain that after camp they are so bored - "There is nothing to do!" But why do campers choose Camp Foley over all the other summer camps? Read what these campers have to say when asked, "What does Camp Foley mean to you?" "…the best camp memory is that of personal achievement. When or where it happens doesn't matter just the happiness and joy of it does matter. These achievements are all sorts and all are wonderful. These achievements can be anywhere from awards, trips, helping out, or just having fun." (Mark Age 15 Minnesota) "I believe I enjoy the activities so much here because it doesn't matter how good I am at it. The instructors support you and help you to improve, if you are willing. The awards program here also pushes me to improve. At camp I try a lot of activities that I normally would not have the courage to attempt. The encouragement I receive here means a lot to me. It gives me a positive attitude about my abilities. At camp I have a high self-esteem and I become less competitive with my peers. My competitiveness is channeled into myself. I want to improve on my past. I can set high goals for myself and I can reach them." (Ann age 15 Minnesota) "It's a place where I learn how to make friends and how to make a good first impression. The skills I have learned in the past five years of camp will help me later in life. That is why Camp Foley means so much to me. It's not just with me for the two weeks out of the year I am here, but for the rest of my life." (Jim age 15 Iowa) "Camp Foley has made me more responsible, especially when I was younger. Having to take care of oneself for two weeks teaches one to be independent as well as more self-reliant. Sharing a cabin with seven other girls all from different backgrounds and cultures also teaches one about acceptance and tolerance for all people. And being together for a long time and living together teaches one about respect for others." (Greta age 16 Iowa) "Camp Foley is also a very lucky privilege to have. When you come and have a good time you can get more self-esteem and be very proud of what you have done. … When I leave Camp Foley I feel a sense of pride, pride that I can accomplish anything when I put my mind to it." (Chad age 12 Texas) "Foley has added so much to my life. I would not be able to do most of this stuff at home, so camp activities have been so much fun. I love the way we get to sign up for activities every couple of days because it gives us a chance to choose and have the best experience possible. Foley is also really good at helping us to have fun by listening to our ideas and adjusting to us. Foley tries as hard, or harder, to make us have fun than we, the campers, do." (Erica age 16 Minnesota) "Camp Foley to me is a place for building friendships, having fun and learning essential skills for life. It is a place where you temporarily reside miles away from home, yet somehow there is that deep feeling of home. Sometimes you feel so close to your cabin mates as if they were your own brothers that are always there to cheer you up, have fun with you, and share stories about past years at camp and times at home."(Devin age 14 Minnesota) "The counselors are another thing that makes Foley so special to me. All the counselors, whether in your cabin or not, are always smiling and friendly to all campers. They are patient and understanding. They are ready for fun always, and always make camp a memorable and fun experience. The counselors are prepared to teach you new skills and take care of problems in the cabin. They are welcoming and excited, enthusiastic and always have a positive attitude." (Lauren age 13 Iowa) "Camp is a great way to get away from everything and just relax and be yourself. The people are just here to have fun and they really don't care about the petty things that make our world so divided. Everyone just acts like who they are, and we all just accept them for who they are." (Brendan age 15 Illinois) Camp is all this and more! But what about the little things? Yeah, you can make great friends at Foley. Yeah, you can do awesome activities at Foley. But what about the little things? Take a minute and think of all the possibilities at Foley and all of the things you can learn, develop, discover, and encounter! Woah! Strive for excellence Develop lifetime skills Be a motivator Be artistic Be silly Be lively Just be! Smile a lot Sing songs Dance crazy Create memories Enjoy Sunday sleep-ins Gain independence Gain self-confidence Bike a trail Cook over a fire Master a skill Go for awards Experience an adventure Renew spirit Respect others Trust others Meet positive role models Learn responsibility Sleep in a tent Sleep in a tipi Swim across the lake Throw a frisbee Feel energized Overcome homesickness Belong to a community Write a poem, a song, a play! Make friendship bracelets Receive friendship bracelets Star gaze Help others Learn about the little things Survive without computers, television, Sega Have the time of your life! |
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