Parent Information

Your student is going to have an incredible time at Camp Foley, like so many students in years gone by. Here is some helpful information to be sure your camper gets the most from their time away.

A Message From Tom, Parent

Contact Information

Phone

We encourage disconnection during the time students and parents are at Foley. In an emergency it is best for people to call our camp office

Camp Foley’s number is (218) 543-6161.

Mail

Mail to:
Student’s Name
Foley Environmental Center
9303 Father Foley Drive
Pine River, MN 56474

Please no packages. Students are unable to receive or send email. It is best to send your child a letter no later than the Friday before they are scheduled to arrive at Camp Foley.

Help your camper make the most of their time at Camp Foley. Check our packing list!

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 and each area has access to separate, modern shower and bath 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 Camp Foley and the Environmental Education Center from her mom in 1985. Before becoming a full-time camp director, Marie was an elementary teacher in the Twin Cities.

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 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 the 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.

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.

For more information: American Lyme Disease Foundation, Tickborne Diseases MN 2019 or contact the camp office.

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.

Distribution of medications is done by the teacher or designated school representative and health concerns should be discussed with those individuals before arrival at the center.

Directions to Foley

We recommend using Google Maps to get directions to the center.