Awards are big part of the culture of Camp Foley.
There are several different types of awards you can earn here at Foley. Below is a break down of all the different type of awards you can earn…
Ribbon Awards
Awards you can earn at most activities here at Foley. Campers need to demonstrate several skills that are checked off by a counselor, ask your activity instructor if there are awards to earn in each activity and what is needed to earn them. You will be announced for these awards and you will get the ribbon at Closing Campfire, where we will honor all the campers who earned ribbon awards. Many ribbon awards build on each other, you must get your Yeoman in archery before going on to earn Bowman or Bowman First class.
Non-Ribbon Awards
Counselors may create special awards to be earned at activities that won’t earn a ribbon. You can still get announced and these awards will be given out at a special celebration on the last day of camp before dinner. These are not official ribbon awards.
Crafts can have lots of special awards, but you don’t earn ribbon awards in this activity
Silver/Gold Paddle
To receive this award, a camper must obtain a high level of achievement in a variety of activity areas (including completing many of the top awards offered). This camper must also show a high level of leadership and dedication to Foley’s mission and be a positive role model in the camp community. Must be 12 or under, to receive the Silver Paddle.
Campers will need a checklist, and be up to date on all the awards you have earned so far. They should be thinking about more than just ribbon awards. Campers also need to attend a certain amount of shop, crafts, paintball, or athletics classes. This award will also focus heavily on a camper’s character, and Foley admin will make the final decision on whether a camper has earned the paddle.
Carson and Ellie are the 2024 recipients of the Gold Paddle. They made Foley history earning it on the exact same day during second session.
Silver/Gold Birchbark
The Birchbark Award is given to campers who complete half of the Gold or Silver Paddle requirements. Must be 12 or under to receive the Silver Birchbark.
Buoy Award
An orange ring buoy hangs in the dining hall showcasing the people who have completed their Buoy Award. Started by Jens Tulio Damgaard, who first got things started in 2015. To earn the Buoy award, campers must earn at least 1 ribbon award in each activity where that is an option. The record of awards to beat is 53! This record was set by camper Ellie Ottem in summer of 2024. There is no time limit on the Buoy, but it is not something a camper can realistically finish in 1 session at Camp Foley.
Alli pins camper Reagan for his buoy
Anchor Award
Started summer of 1984. The Anchor Award is usually given to two campers (one boy and one girl) each session. These campers are caring, responsible, a role model and exhibit the qualities of a good leader. The recipients of the Anchor Award are voted on by counselors at the end of each session. To be eligible for the Anchor Award you must have been a camper for at least 5 weeks. The award is given out at Friendship Campfire.
Camper Ava and Addie winning the anchor award, presented by AD Ally Daily
Campers work hard each summer to achieve these awards and the best part is seeing the progress of campers from day to day, week to week, and summer to summer! It’s not always about earning them, and even getting close is a huge accomplishment. It is all about gaining the grit it takes to try over and over again. Think your child would love to try and achieve some great things this summer? Check out our dates and rates and register for summer 2025!