Grow Grit.
Investigate Independence.

Camp Foley prides itself on years of quality staff. Our camp chooses young adults, aged 18-25, who will be positive role models for our campers. Before hire, a counselor must complete an application, have three reference forms completed, a personal interview either in person or via zoom and complete a background check. We must be assured of their communication skills, personality, self-image, interpersonal skills, and values with emphasis put on empathy and flexibility. Counselors must have the knowledge, experience and ability to instruct at least camp two activities.

Prior to camper arrival, our counselors complete an 11-day training program where they rehearse emergency procedures and attend seminars that instill the goals and objectives of Camp Foley in our counselors. Counselors are continuously evaluated through the summer by our team of directors and assistant directors, who are on site every day, attend (and sometimes teach) their activities and are in and out of their cabins each evening.

We also have a Registered Nurse on site at all times as well as a leadership team of parents, teachers, assistant directors and directors with decades of camp experience to support both the campers and staff.

Learn more about the Camp Foley Team.

According to one camper: ”The food has changed my life. I mean it is so good.” – Joey, age 13 

We serve foods that campers may be served at home. Here is a sample of the food served at each meal:

For breakfast Foley serves pancakes, waffles or bagels and every day there is a variety of cereal to choose from.

For lunch we offer tacos, grilled cheese and tomato soup or BLTs and we always make sure there is an option for vegetarians.

Dinners include spaghetti, hamburgers or pizza and the salad bar is always open with a variety of things to choose from. 

Camp Foley was established in 1924 by Father John P. Foley as a Boy’s camp under the name Camp St. Thomas. Bob and Viola Schmid took over the camp, now known as Camp Foley in the 1940’s, adding girls in to the program in 1974.

Their daughter, Marie Schmid, has been directing camp since the death of Vi in 1985 with the addition of Marie’s daughter, Alli, in 2004. Of course, a lot has changed but much of the vision of Fr. Foley endures.

96 years since the founding, we still follow many of the same traditions and reach for the same goals – first and foremost, getting kids in to nature and allowing them to grow as people while learning independence in a kid-centered environment. 

Our tuition includes all room, board, activities, daily candy/ice cream treat, laundry (for three week campers), and programs. The only additional cost is for the cost of our Trap Shooting program, transportation to/from camp, and whatever money a camper spends at our camp store purchasing clothing or other items.

We do have optional rental of bedding and lifejackets as well (although most campers bring those items with them). Scholarships are available due to the generosity of our alumni and other supporters.

See our Rates page for full details.