(Fall/Winter 2023) Grow & Behold: A Publication of Falling Creek Camp by Falling Creek Camp

Fall 2023

Grow behold A Publication of Falling Creek Camp

behold

how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! —Psalm 133:1

Grow behold CONTENTS

11 Alumni Artisans. celebrate our camp community’s

26 Pressure To Play. What, if anything, are young athletes

creativity and meet some of the visual artists, performers, and art teachers in Falling Creek’s alumni.

missing out on when they choose summer camp over pre-season sports practices at home?

19 A Visit With Father Nature. Steve Longenecker reflects

36 Fan The Flame. Here at Falling Creek, camp is not just

on the history of summer camps, outdoor education, and outdoor medicine in this Q&A.

about boys—it’s about families!

54 Announcements of the Day. Announcements for the Day:

22 Keep Going & Keep Growing. How does camp grow with

Find out what the camp community is up to, all over the world.

our oldest campers? Read what teenagers can gain from the camp experience.

On the Cover: Navigating rapids in a canoe on the Tuckasegee River. Back Cover: Enjoying lunch with a view during a backpacking trip to Black Balsam. 4 Yates’ Yak 10 Morning Watch 18 Parents’ Perspectives 32 Scholarships 44 Guts & Glory

The rope swing evokes memories of carefree summer days on the lake. While this waterfront classic has seen many improvements since the original version in 1969, today’s campers continue to embrace the thrill of the swing.

yates’yak

ALWAYS GROWING along the way

Yates Pharr, Director

My first summer at camp was back when I was 10

This past summer marked my 30th year at Falling Creek. As I reflect on those years I realize that— throughout all of the stages of life I’ve experienced while at camp—one thing has remained constant, and that is the growth and enrichment camp has given me.

years old. It was 1978, and I was attending the threeweek session with my brothers, Henry and Stephen. I loved the activities, making new friends, and the excitement of being away from home for the first time. Camp encouraged me to be curious and creative, and to explore an array of activities. However, as much as I loved camp, I also had to work through moments of homesickness. That experience helped me build perseverance and independence, and I learned that I could do hard things without my parents’ help. As a young boy, camp taught me resilience, and that I was capable of more than I even imagined.

then, I had spent a few years returning to the sixweek Main Camp session and was gaining a passion for whitewater paddling. Camp was still just as fun as it had been during my younger years, but as an older camper I was given more responsibility and even started to be involved in the trip planning and management process. The counselors who mentored me gave me the chance to go through the trip checklist, help pack food, and even guide some of the rapids under their supervision. As a teenager, camp taught me how to be organized and responsible. My tenth summer at camp I was a 20-year-old college student, serving on staff as a paddling instructor. My interest in canoeing and kayaking had come full circle, and I was getting to share my love of paddling with the next generation of campers. By then, I had been a counselor for a couple of summers and was able to take on more of a leadership role. It was one of my first experiences managing peers, working with different personalities, and creating ways to teach to all skill levels. As a young adult, camp taught me leadership and communication skills.

and my third year as Camp Directors. Despite all I had learned from my camp experiences in 15 years, my role as a Director taught me even more. Before returning, I had taken a break from camp from 1990-2005 to work in the corporate world of commercial real estate. My camp mentors had continued to be there for me during that chapter of my journey with career advice, networking, and letters of recommendation. Both then and now, what I needed to do most in business was learn how to work with people and meet them where they were. As an adult, camp continues to teach me collaboration, patience, problem solving, and teamwork skills. Fast forward to my thirtieth year as Camp Director and I am still learning, honing, and gaining new skills. Though my role has changed as I’ve gotten older, my camp experience has grown with me. I still call upon the skills that I started learning here as a boy, which continue to build on each other and scale up as I grow. Falling Creek exists to shepherd the journey of personal growth through love and adventure. This is our aim for everyone regardless of age, from campers, to staff, to directors. Camp will continue to teach me (and us) new things as we continue on our journey together.

THE MAGAZINE

My fifteenth year was in 2008, and it was Marisa’s

Grow behold

My fifth summer at camp was when I was 15. By

Fall 2023 Editor: Annie Ramsbotham

Design:

E Below, Left: Pharr Family From Left to Right: Yates, Marisa, Mare, Jazzy, Lucy (Pharr) Moore, Daniel Moore, Danielle, Annie (Pharr) Ramsbotham, Zeb Ramsbotham. Below, Right: Yates paddling and playing tennis as a camper.

Steve Parker Design

Editorial Contributors: Yates Pharr, Creston Mapes

Photographic Contributors: Tamara Ayala, Shannon Hemmer, James Singhal, Doni Towers, Tom Twemlow, Valery Uscanga, and all of our Adventure Staff

Cover Photo: Bennett Broad

Back Cover Photo: Doni Towers

mailcall We get a lot of mail around here and like to share some in each issue of Grow & Behold. Feel free to send your correspondence to the address on the back of the magazine, or to mail@fallingcreek.com.

I cannot adequately express to you how much camp has positively influenced my son. It not only has shaped who he is as a person, but also who he is becoming. Thank you and everyone at FCC for all you do! I have been amazed at the impact camp has had on him from year one when he came home and offered to do something small but unexpected for me, I think it was getting me a glass of water, and he told me it was because of his Servant’s Heart. His growth continued all the way through this past year, when camp offered him leadership opportunities and he showed a new confidence speaking/presenting in front of people at Morning Announcements. He has gained lifelong friends, mentors, unknown skills and enumerable memories. It is just incredible. All best and big gratitude, Catherine and Clay - Mt. Pleasant, SC I’m writing with a heart full of gratitude for all things Falling Creek. The two photos include a letter home from camp when Brooks was ten years old. He tried and failed the buoy course on the Lower Lake and included an illustration ; ) The other pictures are from nearly ten years later, returning as a paddling counselor. Gratefully, Kristin - Memphis, TN

It has been some time now since my last trip over to the USA and Falling Creek Camp. Since my time away from camp, I have been working in the outdoor education industry here in Australia, and I started a new position as a Program Coordinator at Urban Challenge. My time spent at camp truly helped me to discover my path and pursue what has now been a fantastic and enjoyable career for me. I’d like to thank you and all of Falling Creek for everything you do, not only for helping to provide an immense opportunity and experience to every boy that attends camp, but also for all the staff. I was able to learn not only about helping young kids but also about myself. I value every summer I was able to spend at camp and look forward to keeping in contact with the Falling Creek community in Australia. It is still enjoyable and exciting to see snippets of camp every year from here. My time at camp truly was an experience that I will never forget and am very thankful to have had the opportunity to spend 4 summers on the mountain. I look forward to hopefully being able to return someday in the future. Yates, you were also right when you used to say the first thing people will do if they return is go and find those cabin signs. Cabin 8 would be my first stop! Daniel - Sydney, Australia (staff ‘14-’15, ‘18-’19)

I wanted to share a memory and let you all know about my son Thomas, who was a camper for a few years during middle school and competed in the FCC Ironman Triathlon. I personally mark this as the point where he learned to love running. He ran cross country and track all through high school and now competes in college at Washington and Lee where he runs cross country in the Fall, and track in the Winter and Spring. I am grateful that he was able to have these experiences at Falling Creek, and especially those from the Ironman. Eric - Charlottesville, VA

Truly a generous, graceful, supportive team that made this our son’s best summer ever. He came off the plane with a new confidence and excitement and so many great stories! Claire and I took a deep breath in hopes that our son would have a memorable time at camp, and the pictures say thousands of words. I can’t believe the transformation he’s undergone in four weeks, from feeling homesick to fully embracing camp, his journey has been an answered prayer (actually, many.) Thank you for taking time out of what’s likely one of the craziest days to make him feel at home on Opening Day, and for following up with anxious parents. It truly is a place with something for everyone. The behind-thescenes logistics and energy that never quelled in four weeks is astonishing! Lastly thank you, to our son’s cabin counselors, Chris and Beans. Two guys of impeccable character that shows through their actions, observed 5 states away. While I wish them great success in their futures, I already know that will be the case. Stefan and Claire - Dallas, TX

I feel like I say this every year, but THANK YOU from all of us for giving Parker the best 4 weeks ever. Jason and I received the below letter from him yesterday. I re-typed it so you wouldn’t have to work through his handwriting! We could not be more proud of his hard work and to hear how proud he is of himself is truly heartwarming. Thank you and everyone at FCC for a great summer. And a big shout out to Olly and Logan for being great counselors. Warmly, Jane - Alexandria, VA

The letter from Parker we received during Main Camp:

Dear Mom and Dad, WHOOP! It was one of I DID THE IRON MAN! WHOOP! e in my life, but with a lot of the hardest things that I have ever don hed it in about an hour and determination and perseverance, I finis for doing it and it is an twenty minutes. I am so proud of myself I did W I will remember for the rest of my life. accomplishment that portion (sorry Dad) and have to walk a little bit in the running hard and I got so close to the mountain biking part was REALLY neck, but I still did it. (And falling off of my bike and breaking my ed my place up a spot cause finished it in a dead sprint which mov was jogging :)). And when I I passed someone at the very end who best drink I’ve EVER had finished, that Mtn. Dew tasted like the of myself and cannot wait because I EARNED it. I am so proud so much and thank you for to do it again next year! I love you guys nity to accomplish great supporting me and giving me the opportu you guys on Friday. things such as this. I cannot wait to see Lots of love, Parker

My son Fite just brought his mountain bike into our local store and met a long-time former camper Ben K. He is also mountain biking with the guys on the middle and high school team at school thanks to camp! Can’t wait until next summer! Kristin - Nashville, TN I spent a total of eight summers at a camp in Maine, so I really value the camp experience and how transformational it can be for children (and adults/ counselors). Throughout the Father/Son Weekend we were part of, I was reminded just how much time, effort, and endless ENERGY goes into orchestrating a successful camp experience. From the activities to the skits to the thought provoking “dad” gatherings, it was quite clear that Falling Creek is a well-oiled, family-run machine with family values in mind. I really appreciated the time we spent in reflection as fathers. I know it will be easy to fall back into the rut of daily life that is often too structured, too scheduled and with too much scrutiny, but my hope is to be more of a “yes dad” and less of a “no dad.” Thank you for this valuable lesson, among the many others. Campbell - Charlotte, NC

Be fun to be around | Live with enthusiasm | Focus on the positive | Be grateful for God’s blessings

morningwatch

TAKING PAUSE

By Matt Sloan Chaplain & Seasonal Events Director

“Falling Creek is a place to discover more about who you are, what you are made for, and the heart of the One who made you.”

Through my window whistles a cool, refreshing breeze that has traveled over many hills, winding its way through lush green trees now capped with the reds, oranges, and yellows of spectacular Fall in the mountains. It seems this year these majestic hills, peaks, and valleys are even more breathtaking than normal—as far as the eye can see and covered in every imaginable color. I am not one to be stopped in my tracks by views, but this time of year it is undeniably breathtaking, and worth pause. Speaking of taking pause, this past summer I experienced a moment in the middle of the day that actually stopped me in my tracks. It was during our second Free Choice period of the day when the campers had completed their planned activities and were spending time in different areas of camp for a spell. I had passed under the rollercoaster as campers screamed with joy overhead, when I noticed a group of young boys around 9 years old on their hands and knees in the creek bed. They were stealthy, substantially wet and dirty, and completely silent. I observed curiously. “Here’s one!” one of them exclaimed as he lifted a red salamander over his head from the trickling waters. “Let me see! Let me see!” scrambled the other boys to his side, climbing over each other for a look. Yet the fascination was shortlived as the silence returned, and each boy assumed his position next to the creek, hoping to be the next one to victoriously discover the next slimy treasure. They stayed in that creek the

whole period, and returned to it many times during the session. These young campers reminded me that there are mysteries to be discovered around us every day, and that there is adventure in the process of discovery. There is a seemingly endless vault of revelations to be made by interacting with both nature and the people around us. Yet, there is an even deeper mystery to be discovered in these moments—we get to know God as we uncover the mysteries of our lives and the people and world around us. These are the ways that our God delights in revealing Himself to us! Psalm 19 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, and night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” Romans 1 declares, “For his invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” It can be overwhelming, even intimidating, to think about God being so interwoven into our everyday lives. Yet the delight and joy of realizing that the One who made everything, including each of us, is unendingly creative, mysterious, and adventurous. We are drawn to those things because we are made in his image. God loves to reveal His heart to us, his children!

Alumni Artisans:

— by nature — As we celebrate the many creatives we have in our camp community, we invite you to meet Falling Creek’s “Alumni Artisans.” On the following pages, we feature visual artists, performers, and art teachers, all of whom are Falling Creek alumni. Enjoy.

BRAD LUKE

Staff ’02, ’05-’08 High School Art Teacher - Pulaski County, Kentucky

Where has life taken Brad since his fifth and final summer of teaching art at camp? In 2008, Brad landed an interview at Southwestern High School in the Pulaski County school district of Somerset, Kentucky. While driving back to Falling Creek for Main Camp Opening Day, he received a phone call with a job offer. He began his new role after the summer wrapped up, and has been inspiring the next generation of artists as a high school art teacher ever since. Brad and his wife Stephanie have been married 11 years and have a 5-year-old son, Amos. In addition to teaching art, Brad is involved in his local church and youth sports community. He is the assistant soccer coach for his high

school team and the district president for the Kentucky District Nazarene Youth International. As former campers will remember from Brad’s time as a camp counselor, he is passionate about art and teaching young people. While it is important to be able to express creativity at camp in the summer, Brad believes art is an essential part of the school curriculum during the rest of the year, too. “Learning art in school is important because it works a different area of the brain and ultimately teaches students, children, and adults to see the world differently. Art processes usually follow a set of steps in order to create, but those steps can all be done differently by different people to achieve different results, and this is the interesting part of art creation,” he said. Though it’s been over a decade since his last summer at camp, there are still lessons and skills from Falling Creek that Brad continues to use today. “There are a lot of things from camp that have integrated their way into my life,” he said. “The single greatest would be the leadership skills that I began to learn while at camp, and how they have guided me in so many areas of life. I truly believe that learning great leadership skills came from the great leaders I got to work under while I was at camp five different summers.” In his classroom, Brad is concerned with teaching more than just art techniques. “The main thing that I hope my students learn in my classroom is that art is more than a piece of paper or a painting. I hope my students not only learn the processes of art, but also see the reason behind the lesson, and are guided to a deeper understanding. I hope they see that art is an everyday thing that can be playful, hopeful, and inspiring.”

Far Left: Brad and Stephanie with their son Amos. Below: Brad Luke (bottom row, far left) as a counselor with his cabin in 2007.

We spend so much of our daily lives sitting down, but how much time do we spend thinking about where we are sitting? For self-proclaimed “chair nerd” and Falling Creek Camp alumna, Brandy Clements, chairs are frequently at the forefront of her mind. Brandy and her husband Dave Klingler established the Silver River Center for Chair Caning in Asheville, North Carolina. It is the nation’s only chair caning school and museum. Designated as an Official Education Center of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, students of all ages have come from around the world to learn this global craft. Chair caning is an ancient art form and was introduced to Brandy through family traditions. She initially learned four weaving styles from her Aunt Linda, and quickly discovered her passion for repairing caned chairs. What was first a side-job repairing chairs turned into an artist residency at the Grove Arcade Arts and Heritage Gallery. Then, in 2010, the Silver River Center for Chair Caning was established in Asheville’s River Arts District, and Brandy joined both the Southern Highland Craft Guild and the Seat Weavers Guild. Working with guilds has opened her eyes to many different techniques and crafts. “I feel a regeneration of the craft has been happening for the last 10 years or so,” said Brandy, who has woven thousands of chairs, shared her passion and knowledge with people across the world, and shows no signs of slowing down. “I always liked working with my hands,” said Brandy, which comes as no surprise to fellow camp alumni who remember her teaching Arts & Crafts during the four summers she worked at Falling Creek as a counselor (1995-’98). Initially, Brandy thought of chair weaving as something fun and functional, but the passion for it didn’t take hold until she was several years into learning the craft. Her favorite part about the work is sharing her passion with others. “I like teaching people and making them look at chairs differently. “People would tell me the stories of their chairs. Whether it was a personal story or a design and history story, it was always really interesting. That’s where it really started to get nerdy and fun. I was learning about the background and just started to be impressed by the chairs themselves. It’s not only that we’ve woven thousands of chairs, it’s about the teaching. It’s the nerdy history behind chair caning that is really important to us and teaching other people.” Brandy enjoys celebrating the individual stories that each chair holds, but the Silver River Center itself is a tribute to the grand history of chair caning as a whole, with over 100 woven chairs from different time periods and locations.

BRANDY CLEMENTS

Staff ’95-’98 Co-Founder - Silver River Center for Chair Caning, Asheville, NC

These days, Brandy, Dave, and their golden retriever Rosie can be found hard at work in the repair shop, teaching at craft schools/public/charter/homeschools, lecturing at conferences, traveling for research, creating YouTube videos, and writing their new instructional book, due out in 2024. For more information about appointments and classes, visit https://silverriverchairs.com.

Above: Brandy Clements with fellow counselor Colin Lafferty in 1996 at Falling Creek.

KATIE GROVE

Staff ’09-’10 Artist and Educator Specializing in Basket Weaving Hudson Valley, New York

In 2009-10, Katie Grove was a rock climbing instructor at Falling Creek Camp. Spending time exploring forests,

harvesting art materials from nature, and enjoying the outdoors are all still favorite pastimes and she’s since been able to turn those passions into a career. “I wove my first baskets during my undergrad in art school in Philadelphia during a fiber arts class and it was love at first sight,” she said. “I felt like I’d found my calling; basket weaving perfectly merges my love for nature and my love for making things.”

For Katie, the decade since her time at camp has been “a roller coaster full of traveling, making art, and developing a career as a basketry teacher.” Katie went to graduate school to study interdisciplinary art, with a background in Fibers Art from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and a BFA in Printmaking from SUNY New Paltz. She is currently an artist and educator, specializing in basket weaving. Katie guides art workshops for children and adults, and led a “Wild Basketry Workshop Series” in 2023. Her students learn twining, plaiting, coiling, ribbed basketry, twined bags, cordage, and other techniques while working with a variety of locally-harvested natural materials. Katie doesn’t just teach skills, she explores what it means to turn locally gathered plants into functional pieces of art. “We walk in the footsteps of our ancestors and harvest gratefully from the earth to make one of the most culturally meaningful objects in history: the basket.” Katie is most proud of a one-person boat she made by hand, known as a coracle, or a ‘cwrwgl’ as it was originally called in Welsh. “I embarked on a quest to make a coracle, using a woven willow frame with a cowhide stretched over it,” she said. The use of coracles dates back 2000 years. “It’s the biggest basket I’ve ever made and it was very meaningful because it was meant to hold a person. It has even deeper meaning for me because this is a boat my ancestors in Wales would have made for hundreds of years. Completing the coracle and sailing it around the ponds and rivers where I live has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life! “As for making a career of art, don’t be afraid to follow your passion and forge your own path,” Katie said. “There is no rulebook on how to make a career in art, which makes it both exciting and scary. There are so many different ways to make it work, but it’s most important to not let go of your dreams and to figure out a way to share your gifts with the world.” Though it’s been years since her time at Falling Creek, Katie still uses the skills she learned as a counselor. “One of the biggest is to meet people where they are and to be compassionate and open-hearted.” Keep up with Katie’s latest work and classes at her website, https://katiegrovestudios.com.

Far Left: Katie Grove as a Falling Creek counselor in 2010 Left: Katie Grove paddling her hand-woven coracle

There are few places at camp more fascinating than the blacksmith shop. It’s full of loud hammers clanging, hot flames flickering from the forges, and the distinctive smell of smoke wafting from the chimneys. Every summer, wideeyed boys head up to the shop, excited to try their hand at blacksmithing. Many return year after year to advance their skills and create new pieces, but there are likely very few who imagine such an exciting craft could become a career. For Tommy Carroll, blacksmithing and metalwork are not only his passion, but his livelihood. He taught blacksmithing at Falling Creek from 2010-18, and now lives with his wife Sam in nearby Hendersonville, where Tommy isn’t limited to just blacksmithing—he also works as a bladesmith, bone carver, jeweler, and founder of Mountain Rain Studio. Tommy was introduced to forging after attending a blacksmithing course in Arkansas in the early 2000s, and said camp was where he grew his craft. “Teaching at camp was a huge opportunity to build on those skills and to learn new ones.” Tommy’s first apprenticeship was thanks to a college business writing class. “My professor had us write to a dream employer and you had to convince them to hire you. I had been attending Renaissance Festivals with my family and saw William Lloyd’s booth; he does incredible bone carving. So, I decided to write to him for the assignment. I got an A, so I tweaked it and actually sent it to William, asking to be his apprentice, and he took me on. He’s the reason why I do what I’m doing now full time. He taught me how to carve, how to be a better artist, how to handle

the business side, and even got me a gig at the Maryland Renaissance Festival.” In addition to having former campers join him at Renaissance Festivals, Tommy has also partnered with fellow blacksmithing instructor, David Echeverria, who taught blacksmithing with him for several summers between 2014 and 2021. “When I was given the opportunity to run the blacksmith shop at the Maryland Renaissance Festival, I called David to see if he would join me. He is a great artist, a great friend, and now runs the shop at FCC.” David has joined Falling Creek’s full-time facilities team, and plays a key role in helping camp run smoothly year-round, not just during summers when he leads the blacksmithing program. Tommy said his time at camp helped him learn new skills and techniques through teaching. “A lot of times I would learn by having a camper or counselor come up and ask me, ‘how do you make this?’ And together we’d figure out how to make something new.” Tommy explained that at camp, he didn’t need to have all the answers, just enthusiasm and curiosity. “Having a group of people who believe in your ability and your work is priceless.” Tommy’s works can be found at mountainrainstudio. com, or see him in person in Maryland, Florida, or West Virginia at the Renaissance Festivals where he works annually.

TOMMY CARROLL

Staff ’10-’18 Blacksmith - Mountain Rain Studio, Hendersonville, NC

Above: Tommy Carroll’s bladesmithing and bone carving work. Center: Tommy working as a blacksmithing counselor at Falling Creek in 2010.

WALT COTTINGHAM

Staff ’75-’82 Woodcraftsman - Zirconia, NC

For Walt Cottingham Jr., summer camp is in his family’s blood. His father, Walter Cottingham Sr., grew up going to Camp Greenville and was director at nearby Camp Pinnacle for 20 years before joining Falling Creek Camp, where he worked for nearly three decades. Walt’s father built their family house on Camp Pinnacle property, and when his family moved, Walt got his first real lesson in carpentry by helping disassemble, transport, and rebuild the home in Zirconia. Walt’s experience as a carpenter and wood artist has multiplied over the decades. He built his own house next to the property in Zirconia, where he lives with his

wife Karen, and now uses the lower level of his father’s handbuilt home as his woodworking studio. Walt is best known for the beautiful, one-of-a-kind birdhouses he crafts from natural and reclaimed wood. Walt began his history at Falling Creek in the 1970s when his father was hired at Falling Creek. Soon, Walt Jr. was finishing college and needed a summer job, so he became a counselor at Falling Creek, starting in 1975. He spent his next seven summers working at camp. During the school year, Walt worked as a history, geography, and english teacher for 42 years, first at Northwest Middle School in Travelers Rest, SC, and later at Hendersonville High School. Walt left his legacy at Falling Creek through his carpentry. Many of the old outpost buildings and cabin overnight shelters exist thanks to his hard work. Today, Walt continues to use his woodworking skills, but rather than building structures, he now focuses on creating art. Walt does about ten craft shows a year, traveling as far as Cincinnati, Memphis, Nashville, and Atlanta. “The main thing I sell at craft shows are bird houses. I make them out of all kinds of wood, things that I find hiking in the woods.” Friends and neighbors often call Walt before they tear down a barn or wooden structure to ask if he wants to collect the wood. Walt makes his birdhouses with specific birds in mind, crafting each to appeal to a particular local species. “I’ve always liked birds, and I made bird houses before I was ten years old. Maybe it goes along with being somebody that’s worked on buildings over the years, but I like things that are a combination of functional and artistic. I don’t look at it as a hobby, it’s a profession for me, and so I make that distinction. It has been a real joy. The fun part is finding a piece and conceptualizing how you’re going to use it. I’ve met so many nice people, and I’ve got such great friends in the craft business. I feel really blessed by it.” You’ll find one of Walt’s original benches in the main welcome room at Falling Creek Camp. Walt generously gifted the bench to camp, where it will continue to be enjoyed by Falling Creek families for years to come. Keep up with Walt’s latest creations on the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s artist website, southernhighlandguild.org/ artist/wcottingham/. Above Left: One of Walt Cottingham’s hand crafted birdhouses. Above Right: Walt Cottingham teaching carpentry skills to campers, while building the present day A-Frame building in 1977.

WOOD ROBINSON

Staff ’10-’12 Musician – “Mipso” & “That Other Band,” Salt Lake City, UT

Left: Wood Robinson playing bass for Mipso, photographed by Calli Westra. Right: Wood playing on the front porch during Morning Assembly in 2013.

It was summer 2010 when Wood Robinson first worked at Falling Creek, and it was also the year that he and his UNC-Chapel Hill friends started a band. Eventually, Wood graduated college and finished two more summers at camp, but the band, “Mipso,” is still going strong today. Mipso has been touring for about a decade, across 48 states in the U.S., in Europe, and in Japan. The string quartet stays true to its North Carolina roots through its folk and bluegrass sound, with Wood on bass, Jacob Sharp on mandolin, Libby Rodenbough on fiddle, Joseph Terrell on guitar, and all four harmonizing captivating vocals. Their albums “Old Time Reverie” and “Edges Run” both topped Billboard’s Bluegrass charts, and their single “People Change” has been streamed over 100 million times on Spotify to date. When Mipso was getting started, Wood never dreamed it would be a career. “I was planning on pursuing higher education and was going to get a Masters and PhD in global hydro climatology. I was playing a lot of jazz and orchestra stuff, and Joseph, the guitar player in the band, approached me about starting to play some more folk music and some bluegrass.” If you were at Falling Creek in 2010-12, you might recall the large upright bass Wood brought with him each summer. It was a fun addition to Morning Assembly. “The first year at camp I was a backpacking trip leader, the second year I taught whitewater paddling, and the

third year, about a week and a half into my working there, I broke my foot, and so I was the music teacher,” remembered Wood. “It was really a very nice experience teaching music at camp. There’s a strong human connection between a teacher and a student because playing music is inherently vulnerable. As the teacher, you have to have a lot of love, compassion, and empathy for the person you’re asking to perform.” After his time at camp, Wood and his bandmates devoted much time, patience, and hard work to getting Mipso off the ground. “It’s a young man’s game,” Wood said. “Unfortunately, the music industry is not for those who pale in the face of financial risk. Another way of putting that is that it’s not for smart business people— yours truly very much included.” When asked what advice he would give to a camper wanting to follow a similar career path in music, he was honest. “I would tell them to first get a bachelor’s degree in music, so people want to hire you. Most people that make their careers in music aren’t doing the glamorous thing on stage, and they’re just as happy, or happier.” Keep up with Wood’s music through his website, www. awoodrobinson.com, and find the latest tour dates and album releases from his band “Mipso” through its website, www.mipsomusic.com.

Read the full Alumni Artisan series, featured here on our blog.

in their own words... A Parent’s Perspective In that short amount of time there was some kind of change in him that is almost indescribable. He came

home noticeably more confident, more thoughtful, deep thinking, polite, and full of stories of things he did or witnessed that were so impactful. Our experience and our son’s experience was better than we ever imagined. We thought he was “just” going to summer camp, but truly it was so much more than that. He seemed to mature so much in his time there, which sounds a bit extreme because it was a short stay. But truly there have been many people in our circle who have noted this about him. We can’t wait to see what the future will look like for him at Falling Creek. Mary Paige and Jonathan, Raleigh NC

Falling Creek Camp is a very special place. It’s one where boys can be adventurous, independant and take time to laugh and enjoy every day. Falling Creek’s focus on Christian values and the time they take to really talk about and celebrate positive character traits, like gratitude, are what set them apart from every other overnight camp. This camp is a rite of passage into adulthood in our family, and I pray that everyone could experience a magical summer in the majestic mountains of Falling Creek Camp. Curt and Carly, Acworth GA 18

We truly love Falling Creek, it is such a beautiful and welcoming place. It is a place where boys can be who they are, and be celebrated for their individuality. The variety of activities and programs make it a very well rounded experience. The staff is incredible! The off-site trips are great for building strength and confidence as the boys get older too! All and all, we just could not ask for anything more in a camp experience for our boys. Our son was so excited to be in the same cabin as his father was 30 years ago! He looks forward to returning next year for a longer session, seeing friends and counselors from years past, and working on progressions. Anne and Jon, Daniel Island SC

Why Falling Creek? We chose Falling Creek on our neighbor’s recommendation, who also attends our church. We were looking for a camp experience that was not overly focused on sports, and would give our son exposure to activities and skills that he does not participate in at home. FCC’s camp staff is incredible and a huge part of why our son has wanted to go back. The entire experience has been wonderful and more than we hoped for. Ashleigh and Mike, Bronxville NY

We selected Falling Creek wanting an outdoor opportunity for our boys to safely take risks. Risks in terms of activities they may not get to attempt at home, as well as personal growth risks around trying new things, meeting new people, and solving new problems. Madeline and German, Denver CO

What’s the Greatest Value From Camp? Too many to put into one word. Both of our sons have continued to strengthen their values of friendship, time management, discipline, human face-to-face interaction, problem solving/conflict resolution. Pure joy of childhood and freedom without the noise of the outside world. Ashley and Bill, Charleston, SC The independence, freedom, activity, no electronics, support, mentorship, character development. We feel his experiences have been a fundamental part of him becoming the man we hope he will be one day, and are grateful to have the opportunity to send him. Amy and Steve, Augusta GA

A VISIT WITH

Father nature

Steve Longenecker has been an outdoor educator, nature enthusiast, falconer, rock climber, and “lump chef” at Falling Creek since 1975. Known as “SFL” to many at camp (Steve likes to go by his initials), the “Esefel” library building is named in his honor. However, Steve’s summer camp legacy precedes his time at Falling Creek. In this Q&A, you’ll learn more about the history of summer camps in our area, about outdoor education, and about outdoor medicine from the legend himself.

Far Left: SFL teaches boys about birds of prey and other local wildlife from the porch of the “Esefel” library building, named in his honor. Left: the “lump legacy” continues today with SFL teaching campers how to cook “Longenecker Lumps,” the beloved backcountry cooking classic.

Q A AND

Q&A With Summer Camp Legend, Steve Longenecker FCC: How did you first get involved with summer camps in our area?

The 1980 Mountaineering Staff at Falling Creek. SFL and Banjo (the dog) are pictured far right in the back row.

SFL: A professor at my college (FSU) thought I’d be a good staff member for a camp in North Carolina that was part of a Camp Hiring Day at her school. The fellow from Camp Sequoyah whom she intended me to meet never arrived, but instead I met the man who started Camp Mondamin, Frank Bell, Sr. (Chief). I accepted a job there as a tennis instructor and cabin counselor for the youngest boys at the camp. It changed my life. At the time, tennis, like nature, was a long-standing, almost-cliche’ activity at summer camp. Though I didn’t have any previous teaching experience, I knew enough to fool the director and define myself as a teacher of something. Chief and I had a mutual interest in snakes. Aside from teaching tennis, I helped him with the snake programs, joined the hiking staff, and eventually became head of that department.

Soon, I learned the basics of rock climbing from William “Wally” Wallace, who has recently been the head van driver for Falling Creek’s adventure trips. I also took a class at a one-day school in Rocky Mountain National Park. I gained more experience working with a mountain rescue group in Southern California, where I taught environmental education. I then returned with a guide book in one hand and a rope in the other, and stumbled my way through my first summer of rock climbing at Camp Mondamin. Working at Camp Green Cove was next, then High Rocks, Sequoyah, Chosatonga, and Kahdalea. Once rock climbing was accepted as an activity that was both safe and popular, it spread to many other camps. I started working at Falling Creek in the mid-70s, and I’ve been around the place longer than any other camp. I hope that has been a plus for Falling Creek.

FCC: Where did the idea for your WEMA (Wilderness Emergency Medical Aid) program come from? SFL: WEMA was arguably the most important contribution I made to the camp. Others might cite either the Nature Program or the Mountaineering Program that encompassed both backpacking and rock climbing. Neither, however, was unique to Falling Creek. WEMA began at Falling Creek in the late 1970s and continued until I presented my last program, more than 30 years later. WEMA was my title, concept, the topic of two books, and what I’d like to be remembered for. Backing up a bit, the very first emergency medical training I can remember doing was when I taught day campers what to do if a dangerous snake were to bite them. At the time, I was an 18-year-old school bus driver and college student working for a YMCA camp in Florida. Wanting to know more, I began American Red Cross classes in First Aid and CPR, and became certified as an instructor in both areas, then an Instructor Trainer for the Asheville Chapter of the ARC. I taught adults in night classes at Asheville Country Day School, where I was a department head. All of this stopped when I had an almost fatal rockclimbing fall. The two people with me that day had been First Aid/CPR students of mine and saved my life because they knew what to do. After some time away from camp work (1973-75) due to post traumatic stress disorder from the fall, I resumed backpacking/rock climbing trips, working for Wolfcreek Wilderness, an outdoor education organization which was under contract to start a rock-climbing program for Falling Creek Camp. That was my introduction to FCC. In the mid-1970s, camps had no emergency medical instruction required for their staff members like we do

today, so I began Sunday afternoon classes at Falling Creek for counselors who were interested. I slanted my instruction toward situations that might be encountered in camps and taught what to do in the event of a vehicle wreck, snakebite, broken bones, cuts from axes, or if an injured camper needed to be transported. As was true then and now, FCC was on the cutting edge, with interesting, creative ideas. Main Camp lasted for seven weeks, giving us plenty of time for long hikes, paddling adventures, climbing trips, and the First Aid Hike, where boys learned wilderness emergency skills, including team evacuation techniques. WEMA naturally arose from that. I wanted to involve younger campers in a program that would be useful at camp but could also be important after they’d left for home at the end of their session. The program became a mainstay of June and Main Camp sessions, with boys asking me about WEMA on Opening Day. For many years, WEMA was a big deal, with lots of attention-getting gimmicks, like squirting fake blood and eating the “brains” after using a watermelon to mimic a fake skull fracture caused by not wearing a helmet. As you can imagine, these exercises were not only fun to create and to watch as an observer, but also full of educational information. Camper attention span, shortening the length of Main Camp, along with new emergency information that needed to become a part of WEMA, diminished its popularity. I was unable to fit it into the FCC format as the camp program evolved. For those reasons (and others), what might have been one of the most important activities at camp eventually faded away.

FCC: What do you hope your legacy will be at camp? SFL: My name has been associated with many things over the years: the Top of Glass (TOG) trip, the “Nose Bivvy,” night hikes with the nature program, truck/bus driver, “Riki-Tikki-Tavi,” “head of homesickness,” trip calendars on the wall, recycling, and trivia bulletin boards. Inventor of Longenecker Lumps? Creator of WEMA? Father of Rock Climbing Programs for summer camps? Developer of the Falconers of Falling Creek Camp’ program? Guilty as charged, sir! Depending on the decade, campers may only know me as some old guy who has something to do with educational bird/snake programs. Other alumni may know I had a bit to do with bringing rock climbing and mountain biking to Falling Creek. I’ve held many roles at camp, and attempting to list them all soon becomes unmanageable.

Above: SFL educating campers and staff about snakes in 1977. Left: SFL at Falling Creek in 2021 with David Mashburn, fellow outdoor educator and Camp Sequoyah alumnus.

FCC: As a lifelong educator, what do you think is the most important thing a person can learn at camp? SFL: For a number of years, I’ve been asked to meet with the Falling Creek staff at the end of their Orientation Week at camp, for an environmental education talk of sorts. Somewhat facetiously, this talk has been dubbed, “A Visit From Father Nature.” This past summer, I asked Carson Skidmore (‘09-’12 camper, ‘18-’19, ‘21-’22 staff) to assume my role for that in the future. Since I’m in my mid-eighties, it’s way past time for these young men and women to hear from someone closer to their age, not from an old grandpa. Perhaps the best way for me to finish what I‘ve been trying do is to paraphrase words I’ve said to the staff during the “Father Nature” session, hoping that, in their own way, they might pass them along to their campers during the summer. I tell staff that during the summer, the most important things they do for the campers don’t necessarily have anything to do with teaching an activity. From the campers’ perspective, “Look me in the eye, learn about me, touch my shoulder, take me by the hand, point me in the right direction, care about my situation, focus on me, make a difference in my life.” We’re all teachers, though often what someone learns from us is not at all what we intended. If we could somehow record what we thought was a good piece of teaching, we might be humbled by what actually occurred. Like it or not, your audience is absorbing your essence, then deciding whether to join with you or not. It’s a hard role, being a teacher. You’re under the gun, 24/7. Whether it’s learning a new tune on the banjo, holding an animal in a gentle manner, perhaps placing a toe on a tiny piece of stone in a certain way while climbing, or cooking a Lump—when I see one of my students showing their pupil something that came from me, I also see my legacy being passed-along to the future. They are paying it forward. It brings me both great joy and even tears.

The programs that guide campers and staff on their journey to adulthood

Keep GOING Keep GROWING For our youngest campers, the camp experience is all about fun and trying new things. It’s often their longest time away from home, and their first time having so much independence and so many opportunities to try a variety of new activities. As they get a little older, campers begin to return for different reasons — for the friends they’ve made or for the skill progressions in their favorite activities. But what about when campers reach middle school and high school? Are there still things teenagers can gain from camp?

We’re glad you asked.

As it turns out, as campers mature into their teens, responsibilities and opportunities for leadership around camp increase, giving them even more benefits and experiences. This is why we created our FLINT, STEEL, and DASH programs for young men entering the 11th grade, 12th grade, and first year of college. The FLINT (Forging Leaders INTentionally) and STEEL (Summer Training Encouraging Emerging Leaders) programs build off a camper’s existing camp experience, and help transition him toward college, work, or to return as a counselor at Falling Creek. Following the STEEL summer is a staff employment opportunity for rising college freshmen, called DASH (Developing A Servant’s Heart). Members of our DASH team work for 5-week blocks at either the firsthalf or second-half of the summer, and have a mix of responsibilities, including kitchen shifts, activity teaching, and covering cabins. They can work “behind-the-scenes” in the kitchen at camp, gain activity teaching experience, and learn what it means to be responsible for others as a cabin counselor.

The Older You Get, The More You Gain What is it like to follow this progression program from camper to counselor? John Allen is one of the few in our camp community who has completed the full experience,

as a member of the FLINT, STEEL, and DASH programs, before finally returning as a cabin counselor and then Assistant Outdoor Adventure Director during the 2023 summer. As a teenager, John felt the pressure that many high school campers do, when they start to hear that camp is just for kids, or that they would benefit more from staying home with a summer job. However, John knew from experience the kind of growth he could receive through camp. “When you get into high school, you feel a little bit of pressure to get a summer job or go somewhere different. But a big part of what kept me coming back was knowing that being an older camper gave me opportunities and ways to grow in leadership.” Initially, John came to camp as a young boy to just enjoy the activities, as most young campers do. Over the years though, he returned for the friendships, growth experience, and leadership opportunities, especially within the paddling program, which he focused much of his time on. “As I got older the biggest shift I saw was in responsibility. When I would go on out-of-camp trips or in-camp activities, I would get to have a role and help out in the activity, or even practice instructing and teaching in certain things.” John would still have time to work on his own progressions and go on all the trips he wanted to as an older camper and Man of STEEL, but he enjoyed the opportunity to teach and share his knowledge. “Specifically in paddling, there were different safety

2023 FLINT group at the top of Looking Glass

FLINT | STEEL | DASH

briefings or gear checks that I got to do on river trips. Especially in the advanced or intermediate groups, a lot more responsibility was given to the campers, with the counselors’ oversight. “I remember when I was younger and I would see these 16-year-olds out in the lake on a Sunday afternoon, going out in their kayaks looking all cool and stuff. That’s the impact you get to have as an older camper at 16 or 17 in the FLINT or STEEL program — you get to be that older person that gets to run a canoe prep or help a counselor run a roll clinic, teaching younger campers the skills that you were taught by someone. Getting the opportunity to teach in a structured way like a counselor does, while still being in that camper age, was a lot of fun for me. Being able to teach some basics and be a part of that instruction in paddling was ultimately one of the reasons I knew I wanted to come back on staff, just because I had already gotten the opportunity to play into that role a little bit as a camper.” John described having a deeper mentor relationship with his counselors as he grew older too and could appreciate having someone closer in age to look up to as a teenager. “I remember I would always love to be in the Dining Hall at the table with my counselor, because at that point he wasn’t like this counselor telling us rules or what to do. He was like a friend that I got to know and was just a few years older than me, and honestly it was a lot easier to relate to him. He could not only be the ‘cool friend,’ but also like a mentor. “I realized I really enjoyed teaching and instructing others through that, but also being an older camper and being closer in age to counselors, I enjoyed getting to work alongside them more. I got to see how much fun they had together as staff, and I kind of got to be a part of that as an older camper.”

“I realized I really enjoyed teaching and instructing others through that, but also being an older camper and being closer in age to counselors, I enjoyed getting to work alongside them more. I got to see how much fun they had together as staff, and I kind of got to be a part of that as an older camper.”

—John Allen

Invaluable Opportunities James Singhal is another former camper who returned for the FLINT, STEEL, and DASH programs before working on staff in 2023 as a photographer. James says that working with a camper cabin during his STEEL summer helped him learn caring responsibilities and conflict resolution. “Even though it was difficult at times, the patience and determination it teaches are invaluable in life outside of camp,” said James. He also gained leadership experience during his time teaching woodworking. “Beyond the cabin, I taught project brainstorming, design, and execution in the woodshop, which allowed me to share my passion with others,” James said. “Combining the learning of being a counselor with the fun of still being a camper made STEEL a perfect finale to being a camper at Falling Creek.” John says that the FLINT and STEEL programs helped him “transition from being served in camp to serving others in camp. It seems negative since a lot of the world tells us that it’s better to have fun than to work, but I learned through the FLINT and STEEL programs the positivity of getting to serve the rest of camp. It started with just being held to a higher standard as an older camper,” said John. He was able to translate his camper experience into the counselor experience and see both sides. “I was able to see my own leadership qualities and service qualities grow.” James also recalled the idea of “giving back” being one of his main reasons for returning as he got older. “Falling Creek is a magical place for campers, as they are the people receiving the service of the counselors; however, it was hard to imagine how much more impactful serving the campers as a counselor would be. As a counselor, you are put in the place of the person all the campers look up to, which is a position of high responsibility and high

reward. I think all campers should return as counselors for at least one year, see the impact they have, and learn from counselors around them. Counselors, especially those who were previously campers, will see how little Falling Creek seems like a job and how much it feels like a growth-filled escape.” John says that he’ll be relying on the skills he learned at camp as he moves into the next stage of his career after college. Discipline is one of the main skills he mentioned. “Just waking up each morning at the same time and starting off by not being lazy or sitting around in bed.” Things like keeping the cabin clean, being on time to meals and activities, and sticking to a schedule helped him practice discipline. James echoed this, and said, “One of the biggest lessons I learned from DASH that I still use today is fitting in health to a busy schedule. While working in the DASH program, I had to learn to fit staying healthy and exercising into working in the kitchen and taking photographs around camp, something I didn’t develop in high school. Being at camp surrounded by supportive and friendly people allowed me to teach myself that skill quickly, and I’ve carried it forward into my gap year.” As John transitioned into the role of counselor, he remembers being given more and more responsibility in camp, and having a greater emphasis placed on his personal conduct. “I remember that was one of the first things Ben Williams mentioned in training, that as the oldest campers and later as the staff, we would be setting the example for the rest of camp.” John said that learning those skills at camp has given him the confidence that he’ll be prepared in any work environment he enters in the future. He said he values the development he’s gotten through the DASH program as much as any other professional experience he’s had, especially in terms of

developing leadership, discipline, and responsibility. As John said, the leadership programs at camp are “such a cool staircase that you get to go up, and a great way to spend those last years of high school.” The reasons teenagers return to camp are varied — some want to improve their skills in favorite activities, grow as leaders, learn how to be counselors, or keep up with close friendships. Regardless of the reason, camp is designed to grow with you, shepherding the journey of personal growth right into young adulthood.

Above: 2023 Men Of STEEL leading Morning Assembly

“Falling Creek is a magical place for campers, as they are the people receiving the service of the counselors; however, it was hard to imagine how much more impactful serving the campers as a counselor would be. As a counselor, you are put in the place of the person all the campers look up to, which is a position of high responsibility and high reward.”

—James Singhal

pressure

to play 20

When young people participate in school sports there are a myriad of benefits, but too much of a good thing can have its downsides. Times have changed. As sports competition has increased dramatically, sports’ seasons have become longer, and they often overlap. With more specialization in sports at younger ages, kids are facing higher rates of injury, pressure, and burnout. This kind of dedicated structure and required commitment can become too much for young athletes, especially when pre-season practices encroach on summer break. An unstructured alternative is summer camp, which allows kids to stay plenty active, gain a variety of new skills, and prepare for the upcoming sports season. With a variety of athletics to choose from, new sports and activities to try, and time spent outdoors all day, summer camp can provide both the needed break and the ideal preparation between sport seasons. Matt Eastwick was a camper at Falling Creek in the 1983 and 1984 six-week camp sessions. He went on to play college basketball as a forward for Princeton from the 1988-89 to 1991-92 seasons and remembers his time at camp fondly. “At camp, everything was outdoors. You had to learn how to be a pretty accurate shooter and I ended up practicing my shooting a lot,” said Matt, who credits the outdoor environment of camp with helping him perfect his shooting skills. Practicing against the wind, in bright sunlight, and on an outdoor court with wet

spots from previous rains helped Matt sharpen his skills. Matt says his shooting skills were honed in part at camp, “tracing back to the conditions of playing tough games against tough competition outdoors.” When Matt played for Princeton, his team won its league championship four years in a row. During that time, they also played in four NCAA tournament games and famously gave the number one seed, Georgetown, a run for its money as the 16th seed in 1989. In that contest, Princeton was winning most of the game, but ended up losing by just one point in a nail-biter. In addition to nurturing his love for the game of basketball at camp, Matt also discovered new sports and activities he enjoyed. “The first year I kept to the things I knew,” Matt recalled. “I was doing a lot of basketball and sports. But my second year I really got the bug to do more wilderness and adventurous trips. One of the things I loved was canoeing and kayaking trips, so I was going on one every week. It was such an amazing experience. I grew up in the city of Baltimore, so all the wilderness stuff was just a great way to learn about myself, get out there in nature, and challenge myself.” Experiencing a variety in athletic activities can keep burnout and overuse injuries at bay, resulting in not only more wellrounded young athletes, but young adults with more well-rounded life experiences.

Matt Eastwick’s 1984 Cabin Photo, in Reservation North. Matt is pictured back row 2nd from right. He went on to play basketball for Princeton from 19881992 and remembers his time at camp fondly.

Missing Out? What, if anything, are young athletes missing out on when they choose summer camp over pre-season sports practices at home? At camp, boys are away from their teammates and coaches, so some feel they might miss the chance for their talent to be “spotted,” or they may appear to be uncommitted to the team. Especially in middle school, most pre-season practices and “open gym” sessions are not mandatory, but many families still feel pressure to attend during the summer to gain favor with coaches. These are valid concerns, but what about the benefits of choosing summer camp instead? In an outdoor setting, campers stay active all day long, not just during set practice times. At camp, they don’t just return to the couch with their screens after an hour or two of exercise. All day they are exposed to a variety of sports, new friends, and activities they couldn’t do at home. The break from structured training can rejuvenate and boost

Right: Princeton forward Matt Eastwick (FCC camper, 1983-84) guarding Arkansas’ Todd Day in the 1991 NCAA tournament. Photo by Larry French.

mental health by ensuring the young person that his selfworth is not solely wrapped up in his sports performance. Camp can also introduce kids to new activities they may not have realized they would enjoy. Some find out they love alternative sports like rock climbing, mountain biking, or playing pickleball, and return home with a new activity to enjoy for the rest of their lives.

“One of the great things about Falling Creek was the good balance and mix between things like competitive activities and personal growth or advancement opportunities.” —Matt Eastwick

Lessons That Last Besides the fitness benefits and skill building learned at camp, there are many additional lessons that can’t be learned through school sports practice sessions alone. Being away from home, choosing a personalized schedule, and independently going to activities helps foster confidence, leadership, self-motivation, discipline, organization, and initiative. These are qualities that any coach would look for in a team player, not to mention how important these soft skills are in life, beyond sports. Matt recalled, “One of the great things about Falling Creek was the good balance and mix between things like competitive activities and personal growth or advancement opportunities.” Matt remembered times for competition at camp, but also plenty of times focused purely on personal development. This included learning soft skills like resilience and communication, challenging himself to try something new, and other experiences individual in nature. “I think there are some places that are much more one or the other, but Falling Creek is a great mix of both,” Matt said.

Addressing The Coach How can a student athlete bring up the topic of summer camp with a coach who expects players to be at all non-mandatory practices and pre-season events? Falling Creek Program Director Mike Nuckles, who served as Assistant Athletic Director at Charlotte Country Day for several years, said open communication is the key. “When you think about ideal values in a student athlete, self-advocacy and self-motivation are huge,” said Nuckles, who encourages campers to talk with their coaches to create a training plan ahead of the summer. “Coaches look for work ethic, not just skill,” Nuckles said. “Just going to the sports practices doesn’t necessarily show motivation to a coach, especially if it’s just to do something for the summer in order not to be bored, or to just show up. Taking the initiative to prepare and execute a summer workout plan while at camp would be much more impressive to me.” At camp, some boys wake up early to workout. Others spend their free time getting in their miles running the trails or lifting weights at the lodge for conditioning training. Initiatives like this not only show communication skills, commitment, and personal dedication to the team, but also support self-motivation and leadership skills that a coach will be looking for when it comes time to build a team. Finally, no matter what a young person wishes, sports don’t last forever. What kind of memories, experiences, and habits do boys want to have when they become adults? These lifelong skills are what we focus on at Falling Creek, and why we believe the camp experience remains valuable throughout a boy’s journey to adulthood. There are plenty of good reasons why kids choose to participate in sports all year. However, the camp experience can offer more long-term personal development opportunities that will continue to benefit a child long after his sports career is over. At camp, we’re in it for the long game, not just a season.

“As a counselor at FCC, I gained valuable leadership and communication skills while fostering strong connections with both campers and fellow counselors. This experience allowed me to develop a deep sense of responsibility and accountability, which has positively influenced my personal and professional growth. The memories and lessons from my time at FCC continue to shape my life in a profoundly positive way.” - Jack T., Camper (’11-’17), Counselor (’22-’23)

“Being a Computer Science major, a lot of people think that the careers they want to go into are just working a desk job. But personally what I found out through working at Falling Creek, is that human interaction is really important. This has opened my eyes for future career paths and future roles that I’d want to take on. This is a great place to figure out what you want to do with your life. I’d tell someone considering working at Falling Creek, honestly, just do it.”

“Through working at Falling Creek, I’ve become a much improved leader, made amazing friends, and it’s helped me realize I want to make a difference in whatever profession I end up in.” - Jack G., Counselor (’22-’23)

- Matthew G., Counselor (’22)

THINK. DREAM. Every year we select the best role models and instructors to join our team. If you know of an outstanding young person, encourage them to visit teamfallingcreek.com to learn more and apply for the summer of their lives

JOB.

l a meaningfu r fo g in k o er lo that rmer camp experience Are you a fo in a g to y a , or a w Take summer job ture career? fu r u o y in apart turning will set you tradition: re p m a c t s isit te grea ss it on!” V a p “ part in the to r e b ers staff mem rmer-camp fo / to FCC as a ly p p /a m in the creek.co rning is like teamfalling tu re t a h w about urTime ers. #ItsYo to hear more p m a c r e er form words of oth

Guardian Society

WAYS TO GIVE

ONE-TIME DONATION

Thank you for your commitment to passing on the FCC experience! Questions? Call 828-692-0262

HOW

MOVE MOUNTAINS for a deserving young camper.

Imagine the boys who would benefit from the Falling Creek Camp experience, but simply can’t afford it. Your gift to support the Falling Creek Campership through the American Camp Association will make it possible. Thank you for your one-time commitment to passing on the FCC experience.

Guardian Society Levels (one-time donations) Up to $999+ Friends of FCC $1,000+ Green & Gold $1,969+ Founder $3,000+ FCC Code $5,000+ Keeper of the Flame $10,000+ Guardian of the Flame

The Spirit of Falling Creek Society

ANNUAL DONATION

Annual pledge donors receive these exclusive Behold bumper stickers, with each color indicating your annual commitment to the gift of camp.

Pledge to donate annually and join the Spirit of Falling Creek Society. Choose from three taxdeductible pledge level amounts, each with a corresponding Behold bumper sticker to indicate your annual commitment.

BEH LD BEH LD BEH LD

(White Level) $19.69 given annually

Spirit of Falling Creek Society

(Green Level) $196.90 given annually

Spirit of Falling Creek Society

(Gold Level) $1,969 given annually

Spirit of Falling Creek Society

Payment Information (choose one) Please note “Falling Creek Campership” on the memo line. Donate securely online at www.acacamps.org/campership

ail a check to Falling Creek Camp (PO Box 98, M Tuxedo NC 28784), made payable to American Camp Association.

Falling Creek partners with the American Camp Association to administer our scholarship fund. Your generous contribution directly supports Falling Creek scholarship recipients with tuition assistance. The American Camp Association© is a 501(c)(3) charity organization that works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children, youth, and adults (tax ID# 35-0962419).

campscholarship DONOR LEVEL

AMOUNT

CONTRIBUTORS

Our Appreciation to these Donors: October 2022- September 2023

Spirit of Falling Creek Society

FALLING CREEK CAMPERSHIP

WHITE BEHOLD PLEDGE:

$19.69

GIVEN ANNUALLY

GREEN BEHOLD PLEDGE:

$196.90

GIVEN ANNUALLY

Falling Creek has established a campership through the American Camp Association that is designed to enable boys from across the country to attend Falling Creek who couldn’t otherwise afford it. There are two ways to give: a one-time donation, or an annual Behold Pledge when you join one of three levels in the Spirit of Falling Creek Society.

Patrick Mulloy Harry Titus

GOLD BEHOLD PLEDGE:

Michael Nuckles, in memory of Jimmy Lewis Ann Michele Sweeney Michael Gregorio Chris, Jennie, Andrew, & Catherine Todd Bryan Fox

Holly Piper

$1,969

GIVEN ANNUALLY

Friends of Falling Creek Guardian Society Level

UP TO $999

Frank Tindall Julian Dufour Peter Field Jeffrey Clark Ellen Nolan Christopher Dykes Mike and Kenna Williams

Something to GIVING THE GIFT OF CAMP CAN BE

BEHOLD

DONOR LEVEL

AMOUNT

CONTRIBUTORS

Our Appreciation to these Donors: October 2022- September 2023

Green and Gold

$1,000+

Guardian Society Level

Founder

$1,969+

Margaret and Ellen Cotter James J. Cotter Foundation

$10,000+

David and Cindy Brown, in honor of Yates and Marisa Pharr

Guardian Society Level

Guardian of the Flame Guardian Society Level

Henderson County Community Foundation/ Camplify Donors:

Haynes Chidsey Margaret and Ellen Cotter James J. Cotter Foundation

“The opportunity that Falling Creek presents for boys as they transition into adults and leaders is one that is incredibly valuable. You learn from your failures and your successes and camp allows for smart chances to be taken and thus growth happens. I think having the opportunity to share this experience with as many as possible is incredibly important.”

Anonymous Donor Nathalie L. Klaus Charitable Lead Unitrust

— Charles Hill Morris, Camper ’84-’89

To give to the Falling Creek Campership, please use this link: www.acacamps.org/campership 35

fantheflame 36

Our Purpose

We believe...

We exist to shepherd the journey of personal growth through love and adventure.

in boyhood. We are unselfish. We are all-in. We revere our community.

Do you think summer camp is just for boys? Family Camp

Let go of the busyness of daily life and experience the wonder of Falling Creek as a family! For the 2024 summer, Family Camp is Friday, August 30th to Monday, September 2nd. Each family has their own private cabin, and the weekend is planned with a mix of structured time and down time. This way, you have the choice to be as active or as relaxed as you want.

think again! 37

Father/Son Weekend Father/Son Weekend is the time where boys (and dads) can be boys! At Falling Creek, we partner with families to help boys develop into strong, healthy men. A critical part of this journey is the relationship a son has with his father. A Father/ Son Weekend is the perfect time for dads and sons (kindergarten through high school) to spend quality time together.

My son and I set off to Falling Creek Camp for the Father/Son Weekend to make a memory and to have some fun. What we encountered during those couple of days of activities, singing, and introspection was more than what we had expected. We returned home with a new bond and stronger relationship. The environment and atmosphere were such that we were able to move beyond the challenges associated with everyday life. It was an experience that set the conditions for a newfound relationship. One that can’t so much be described with words but with something that is only found in the heart. - David M. / Evans, GA

fantheflame 39

Working at camp undoubtedly had a huge impact on my life trajectory and reinforced my desire to work with people in the outdoors. The communication, teaching, and risk management skills from leading trips in North Carolina became the foundation of my career.

- Will G., camper (’93-’96, ’98-’05), counselor (’08-’10, ’16) / AMGA Certified Rock & Alpine Guide, Ski Guide

fantheflame Staff Career Development

Ready to jumpstart your future?

2. Your Network - When it comes to hiring,

We know that camp counselors are superheroes, but communicating the skills you’ve honed at camp to parents, professors, and future employers can be difficult. Counselors, as you move to the next stage of long-term career development, we’ve compiled some resources to help you better market yourself, connect with mentors, find job openings, and continue building on your strong skill sets.

you might hear that “it’s all about who you know.” Luckily, The Falling Creek community spans generations and has people located all over the country and the world.

Head to the “Career Development & Resources” page at teamfallingcreek.com, for more on… 1. Resume Writing - How do you translate your hard work over the summer onto your resume? This page has camp-focused resume resources to make sure you express your skills in a way that will be meaningful to future employers. 40

3. Job Opportunities - Connected by shared values and similar camp memories, our alumni are always looking to hire great camp counselors as additions to their teams! Join our Falling Creek Camp Alumni & Staff Networking Group on LinkedIn to meet mentors in your desired career field and network with alumni.

4. Continued Learning - - Certifications can help grow your skills, give you more credibility, introduce you to other professionals in a field, and set you apart from other applicants.

Follow the Golden Rule | Treat everyone with respect | Make friendship a fine art | Take initiative to help others

Behold: 915 Acres of Playground Falling Creek’s original 125 acres have expanded to over 900 acres of remarkable beauty. Here, boys from the US and beyond come to meet again each summer, and to bond in unity and brotherly love.

guts&glory

Arts and Crafts

Chess

Arts and Crafts Master Thomas Cauthen Creative Award- Simms Hardin Positive Painter - Hank Biosca Graphite Genius - TJ Afonso

Sauce Boss - TJ Chen FCC Knight - Benson Edwards, George Thomas King - Lance Weimer Knight - Jack Ryan

Backpacking

Climbing Wall

Three Amigos - Elliot MacPhail, Griffin MacPhail, Xander MacPhail Appalachian Attitude William Hede Blue Ridge Bravado Nicholas Iauco Wonder Kid - Carter Lentz Foothill Fighter 3000 Gabe McKinney

Rock Jock - Brooks Brown Chiller Award - Shaw Rust Rock Jock - Parker Spence Yeti Straight Chiller - William Rives

Basketball Golden Ball - Hubbard Fowler Golden Jersey - James Parrish Splash Bros - Hammon Hawkins, Hunter Hawkins MJ Award - Walker Carroll, Jameson Saylors

Blacksmithing

Awards-All Sessions Archery

June Arrowhead Award Hank Hobbs, Buck Cole June Golden Arrowhead Award Liam Anuska Main Arrowhead Award Phillip Sudduth, Felix Ostrom, Ben Bronzert

June Spirit of the Forge Collier Wright June Forge or Die - Nolan Fore June Swish King - Collier Wright Master Chef (Main Swish King) Patton Vargas Spirit of the Kitchen (Main Spirit of the Forge) Christian DiMarco Iron Chef (Main Forge or Die)Wade Monroe, Andrew Stroud

Disc Golf Shot of the Session Christian Albert June Disc Mamba Pate Henderson Main Disc Mamba - Lowe Miller Heart and Hustle Patrick McDevitt

F.A.R.M. Green Thumb Rhett Morrison Chicken Whisperer Rivers Benton The Golden Trowel - Vedaan Shah The Golden Egg - Leuven Foutch

Fishing (Spin) One More Cast - Bennett Talford Got It Reeled In - Riggs Savage The Broken Rod Award Lawton Broughman Jigging and Finessing Luke Jennings Catch & Caught - Kai Burge, Quinn Burge

Fitness:

Outdoor Skills Certified

June Workout Warrior - JJ Simmons June Flying Feet - Charlie Layrisson Main Flying Feet - Jacob Bailey, George Clements, Burke Moorman Main Workout Warrior - Rand Jones

Knot Master - Salomon Aguirre Twin Flames - Bronson Tarrasch, Chase Lubert Donatello Award - Jack Cardinale Michelangelo Award Manu Menendez Raphael Award - William Davis

Flag Football: June Captain - Pate Henderson June Gunslinger - Henry Thompson Main Gunslinger Charlie Flouhouse Main Captain - William Logue The Juice - Hank Young

Paddling

Fly Fishing

Performing Arts

June Wild Brookie Hammond Cummings Hog Wrastler - Thomas Cauthen Main Wild Brookie - Banks Brown Most Improved - Brigden Hayes

June Pick of the Creek Nolan Fore, Hayes Polak Swagtor Award - Andrew Kosel Main Pick of the Creek Brooks McLanahan Ambition in Piano - Vedaan Shah

Persistent Paddler - JW Godwin Rookie of the Year - Jacob Ready Honor Roll - Taj Majors Salutatorian - Jack Rollins Valedictorian - David Lilly

Horseback Happy Trotter - Rylan Wilson Razz Award - Jonathan Dunham, Edison Pellumbi What Can I Do? - Felix Ostrom

Mountain Biking Granny Gear Award - Bo Kelly Grom Award- Henry Graham Pedal to the Metal - Clay Sproule Dirt Eater - Judd Collins Hound Dogs - Campbell Erwin and Angus Ramsay

Nature Pro Wrangler - Beau Wood I Speak For The Trees Taylor Odom The Observationalist Beckett Blair The ‘That’s Pretty Neat’ Award Luke Savoie

Pickleball June Pickle Balla - Andrew Fanning Persistent Pickle - Fionn Conroy Main Pickleballa - Bowman Ritchey The Peter Piper Picked a Pickled Pepper Award - Samuel Flood

Pottery Twin Flames - Bo Kelly, Whit Kelly Wheel Wizard - Tripp McAdams The Groovy Eraserman - TJ Afonso Da Funky Paintbrush Hudson Young The Clay Smile Award Ethan McIntyre Potter Wasp - Andrew Kosel

Riflery

Rock Climbing

June Top Gun - Aiden Bachista June Order of Col. Scotty Richard Magruder Main Order of Col. Scotty Charles Norris Main Top Gun - Alex Ostrom

No Rain No Gain - Luke Malhotra Top Belay - Jack Prince Rock On Dude - Daniel Hill Dude on Rock - Charlie Flouhouse Beastmaster 2000 - James Fuller

guts&glory

Sailing

Tennis

Black Pearl - Grayton Kennington, Collier Wright, Lowndes Wright Sassy Skipper - Griffin Kirwan Main Camp Captain-in-Training Thomas Barret

MIP - Guy Wengler Progression Hound Wills Yelverton Dedication Award - Samuel Flood

Ultimate Frisbee Soccer June Golden Boot - Sam Lazzaroni MIP - Gibs Fishback June Ballon D’or - Jackson Dapas Main Ballon d’Or - Lucas Miranda Main Golden Boot - Jack Foster Young Players of the Session Barclay Blair, Beckett Blair

Swimming Golden Goggles - Charlie Drake, Salomon Aguirre He Made Waves - Reid Reddick Big Splash - Sawyer Barnette

Jedi Award - Carr Stowe Big Kahuna - Cameron Gross Sky Master - Quinn Burge Sergeant - Oliver Clary

Woodworking June Golden Saw - Edward Pearson Super Sweeper - Nolan Caughran Main Golden Saw - Lowden Scarlett, Simon Hunt

Infirmary Tough as Nails - Teddy Barret

Cleanest Cabin AwardsJune Camp SORREL Cabin 9 James Davis, Simms Hardin, Benjamin Hoffman, Nalin Joseph, Riley McIntosh, Oliver Runge, Gray Strauss, Rymer Strauss, Jack Thomas, James Treace TSUGA Cabin 10 Thomas Allsopp, Blake Cejudo, Jacob Downs, Daniel Drummond, James Fitzpatrick, Daniel Layfield, Rhodes McBride, David Schonberg, CJ Sumner, Lee Swetenburg

ROBINIA Cabin 26 Frank Anderson, Aiden Bachista, Tate Ballinger, Nolan Caughran, TJ Chen, Whit Flickinger, Jack Goodridge, AJ Hoffman, Edward Pearson, Ford Wallerstein, BETULA Cabin 40 William Warnock, Thomas Cauthen, Rex Hallow, Grayton Kennington, Caleb Kluckhohn, Milum Lancaster, William Payne, Hudson Pratt, John Jeffrey Simmons, Henry Whited SAMARA Cabin Nantahala Nicola Greaves, Ella Harlacher, Care Smyth, Valery Uscanga, Anna Kate Yoxsimer

Main Camp SORREL Cabin 4 Raoul Chong, Johnny Ervin, George Larrabee, Christopher Lyle, Sam Marsiglia, Percy Mason, Reid Reddick, Wright Ritchey, Jack Stewart, Hank Tracey TSUGA Cabin 10 Thomas Allsopp, Charles Anderson, Weldon Beesley, Carter Bryson, Shepherd Crotty, Duncan Ebel, Simon Hunt, Charles Simmons, Matthew Sproull, CJ Sumner

ROBINIA Cabin 26 Harry Ballance, Whit Flickinger, Robert Gilmer, Cooper Gooch, Jack Goodridge, Luke Jennings, Rand Jones, Hamilton Norman, Thomas Rueger, John Cannon Wessel BETULA Cabin 33 Tate Barganier, Marshall Ebel, Campbell Erwin, David Lilly, Colin Morrell, Beckham Prahler, Jackson Schlierf, Clay Sproule, Patton Vargas SAMARA Cabin Nolichucky Pete Curtis, Owain Williams

2-Week Camp SORREL Cabin 2 Charlie Crumpler, Michael Fullenwider, Thomas Jackson, William Jackson, Ender Limb, Tuck McLanahan, Bryce Rumley, Jeffrey Swope, Zion Woodruff, George Young

BETULA Cabin 39 Granger Albergotti, Aiden Beach, Bennett Broad, Townes Clements, Jack Herzog, John Monk, Jackson Olivo, Gus Rogers, Paul Roberts, Mills Slacum

ROBINIA Cabin 17 Russell Boehm, Quinn Brackett, Brooks Croone, Jacob Disch, Charles Goodwin, Dylan Goodwin, Haskell Hanckel, William Lewis, Jack Maxwell, William Runkle

SAMARA Cabin Nolichucky Pete Curtis, Owain Williams

BETULA Cabin 39 Davis Bailey, Bennett Broad, Max Bumgardner, Bennett Darling, Owen Fletcher, Jack Kleckley, Harrison Mallory, Jack Reynolds, Paul Roberts, Scott Spicer

Junior Camp SORREL Cabin 2 Elliott Aswell, Max Boeggeman, Benjamin Davis, Ben Ferguson, Ender Limb, Will McEnery, Charlie Morgan, William Skinner, Zion Woodruff

SAMARA Cabin Tuckasegee Eleanor Donohue, Heather Moffatt

TSUGA Cabin 11 Thomas Allsopp, William Ashcroft, Jonathan Dean, Teddy Deterding, Rawlins Foster, Henry Jackson, Hillyer Loehr, Parker Miller, Ford Molster, Holt Walker

TSUGA Cabin 13 Hamill Crittendon, Colby Hancock, Jack Houlihan, Brek Johnson, Kelly Kaloupek, Tripp Kissee, Alfredo Lelo De Larrea, Walter Miller, Tommy Rowe, Bruce Swenson ROBINIA Cabin 23 Michael Correia, Reece Davidson, Gavin DeBoey, JR Fox, Liam Kelly, James Kelley, Logan Powner, Robb Rilee, Haynes Robinson, Andrew Todd

guts&glory Blacksmithing

ProgressionsAll Sessions

RANGERS Hale Borden George Edwards Nolan Fore Wade Monroe Colin Morrell Will Morrell Andrew Stroud Teddy Vlak Owen West

Archery RANGERS Felix Ostrom Andy Zimmerman WARRIORS Hamilton Norman

Arts and Crafts

WARRIORS Patton Vargas

RANGERS Andrew Kosel Jack Solcher Bain Thorstad Bryce Walger

Climbing Wall RANGERS Harry Ballance William Rives

WARRIORS Thomas Cauthen

WARRIORS William Davis Sam Deterding Holden Kleinhelter William Whitty Wills Yelverton

Backpacking RANGERS Simon Ikenberg

Paddling Flag Football

WARRIORS Thad Jones

Horseback

Fishing (Spin)

RANGERS Alex Faires

WARRIORS Lawton Broughman Kai Burge Quinn Burge Luke Jennings Britton Lewis Tucker Piper Bennett Talford

WARRIORS Jack Cardinale

Disc Golf

RANGERS Jack Lawton Will Marsiglia

WARRIORS Jack Blanks Coley Hucks Thad Jones

Outdoor Skills (OSC)

WARRIORS Jacob Bailey George Clements

WARRIORS Oliver Clary Hank Young

Basketball RANGERS Adam Pollard Maclean Simmons Andrew Stroud Forrest Walker

Fitness

WARRIORS George Clements David Dabney

Mountain Biking RANGERS Garrett Cooley Henry Graham Cobin Rabon WARRIORS James Albright

RANGERS Max Albright Kai Burge Jackson Masters Jack Rollins Ian Smith Copeland Stukes William Swann Lance Weimer Stratton Werner

Performing Arts RANGERS Andrew Kosel

Pottery RANGERS Nolan Caughran Andrew Kosel Marshall Liggitt Will Morrell Jack Tracey

WARRIORS Yates Bass Ben Bronzert Connor Brown Jim Lanier Hudson Young

Riflery RANGERS Richard Magruder Alexander Ostrom

Rock Climbing RANGERS Bennett Cooper Perrin White WARRIORS James Fuller Berkley Willis

Sailing RANGERS Sawyer Barnette Thad Jones WARRIORS Thomas Barret Grayton Kennington Griffin Kirwan

Soccer RANGERS Lucas Miranda Hudson Pratt Mauricio Samayoa Dylan Whelan

Tennis RANGERS Camp Clark Jack Solcher WARRIORS William Davis

Woodworking WARRIORS Jack Lawton JC Wessel

Staff Honors Green & Gold Award Amanda Black

Staff Years 5TH YEAR STAFF: KC Collins Croft Hamilton Grant Pinkston

Activity Leaders ARCHERY: Archery: Amanda Velez ARTS & CRAFTS: Eleanor Donohue BACKPACKING: Andrew McDonald BLACKSMITHING: David Echeverria, Caleb Kluckhohn CHESS: Rex Hallow CLIMBING WALL: Etta Pierce DISC GOLF: Paul Roberts FARM: Ella Harlacher FISHING: Micah Burroughs FITNESS: Sam Feingold FLY FISHING: Frankie Wimbish FLAG FOOTBALL: Braven Biga HORSEBACK: Mare Pharr IT: Rex Hallow MOUNTAIN BIKING: Pete Curtis, Owain Williams NATURE: Ella Harlacher OUTDOOR SKILLS: Ender Limb, Care Smyth PADDLING: Max Feild, JR Wallace PERFORMING ARTS: Harrison Best, Ryan Snow POTTERY: Claire Stephens, Alex Rios Mora PHOTOGRAPHY: Danielle “Doni” Towers PICKLEBALL: CJ Sumner RIFLERY: Mace Hood ROCK CLIMBING: Scuba Keiser, Croft Hamilton SAILING: Riley McIntosh SOCCER: Jack Goodridge SWIMMING: Ethan Burges, Sam Feingold

TENNIS: CJ Sumner, Grant Pinkston, Pat Greenwood ULTIMATE FRISBEE: Wodajo Oleksy WOODWORKING: Clay Dorrill

Adventure Trip Leaders BACKPACKING: Matthew Kornegay, Andrew McDonald PADDLING: Max Feild, JR Wallace MOUNTAIN BIKING: Pete Curtis, Owain Williams ROCK CLIMBING: Scuba Keiser & Croft Hamilton ASSISTANT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DIRECTORS: John Allen, KC Collins

Culinary Team FOOD SERVICE LEADER: Dee Keene TRIP FOOD LEADER: Salma Estrada Reyes

2023 Journeymen Coley Hucks Thad Jones

2023 Keepers of the Flame William Davis

Returning Keepers: John Stanfill Will Cameron

2023 2023

William Davis completed all the stages of his Journey and became Falling Creek’s 7th Keeper of the Flame

keeperoftheflame [William Davis]

THE HIGHEST RANK ATTAINABLE AT FALLING CREEK IS KEEPER OF THE FLAME.

A camper achieving Warrior in 3 activities and consistently demonstrating the FCC Code, becomes a candidate to earn Keeper of the Flame. At that point, he becomes a Journeyman and must successfully complete his journey to earn the rank of Keeper of the Flame. When a camper is designated as a Journeyman, he is assigned a staff member as his mentor to help him prepare. The Journey consists of building and tending a campfire, venturing out on an overnight solo experience, composing an essay about his time at Falling Creek and how he can share his light with others, cutting and splitting wood to be used at different Sunday night campfires, and completing an orienteering challenge. This past summer, we would like to congratulate William Davis, Coley Hucks, and Thad Jones, who embarked on their Journeys. After a challenging 24 hours, William completed all the stages and became our 7th Keeper of the Flame! We are incredibly proud of Thad and Coley for even making it to the level of Journeyman, something that not many campers achieve. We hope they’ll return next summer to attempt their Journeys again if they wish. Congratulations to our 2023 Keeper and Journeymen!

2023

greenandgoldaward [Amanda Black]

Above: Amanda is pictured with the other 2023 Line Heads – Zach Sheidly, Ford Layman, Amanda Black, Robert Obst, Adonis Merritt. Below: All the previous Green and Gold Award recipients on staff in 2023 – Paige Hafner, Simon Wilson, Amanda Black, Ben Williams, Nathan Newquist.

The Green & Gold Award is given annually to the staff member who best exemplifies the Falling Creek Code – Positive Attitude, Warrior Spirit, Servant’s Heart, Moral Compass – and who is known for carrying the Falling Creek spirit of unselfishness in their heart. Congratulations to Amanda Black, our 2023 Green & Gold Award recipient! She is pictured in the center with previous Green & Gold Awardees who were also on staff this summer. This has been Amanda’s third year on staff, serving this summer as the Samara Linehead and a camp nurse. As a nurse, she has consistently accepted any task given to her without hesitation – and usually volunteering without being asked. She has spent countless hours on medical runs, providing a level of medical support that the parents have appreciated. As a Line Head, Amanda has kept Samara organized and motivated and assignments have consistently been staffed and completed in a timely manner. She makes herself available to the female staff and her advice and conversation reflects maturity beyond her years. Amanda is always thinking about ways to solve challenges and support others. Her character, constant positivity, and actions have made the summer better for us all!

anotherfundayattheoffice Camp Leadership in Action

1 2 HERE’S AN IDEA OF WHAT YOUR OFFICE LOOKS LIKE WHEN YOU WORK AT CAMP!

3 4

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1 Ben Williams (Outdoor Adventure Director), 2 Nathan Newquist (Operations Director) and Matt Sloan (Chaplain & Off Season Events Manager), 3 Diana Byrd (Director of Food Services) presenting birthday cake to Jeff Killebrew (Staff Recruitment and Development Director) and Zach Rivera (Asst. Staff and Program Director), 4 Frank Tindall (Associate Director), 5 Andy Killebrew (Asst. Staff and Program Director), 6 Marisa Pharr (Director), 7 Mike Nuckles (Program Director), 8 John “JGB” Burton (“Greybeard”).

6 7

Live with courage | Always do your best | Strengthen your body, mind, and spirit | Persevere

announcementsfortheday News from the FCC community. Where they are and what they’re doing. Follow us! Facebook: www.facebook.com/fallingcreek Instagram: www.instagram.com/fallingcreek/ Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/fallingcreek/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/falling-creek-camp TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@fallingcreekcamp

Alexander Thomas (camper ’06-’09, ’11, staff ’13)

The #campcommunity is all over the globe! The Pharr family was pleasantly surprised to run into alumnus Alexander Thomas while in Kyoto, Japan! The second photo is of Alexander as a camper winning the annual FCC Ironman triathlon in 2009, for the second year in a row! Alexander has recently finished med school, started his pediatric residency in Seattle, and gotten married - 2023 was a big year for him! The Pharrs were visiting Annie Ramsbotham (Yates and Marisa’s oldest daughter). She has been living near Kanazawa, Japan since August 2022 with her husband Zeb (F.A.R.M. program manager ‘18-‘22) who is teaching high school English.

Above: The Pharr Family ran into Alexander while visiting Kyoto, Japan in April 2023. Left: Alexander winning the FCC Ironman Triathlon as a camper in 2009

Above: Brothers Walker and Grey are pictured in the front as campers during a 2018 Falling Creek paddling trip.

Walker & Grey Edens (’15-’18, ’20-’22 campers) Brothers Walker & Grey Edens have been regulars down at the Yak Shak for many summers working on their paddling skills - the group photo shows the two in 2018 on a Falling Creek paddling trip. In recent years they’ve stepped up their game even more by competing in the sport at the National and World levels. In March of 2023, they both competed in the USA Freestyle Canoe/Kayak World Championships Team Trials. Walker earned a spot on the K1 junior men’s national team with his 3rd place finish, and Grey qualified as the team’s first alternate after finishing 4th. In October, Walker represented the USA in the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Freestyle World Championships in Columbus, GA. He placed 6th in the World Championship and 5th in the World Cup. We’re proud of both Grey and Walker for their dedication, progression, and hard work.

Frank Tindall (Associate Director ’06 - present) and Caroline Long Congratulations to Associate Director Frank Tindall and Caroline Long on their wedding this past February! Frank is known for dominating the tennis courts here at camp, so it was fun for everyone to enjoy some pickleball together before the wedding. The first photo shows Frank, Caroline, Marisa, and Yates on the courts (notice the fun “Score” hats!). The ceremony took place in a beautiful cathedral in Shreveport, LA, where Caroline grew up. In the final photo, you may recognize Laurie and Gordon Strayhorn, who are Falling Creek alumni themselves and have been the Owners/Directors at Camp Illahee for 21 years, following Frank. Please join us in wishing Frank and Caroline a future full of continued love and happiness!

Chuck Niemeyer (’77-’83 camper, ’06-’23 staff) Congratulations to camp alumni and physician assistant Chuck Niemeyer on being inducted into the Gaston County Sports Hall of Fame this year! Chuck was a competitive swimmer from the mid-1970s, and began swimming for N.C. State as a student in 1985. He went on to become selected for All-ACC four times, becoming a two-time ACC 100 butterfly and 400 medley relay

champion and a two-time team captain. He later competed in the Pan American swimming trials in 1987 and 1988, and for the U.S. Olympic team trials in 1988. After his competitive swimming days, Chuck joined the U.S. Naval Reserve Medical Service Corps in 2000, and returned to Gastonia, NC in 2004 to join his father’s orthopedic practice. He still competes occasionally in Masters swimming competitions. We’ve been fortunate to have Chuck join our medical team during the summers at camp for nearly two decades now, and his sons John and “Nemo” have both been campers and counselors at Falling Creek.

Above: Chuck pictured as a student and swimmer at NC State in the mid 80s.

Chuck Niemeyer far left, with his wife Bridget and their sons Nemo (’09-’10, ’12-’16, camper ’21-’22 staff) and John (’07-’12 camper, ’16-’19 staff)

Daniel Moore and Lucy Pharr Congratulations to Marisa and Yates Pharr’s daughter Lucy, and new husband Daniel! Lucy Pharr and Daniel Moore were married at Falling Creek on September 2nd, 2023. It was perfect weather and a beautiful ceremony. We wish them both all the best as they start their new chapter together!

Jim Parham (’07-’17 staff) and Sidney Parham (‘06-’12 camper, ’14-’16 staff) Father and son alumni, Jim (‘07-’17 staff) and Sidney Parham (‘06-’12 camper, ‘14-’16 staff), visited Falling Creek this past summer. Sidney was a camper in Nuckles’ cabin when he was a camper, and later were co-counselors.

Sidney and David Echeverria were also co-counselors. Jim used his decades of outdoor recreation experience when leading as a mountain bike counselor and backpacking counselor at Falling Creek. He and his wife Mary Ellen created Milestone Press that published the top mountain biking

and backpacking guides of their time, and later sold it to the Georgia Press. Jim is now a beekeeper and they still live in Almond, NC. Sidney works as a Technical Services Engineer for Epic, helping hospital systems configure their software and solve problems.

Mike Nuckles, David Echeverria, Yates Pharr, Jim Parham, Sidney Parham, Ben Williams 57

SEND US YOUR NEWS

Dan Waterland (’09’-12 camper, ’21-’22 staff)

You may remember Dan as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and Robinia Linehead at Falling Creek during the 2021 & 2022 summers, and we are thrilled to share that he has earned a spot on Harvard University Men’s Swimming and Diving coaching staff as an assistant coach. Dan swam on the Bates College team during his four years as a student, where he still holds the No. 3 performance record in the 200-back, and the fourth fastest 100back time in Bates school history. He graduated from Bates with a bachelor’s degree in politics in 2022. Now, in addition to his new position coaching for Harvard, Dan is currently working toward his master’s degree in management studies at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. We wish him continued success in his future endeavors!

William “Wally” Wallace (’16-’23 staff) We want to congratulate Wally on his new position as a full time driver for Apple Country Public Transit, serving the Henderson County area. Wally has been the head van driver for Falling Creek since 2016, transporting campers to and from their high

adventure trips during the summers. Before that, he had a long career as a middle school teacher, outdoor adventure educator, and wilderness guide. While we will miss him at camp, we know that his new passengers are lucky to have him as their driver, and we are glad to still have him nearby in Henderson County.

Jules (’14-’21 staff) and Kyle Jeffries (’08-’10, ’14-’21 staff) Congratulations to alumni Jules and Kyle Jeffries, who welcomed their first child, Jonah Edward Jeffries, this past August! After serving in many roles during their years at camp (including theater and swimming staff, Samara Line Head, Parent Letter Manager, and Program Director), Jules and Kyle moved to nearby Etowah, NC in 2021.

56 58

Do the right thing | Act with integrity | Take responsibility for your actions | Tell the truth

cabintime

junecamp Cabin 1: Back - Alex Rios Mora, James Parrish, Peter Klitsch, Channing Chitwood, Rich Carr. Front - Bo Tyler, Sully Hook, Walker Teague, Fionn Conroy, Max Swingle

Cabin 2: Back - Zion Woodruff, Charlie Chitwood, Alexander Goldman, Grayson Smalley, Ender Limb. Front - Keaton Bradley, John Golden, Tuyler Fussell, Palmer Teague, George Thomas

Cabin 3: Back - Alfredo Lelo De Larrea, Caleb Lazzara, Gaines Sturdivant, Thomas McAulay, Rafe Storm. Front - Fox Weber, Salomon Aguirre, Samuel Teague, Smith Atienza, Charlie Drake

Cabin 4: Back - Johnny Ervin, Wyatt Murphy, Ben Douglas, Benson Edwards, Chris Lyle. Front - Beau Wood, Peter Warnock, Jasper Purdy, Case Schoellkopf, Richard Lazzara

Cabin 5: Back - Richi Miranda, John Talford, Brooks Garella, Carter Purviance, “Mace.” Front - William Layrisson, Rob Mathews, Luke Berry, Hayes Polak, Daniel Matic

Cabin 6: Back - Wodajo Oleksy, Gabe Netter, Carr Stowe, Lauchlin Powers, Aiden Fulton. Front - Whitt Donnelly, Thomas Douglass, Charlie Davis, Guy Lindenbaum, Win Hobbs

Cabin 7: Back - Harrison Best, Mac Robertson, James Dunavant, John Kingsman, Gordon Harwell. Front - Davis Teague, Cillian Green, Russell D’Anna, Callum Carlson, Georgie Johnson

Cabin 8: Back - Emmett Sullivan, James Moore, Greer Menges, Ford Mashek, Ben Hulsey. Front - Jody Flournoy, Hank Hobbs, Lowndes Wright, Henry Levinson, Brooks Brown

Cabin 9: Back - Riley McIntosh, Benjamin Hoffman, Simms Hardin, James Davis, Jack Thomas. Front - Rymer Strauss, Nalin Joseph, James Treace, Oliver Runge, Gray Strauss

Cabin 10: Back - CJ Sumner, Daniel Drummond, Blake Cejudo, Rhodes McBride, Thomas Allsopp. Front - James Fitzpatrick, Jacob Downs, Daniel Layfield, David Schonberg, Lee Swetenburg

Cabin 11: Back - Ben Simmons, Bonds Manis, Matthew Nelson, Fort McAfee, William Ashcroft. Front - Meyer Thompson, Teddy Swingle, Max Montelaro, Will Pflug, Rylan Wilson

Cabin 12: Back - Pete Curtis, William White, James Yang, AJ Demski, Julian Beaujeu-Dufour. Front - Keval Patel, Henry Graham, Blake Martin, Charles Williams, George Stevenson

Cabin 13: Back - Ethan Burges, Ashton Wood, William Hede, Taylor Odom, Walter Miller. Front - Christopher Bolian, Charlie Layrisson, Thomas Lawhorne, Mac Schorr, Guy Wengler

Cabin 14: Back - Charlie Lauve, Mack Schoellkopf, Finn Godschalk, Harrison Bulloch, Caleb Bell. Front - William White, Simon Pollard, Mac Rosengren, Boone Purviance, James LeBourgeois

Cabin 15: Back - Santiago Garcia de Villa, Sam McAulay, Sutton Atienza, Whit Kelly, Lucas Johnson. Front - Cameron Gross, Bo Kelly, Oscar Burkhalter, Ware Menges, Drew Sedgwick

Cabin 16: Back - Sam Feingold, Christian Albert, Jay Tomascak, Nathaniel Sherman, Miller Kunz. Front - Parker Deaton, Marshall Powers, John Ferguson, Pellerin Deluke, Graydon Gibadlo

Cabin 17: Back - Brooks Croone, Sam Hamm, Hammond Cummings, Ricky Reynolds, Jacob Disch. Front - Port Cameron, Rhett Morrison, JW Godwin, Bauer Lewis, Tripp Tobin

Cabin 19: Back - Eli Fox, Philip Jones, Rollins Leopold, Liam Carlson, Henry Koch. Front - Braddock Chastain, Robby Thornburg, Hudson Berry, Dylan Whelan, Newton Sams

Cabin 20: Back - Jaxsen Wilkerson, James Starr, Duffy Cotter, James Worthen, Benjamin Giersch. Front - Miles Valentino, Griffin Mather, Logan Montgomery, Ford McKenzie, Bobby Sonneborn

Cabin 21: Back - James Storey, Shaw Rust, Charlie Ray, Maclean Simmons, Drake Marshall. Front - Lucas LeClair, Tripp McAdams, Hudson Roberts, John Treace

Cabin 22: Back - Carter Holmes, Jordan Aguirre, Pate Henderson, Hayes Brock, Clay Dorrill. Front - Miles Bradley, Jim Mathews, Adam Pollard, Dewey Gargiulo, Tripp Whatley

Cabin 23: Back - Conall Grant, Penn Lindsay, Charles Pinzon Jacobs, Buck Cole, Logan Powner. Front - Jackson Smalley, Elliot MacPhail, Griffin MacPhail, Ryder Lazzara, Nicholas Iauco

Cabin 24: Back - Charlie Sherrill, Hudson McBride, Will Sharbino, Bronson Tarrasch, Griffin Bell. Front - Pierce Maher, Chase Lubert, Benny Sutherland, Hunter McKernan

Cabin 25: Back - Barney Newsome, Dyess Wooten, Benjamin Brady, Cooper Barrow. Front - Liam Anuska, Andrew Fanning, Jack Prince, Collier Wright, Nathan Levinson. Not Pictured: Tom Twemlow

Cabin 26: Back - Jack Goodridge, TJ Chen, Aiden Bachista, Tate Ballinger, Whit Flickinger. Front - Frank Anderson, Edward Pearson, Nolan Caughran, Ford Wallerstein, AJ Hoffman

Cabin 27: Back - Alexander Carroll, Jack Klitsch,Hank Barrett, Sam Thomas, James Lauve. Front - Brooks Rayburn, Parker Eaves, Jackson Williams, Ben Van Pelt. Not Pictured: JT Gannon

Cabin 28: Back - Ollie Blunt, Jackson Whitaker, Liam Fitzpatrick, Rivers Benton, Logan Southern. Front - Dave Demski, William Newman, Asher Donnelly, Henry Hickey, Liam Keys

Cabin 29: Back - Braven Biga, Jude Moore, Will Martin, Bear Brannon, Ollie King. Front - Fletcher Elwell, Sam Deterding, Alex Looney, Fischer Leffel, Luke Malhotra

Cabin 30: Back - John Stanfill, Sanders Mitchener, Clark Pollard, Charlie Simpson, Daire Graham. Front - Will Chandler, Hayes Pusser, William Teague, Wright Schoellkopf, Arthur Runge

Cabin 31: Back - Jack Preacher, Jack Robison, Gibs Fishback, Liam Holley, Brennen Jakeway. Front - George Bridger, Smith Spivey, Colson McKernan, Maxwell Brown, Teddy Fishback

Cabin 32: Back - Jackson Schlierf, Cole Starr, Lanson Lancaster, Henry Ray, Micah Burroughs. Front - John McKenzie, Akhil Patel, Davis Perry, Beckett Spears

Cabin 33: Back - Liam Kelly, Michael McDonald, Henry Thompson, Adrian Botzolakis, Owain Williams. Front - Patrick Harrison, Sam Lazzaroni, Austin Davis, Kline Cummings, Wells Bahl

Cabin 34: Back - Ryan Tucker, Phillip Savage, Forrest Walker, Crawford Screws, Bennett Broad. Front - Mitchell Blanks, Sam Barksdale, Richard Magruder, Nolan Fore, William Merson

Cabin 35: Back - George Barn, Hubbard Fowler, Connor Hoyt, Riggs Savage. Front - Graham Stilwell, Jack Sweeney, Finn Coco, William Flournoy, Oliver Pegues

Cabin 36: Back - Frankie Wimbish, Jacob Ready, Bain Thorstad, Ford Dixon, Sam Lissaman. Front - Bryce Walger, Keller Pittinos, Mason Lazzara, McHugh Schneider, Ethan Dixon

Cabin 37: Back - Ryan Snow, San Merryman, Quinn Conroy, Armaan Rayapati, James Wilson. Front - Mauricio Samayoa, Bennett Cooper, Xander MacPhail, Emmet Liipfert, Weston Cejudo

Cabin 39: Back - Paul Roberts, Cobin Rabon, Jackson Dapas, Connor Brown, Jordan Metcalfe. Front - James Brown, Luis Delagarza, Max Dockweiler, Nicholas Robinson, Bennett Talford

Cabin 40: Back - Rex Hallow, Milum Lancaster, William Warnock, Thomas Cauthen, Caleb Kluckhohn. Front - Henry Whited, Hudson Pratt, William Payne, John Jeffrey Simmons, Grayton Kennington

maincamp

Cabin 3: Back - Richi Miranda, George Lane, Drew Walsh, Ollie Erwin, Rafe Storm. Front - Cole Keon, Nolan Holland, Vedaan Shah, Mac Gantt, Davis Springmeyer

Cabin 1: Back - Alex Rios Mora, George Clary, Owen Lentz, Brock Lindberg, Rich Carr. Front - Hank Biosca, Hamilton Brantley, William Ripple, Liam O’Keeffe, Madden Mahalak

Cabin 2: Back - Zion Woodruff, Hudson Swyka, Jack Crawford, Alex Dovich, Ender Limb. Front - Arthur West, Hudson Hopkins, James Cardinale, George Corbyn, Stuart Carey

Cabin 4: Back - Johnny Ervin, George Larrabee, Wright Ritchey, Hank Tracey, Chris Lyle. Front - Reid Reddick, Percy Mason, Jack Stewart, Raoul Chong, Sam Marsiglia

Cabin 5: Back - Mace Hood, Mac Kintner, Drew McCoy, Hudson Henry, Charlie Lauve. Front - Christopher Rider, Wes Berry, Felix Ostrom, Teddy Barret, Fite Paine

Cabin 6: Back - Wodajo Oleksy, Michael Donovan, Sanders Garner, Mickey deYoung, Aiden Fulton. Front - Peter Wareing, Barrett Henry, Jasper Fifield, Mills Marcoux, Grant Kosel

Cabin 7: Back - Harrison Best, Beckett Blair, Banks Brown, Griffin Kirwan, Gordon Harwell. Front - Andrew Rembert, Brooks McReaken, Barclay Blair, Connor Paolo, Logan Westberry

Cabin 8: Back - Ben Hulsey, Kenny Smith, Andy Zimmerman, Carter Lentz, Emmett Sullivan. Front - Cooper Highsmith, Tommy Nix, Ben Powderly, Mickey Gill, Walker Carby

Cabin 9: Back - Jack Thomas, Liam Patterson, Phillip Sudduth, William Crawford, Riley McIntosh. Front - Walker Carroll, Reid Przybyla, Reid May, Brooks McLanahan, William Przybyla

Cabin 10: Back - Thomas Allsopp, Shepherd Crotty, Weldon Beesley, Simon Hunt, CJ Sumner. Front - Matthew Sproull, Carter Bryson, Charles Simmons, Duncan Ebel, Charles Anderson

Cabin 11: Back - Henry Koch, Hunter Hawkins, Christian DiMarco, Hammon Hawkins, William Ashcroft. Front - Jack Ryan, North Bass, Teddy Webb, Charlie Wukasch, Pip Garten

Cabin 12: Back - George Chamoun, Cole Swyka, Lawson Jones, Julian Beaujeu-Dufour. Front - Jackson Gilbert-Goldman, William Rueger, Alexander Ostrom, George Stewart, Win Williston. Not Pictured: Benjamin Giersch

Cabin 13: Back - Ethan Burges, Christian Fernando, Jack Schwartz, Spencer Blackwood, Walter Miller. Front - Octavian Klisiewicz, Reed Ryan, Cameron Cho, Henry Knox, Reiter McVie

Cabin 14: Back - Eli Fox, Wright Bordon, James Bennett, Charlie Flouhouse, Caleb Bell. Front - Will Rechkemmer, Lowe Miller, Merrill McCloud, Davis O’Keeffe, George Barret

Cabin 15: Back - Jacob Disch, Russel Carpenter, William Ragland, Wayne Wilson, Brooks Croone. Front - Quattro Glover, Brock Surles, Blake Dabney, Erskine Bowles, Mack Eubanks

Cabin 16: Back - Ben Simmons, Val Marcoux, JD Prahler, George Brock, Sam Feingold. Front - Henry Webster, Jack Cardinale, Philip Hess, Benjamin Bell, Richard Rider

Cabin 17: Back - Carter Holmes, William Logue, Elliott Reynolds, Asher Lewis, Clay Dorrill. Front - Langdon Dyksterhouse, Jackson Wolfe, Landon Nobo, Robert May, Gage Weber

Cabin 19: Back - Alfredo Lelo De Larrea, Leuven Foutch, George Edwards, Fletcher DePuy. Front - Caleb Bowen, Owen West, Daniel Hill, Gabe McKinney, Holden Baird. Not Pictured: Miller Kunz

Cabin 20: Back - Jaxsen Wilkerson, Perrin White, Oden Springmeyer, William Whitty, Griffin Bell. Front - Teddy Peterson, Walker Edison, Connor Zone, CR Donohue, Neely Knox

Cabin 21: Back -Drake Marshall, Connor McElroy, Thomas Lawrence, Hank Young, James Storey. Front - Patrick McDevitt, Davis Rives, Berker Urenay, George Thomas, Tradd Fain

Cabin 22: Back - Santiago Garcia de Villa, James Albright, James Fuller, Symmes Cocke, Lucas Johnson. Front - Matthew McReaken, William Rives, Liam Lenhard, Ben Bronzert, Angus Ramsay

Cabin 23: Back - Logan Powner, Peyt Black, Will Sanderson, Jameson Saylors, Charlie Sherrill. Front - Wes Andrews, Connor Leddy, Holden Kleinhelter, Bowman Ritchey, Winn Chamberlain

Cabin 24: Back - Tom Twemlow, Wills Yelverton, Santi Menendez, Dixon Barre, Conall Grant. Front - Cameron Noah, Lucas Miranda, Rich Hickson, Jacob Zhang, Baker Smith

Cabin 25: Back - Barney Newsome, Jack Bogart, Luke Savoie, Lowden Scarlett. Front - Elliott Thompson, Cameron Morrison, Garrett Lee, Santi Junco Madrazo, MacEwen Morrison

Cabin 26: Back - Whit Flickinger, Thomas Rueger, Harry Ballance, Cooper Gooch, Jack Goodridge. Front - Luke Jennings, Rand Jones, Robert Gilmer, Hamilton Norman, John Cannon Wessel

Cabin 27: Back - Alexander Carroll, Beckett Beatty, James Axon, Walt Palmer, James Lauve. Front - Thomas Barret, Ridgeway Britt, Patrick Patterson, Nicholas Ostrom, Riley Pittenger

Cabin 28: Back - Ollie Blunt, Tripp Biosca, Parker Spence, Marshall Liggitt, Logan Southern. Front - Walt Faires, Richard Sarber, Christian Stibbs, Callahan Holsten, Will Morrell

Cabin 29: Back - Braven Biga, Berkley Willis, Charles Norris, Thomas Sproull, Sam Lissaman. Front - Jack Tracey, Andrew Kosel, Bobby Briggs, Jamie Nikodem, Garland Lynn

Cabin 30: Back - Daire Graham, Hale Borden, Copeland Stukes, Benjamin Finney, John Stanfill. Front - Wade Monroe, Jack Lawton, Carson Pleiman, Jackson Masters, Ethan McAneny

Cabin 31: Back - Jack Preacher, Britton Lewis, Camp Clark, Julian Pollard. Front – Evan Powderly, William Swann, Samuel Flood, Taj Majors, Jack Rollins

Cabin 32: Back - Micah Burroughs, Kai Burge, Oliver Clary, Quinn Burge, Ollie King. Front - Wilson Hayes, Coleman Highsmith, Cameron Schurter, Tripp Bowen, Stratton Werner

Cabin 33: Back - Jackson Schlierf, Beckham Prahler, David Lilly, Tate Barganier. Front - Clay Sproule, Marshall Ebel, Campbell Erwin, Patton Vargas, Colin Morrell

Cabin 34: Back - Jordan Metcalfe, Jack Foster, Lance Weimer, Efraim Torres, Ryan Tucker. Front - Jim Lanier, William Jones, William Ramirez, Milo Zyblewski, Will Marsiglia

Cabin 35: Back - Max Albright, Ethan McIntylre, George Barn, Paul McSwain Front - Ransom Albertson, John Hayden Scheland, Judd Collins, Hudson Young

Cabin 36: Back - Ryan Snow, George Clements, Coley Hucks, David Dabney, James Wilson. Front - Jacob Bailey, TJ Afonso, Jack Blanks, Teddy Vlak, William Davis

Cabin 37: Back - Liam Kelly, Alex Faires, Gideon Koehring, Omar Schwarten, Caleb Kluckhohn. Front - Liam Marriott, Manu Menendez, Griffin Siegel, Andrew Stroud, Garrett Cooley

Cabin 38 (STEEL): Back - Rex Hallow, Charlie Friedrich, Henry Bryan, Jonathan Dunham, Gus Faris, Billy Piper, Grant Pinkston Front - Quentin Balestri, Gabe Cullens, Jackson Skelly, Jack Stamoulis, Rodgers McCullough, Lex McDonald

Cabin 39 (FLINT): Back - Paul Roberts, Sawyer Barnette, William McCollum, Burke Moorman, Bennett Broad. Front - Jack Solcher, Simon Ikenberg, Tucker Piper, Lawton Broughman, Graeme McNeish

twoweek camp Cabin 40 (FLINT): Back - Patrick Greenwood, Evan Hunt, Henry Donohue, Thad Jones, Oliver Losinski, Frankie Wimbish. Front Edison Pellumbi, Brigden Hayes, Ian Smith, Yates Bass, Ryan Murray

Cabin 1: Back - Alex Rios Mora, Mosty O’Brien, Beckett Hopkins, Morris O’Brien, Rich Carr. Front - Miles Johnson, Henry Albergotti, Herschell Montgomery, William Rowe, Kane Murphy

Cabin 2: Back - Zion Woodruff, George Young, Jeffrey Swope, Bryce Rumley, Ender Limb. Front - Michael Fullenwider, Thomas Jackson, Charlie Crumpler, William Jackson, Tuck McLanahan

Cabin 3: Back - Richi Miranda, Thomas Trautschold, James Bentley, Hudson Griffin, Rafe Storm. Front - Hutch Israel, Noah Earney, Robert Thompson, George Lanaux, Walt Merriam

Cabin 4: Back - Johnny Ervin, Randell Thomas, Gibbs Carson, Grayson Habegger, Chris Lyle. Front - Brown Thomas, Willett Stukes, John Kinney, Griffin Sigmon, Louie Costa

Cabin 5: Back - Charlie Lauve, Finn Louis, Locke Copenhaver, Brooks Davidson, Mace Hood. Front - Mills Maguire, Richard Tapp, Landon Kim, Parker Oshins, Andrew Hickey

Cabin 6: Back - Wodajo Oleksy, Grant McKay, Buster Chapman, Rhys Olivier, Aiden Fulton. Front - Watson Carpenter, Harrison Hayes, Charleston Hayes, Webb Snyder, Skip Quasha

Cabin 7: Back - Harrison Best, Watts Steward, Meyer Baumann, Bond Meadows, Gordon Harwell. Front - Callahan Hutchins, Banks Harris, Mullins von Werssowetz, George Bomar, Foster Jones

Cabin 8: Back - Emmett Sullivan, William Starr, Barnes Schmitt, Watts Israel, Ben Hulsey. Front - Jack McEnery, Robert Hixon, Bradley Holmes, Pickett Gore, Scott Glass

Cabin 9: Back - Jack Thomas, Garrett DeBoey, Griffin Ritchie, Saxon Ranton, Riley McIntosh. Front - Charles Griffin, Dixon Wendell, Everett Dickerson, Mac Tindel, Nolan Howell

Cabin 10: Back - CJ Sumner, John Isaac Epley, Robins Carlson, Ford Skeen, Thomas Allsopp. Front - Clark Perry, Riggins Thompson, Jack Holladay, Charlie Cathcart, Reed Campbell

Cabin 11: Back - William Ashcroft, Henry Walker, Harry Sartorio, Walker Morehouse, Ben Giersch. Front - Townsend Wyker, Jack Baarcke, William Hubbard, Jack Hand, James Hubbard

Cabin 12: Back - Clay Dorrill, Hank Bentley, Jack Brothers, Waters Dennington, Julian Beaujeu-Dufour. Front - Weyman Weiner, Jake Schwartz, Dalton Malnate, Jackson Poole, Henry Hall

Cabin 13: Back - Alfredo Lelo De Larrea, Kelly Kaloupek, Tripp Kissee, Hamil Crittendon, Walter Miller. Front - Tommy Rowe, Jack Houlihan, Colby Hancock, Bruce Swenson, Brek Johnson

Cabin 14: Back - Griffin Bell, James Magrath, Walker Rumley, Tripp Merriam, Caleb Bell. Front - CJay Mase, Kip Scheuer, Hunter Grambling, Max Murphy, Henry Flynn

Cabin 15: Back - Brooks Croone, Cooper Harknett, Teddy Pulitzer, Cabell Andrews, Jacob Disch. Front - Jack Jenkins, Grigs Henderson, Jack Kelly, Wright Yelverton, James McWilliams

Cabin 16: Back - Sam Feingold, Edward Spizer, Harry Wilson, John Pontius, Ben Simmons. Front - Davis Echols, Fisher Tharp, Lawson Simon, Mitchell Sprague, Freddy Smith

Cabin 17: Back - Carter Holmes, Brooks Kurimsky, Luke Farmer, John William Ryan, Henry Koch. Front - Scott Chafik, Lawrence Burtschy, William Lampley, Ward Hunter, Jackson Israel

Cabin 19: Back - Ollie Blunt, Jack Jones, Davy Wallace, Robert Swope. Front - Benjamin Wilkinson, Parker McCarley, Ladd Zvara, Les O’Brien, Montgomery Ellis. Not Pictured: Miller Kunz

Cabin 20: Back - Jaxsen Wilkerson, Henry Lowry, William Sedmak, JJ Trimble, James Wilson. Front - Banks Johnson, Clark Coburn, Sutton Harris, Harrison Blais, Fisher Moore

Cabin 21: Back -Drake Marshall, Preston Saylors, Winston Smith, Rodes Baumann, James Storey. Front - Bobby Barr, Davis Leveridge, Cameron Robinson, Averett Salyer, Scott Little

Cabin 22: Back - Santiago Garcia de Villa, Nolan Guthrie, James Kozlowski, Wells Foster, Lucas Johnson. Front - Alexander Miller, Reid Johnston, Henry Cox, Ollie Snyder, Hunter Louis

Cabin 23: Back – Liam Kelly, James Kelley, Reece Davidson, Gavin DeBoey, Logan Powner. Front - Michael Correia, Andrew Todd, Robb Rilee, Haynes Robinson, JR Fox

Cabin 24: Back - Conall Grant, Winston Sherman, Ben Shockley, Charlie Everett, Tom Twemlow. Front - Wyatt Tuohy, Jimmy Hessbery, Henry Saltzman, George Paradis, Yates Schipper

Cabin 25: Back - Whit Flickinger, James Thompson, Patrick Collie, Mac Clark, Henry Jessen. Front - Jack Austin, Henry Bartels, Bry Jessen, Christopher Rowe

Cabin 26: Back - Jack Goodridge, Miller King, Hudson Elmerick, Marsh Douthat, David White. Front - Harrison Steineker, Spencer Brown, James Hickey, Wade Mitchell, Ayden DeBorde

Cabin 27: Back - James Lauve, Woods Thompson, Helmi Berdel, Liam Rogers, Alexander Carroll. Front - Porter Hujik, Hanes Andrews, Bowen Walker, Hawkins Huffstutter, Louis Brown

Cabin 28: Back - Charlie Sherrill, Hank Pittman, Bobby Detar, Charlie Andrews, Logan Southern. Front - Lock Edwards, Smoak Copenhaver, Teddy Bender, Fitz Baumann, Briggs Boardman

Cabin 29: Back - Braven Biga, Hunter Petillo, Wallace Carlson, Thomas Rabun, Daire Graham. Front - Nash Donahue, Patrick Barge, Will Baumann, William Montgomery, Henry Hardin

Cabin 30: Back - John Stanfill, George Kelly, William Sloan, Will Hoots, Sebastian Fernandez. Front - Dillon Malnate, Owen Old, Henry Wimberley, Madden Sherrill

Cabin 31: Back - Jack Preacher, Carter Henderson, Jack Griffin, Henry Wetzler, Harrison Oshins. Front - Hux Tucker, James Adams, Aaron Goodman, Teddy McDade

Cabin 32: Back - Micah Burroughs, Luke Vincent, James Craft, Wells Wallace, Ollie King. Front - Wills Brewster, William Bush, Will Carey, Brooks Cromey, Cash Vincent

Cabin 33: Back - Jackson Schlierf, Beau Neithardt, Liam Neithardt, Alex Hanson, Mitchell Pittinos. Front - Garrett Murchison, Knox Eaves, Henry Meadows, Peyton Tinghitella

Cabin 34: Back - Ryan Tucker, Rowe Magrath, Zach Zimardo, Crawford York, Jordan Metcalfe. Front - Matthew Fandetti, Collin Seneker, B Jones, Banks Wilkinson, Elliott Wendell

Cabin 35: Back - George Barn, Jay Capello, Taylor Stukes, Roman Young. Front - Louis Smith, Cray Grinder, Rivers McGinnis, Wim Vlak, Stanton Stonerock

Cabin 36: Back - Sam Lissaman, Miles Dean, Tony Sanchez, Max Collie, Ryan Snow. Front - Liam O’Brien, Grant Plexico, Haynes Crumpler, Jack Puckett, Henry Spizer

Cabin 37: Back - Rex Hallow, David Sartorio, Sawyer Fienning, Andrew Franceschi, Caleb Kluckhohn. Front - Hendrik Grannan, William Mazzuco, Barrett Smith, Hawkins Atchinson, Carter Williams

Cabin 38: Back - Preston Barnette, Tommy England, Wade Petkovich, Charlie Henry, Grant Pinkston. Front - Wells Funderburk, Teddy Murphy, Charlie Batson, Luke Hawkins

Cabin 39: Back - Paul Roberts, Granger Albergotti, Townes Clements, Aiden Beach, Bennett Broad. Front - John Monk, Gus Rogers, Jack Herzog, Mills Slacum, Jackson Olivo

Cabin 40: Back - Paul Traylor, Chase Stephens, George Yelverton, Benny Maynard, Frankie Wimbish. Front - Edward Rawl, Gus Glassner, Luke Schwartz, Callum Yelverton

juniorcamp Cabin 1: Back - Alex Rios, George Bacon, Hobbs Wahl, Lucas Postal, Rich Carr. Front - Watson McGovern, Wade Upham, McCoy Glass, James Gerry, Cole Lyons

Cabin 2: Back - Zion Woodruff, Will McEnery, Elliott Aswell, Ender Limb. Front - Ben Ferguson, Benjamin Davis, William Skinner, Charlie Morgan, Max Boeggeman

Cabin 3: Back - Richi Miranda, Paul Turrentine, Henry Sanders, William Chapman, Rafe Storm. Front - William O’Black, Benjamin Flynn, Teddy Hagen, Walker Lewis, Sully Yancone

Cabin 4: Back - Johnny Ervin, Bane Milligan, Jack Carey, Tommy Craft, Chris Lyle. Front - Rollins DeBardeleben, George Hall, Lucas Newman, Lochlan Smith, Witt Ames

Cabin 5: Back - Charlie Lauve, Weston Glover, Bo Farmer, Baker Tindel, Jack Preacher. Front - Taylor Brown, George Edwards, Mills Cliett, Vance Massengale, Orlando Gonzalez

Cabin 6: Back - Mace Hood, Hunter Popp, Jack Popp, Field Spickard, Wodajo Oleksy. Front - Julian Snider, Sully Sweetman, Bo Newman, Barton Longo, Grant Rights

Cabin 7: Back - Gordon Harwell, John Crawford Cruse, Rory Nelson, Blake Berlinsky, Harrison Best. Front - Luke Labanowski, Harrison Ollek, Pierce Gilbert, Tune Nunnelee, Henry Freisem

Cabin 8: Back - Riley McIntosh, August Ollek, Thomas Smith, Win Spiller, Jack Thomas. Front - Thatcher Alford, Lyle Nicholson, Row Bender, Charlie Jones, Patrick Arthur

Cabin 9: Back - Emmett Sullivan, William Helsabeck, Owen Seigler, JD Stephenson, Benjamin Hulsey. Front - Charlie Swift, Max Chandlee, Miles Hartman, Ankers Springett, Beau Otis

Cabin 10: Back - Carter Holmes, Charlie Jordan, William Bartels, Rowland Evans, CJ Sumner. Front - Charlie Gibson, William Merritt, Pearce Hennessey, Liam Nachawati, Sam Austin

Cabin 11: Back - Thomas Allsopp, Jonathan Dean, Rawlins Foster, Ford Molster, William Ashcroft. Front - Parker Miller, Hillyer Loehr, Teddy Deterding, Holt Walker, Henry Jackson

Cabin 12: Back - Henry Koch, Chandler Murphy, Remington Capt, Henry McLaughen, Julian Beaujeu-Dufour. Front - Sam Detar, Liam Johnson, Edward Rupel, Beau Cushman, James Griffin

Cabin 13: Back - Ethan Burges, Luke Strange, John Langerman, Grant Earp, Walter Miller. Front - Hayes Hunt, Sawyer Fleming, Charlie Graves, Finn Vecellio

Cabin 14: Back - Caleb Bell, Wes Matthews, Townes Johnson, Jasper Mackay, Griffin Bell. Front - Henning Gess, Hoot Fleming, John Ross Barrett, Harrison Rankin, William Clark

Cabin 15: Back - James Storey, Thomas Neighbours, Ben Savage, John Cotton, Sam Lissaman. Front - Reid Gray, James Allen, Charles Wood, Finn Arwood, Aksel Dragseth

Cabin 16: Back - Sam Feingold, Worth Montgomery, Brooks Henry, Oliver Gehan, Ben Simmons. Front - Tommy Barrier, Johnny Canterbury, Hayden Cofield, Hendrix Mallory, Isaac Farish

Cabin 17: Back - Jacob Disch, Jack Maxwell, Quinn Brackett, William Lewis, Brooks Croone. Front - Dylan Goodwin, William Runkle, Russell Boehm, Haskell Hanckel, Charles Goodwin

Cabin 19: Back - Ollie Blunt, Will Sharp, Henry Lilley, George Trammell, Miller Kunz. Front - Luke Fletcher, Beckett Daniel, Bruce Reid, William Scaljon, Yates Dunaway

Cabin 22: Back - Santiago Garcia de Villa, Fen Stull, James Lewis, Charlie Schell, Lucas Johnson. Front - Brooks Metzler, Finn Hoffmann, Ike Collins, Bridger Gerry, Jack Butcher

Cabin 23: Back - Charlie Sherrill, Stanton Reid, Phelps Reid, Wesley McKnight, Logan Powner. Front - Rosser Gough, Max Webb, Webb Brewer, Jack Spivey, Charles Currie

Cabin 24: Back - Jaxsen Wilkerson, Jack Weber, Jack Anderson, Alexander Jaeger, James Wilson. Front - Jack Westfall, James Devaney, Harrison McEntire, Will Maroney, Stewart Mungo

Cabin 25: Back - Clay Dorrill, Henry Milward, Bradford Hindersman, Luke McLane, Logan Southern. Front - John Goodwyn, Worth Glover, Harrison Milward, Jake McLane, Cannon Medley

Cabin 26: Back - Jack Goodridge, Sam Rini, Jackson Burns, Jamie Cobb, Tom Twemlow. Front - Paxton Mard, Caelan Solomon, Rivers Stevens, Joe Prine, Luke Turrentine

Cabin 27: Back - Oakes Cross, Levi Tyler, Alexander Carroll, Mark White, Hale Bowman. Front - George Newman, Baker Tomascak, Jesse Carmichael. Not Pictured: James Lauve, Jack McWhorter

Cabin 28: Back - Jordan Metcalfe, Sean Rousseau, Finn Puckett, Charlie Smith, Daire Graham. Front - Bentley McCormac, John Gilmer, Knox King, Walker O’Black, Peter Christopoulos

Cabin 30: Back - John Stanfill, Thomas Miranowski, Sawyer Harmeling, Hudson Ogren, Pete Curtis. Front - Lachlan Whelan, Noah Shattuck, Bryce Jensen, Ellis Bacon, Bennett Lynch

Cabin 31: Back - Drake Marshall, Lawrence Labanowski, John Wyatt Coleman, Charlie Phillips, Liam Kelly. Front - Alexander Hage, Thatcher Tupis, Porter Pfister, Jack Schottmiller, Roman Gall

Cabin 32: Back - Ollie King, Boone Nicholson, Henry Helsabeck, Walt Yarbrough, Owain Williams. Front - Josh Alpert, Parker Speizman, Will Carlson, Dunbar Brittain, Tripp McFadden

Cabin 33: Back - Micah Burroughs, Nick Martin, Rhett Heyward, Harry Gustafson, Jackson Schlierf. Front - Charlie Ferguson, Charlie Williamson, Jamie Nelson, Michael LoGuidice, Charles Gibadlo

Cabin 34: Back - George Barn, Hugh Lail, August Roth, Freeman Self, Ryan Tucker. Front - Christopher Vecellio, Jack Green, Myers Newman, Walker Mackelcan, Asher Leidy

Cabin 35: Back - Caleb Kluckhohn, Beckett Bartlett, Pierce Mathews, Coleman Woodley, Rex Hallow. Front - Matthew Richter, Maverick Hudgins, James Reeves, Zac Hatzis, John Seigler

Cabin 36: Back - David White, Gates Marwell, Brooks Berlinsky, Will Jones, Ryan Snow. Front - Fort Robinson, Cole Buchanan, Liam Marwell, Henry Deitz, Drew Mayer

Cabin 39: Back - Paul Roberts, Jack Reynolds, Owen Fletcher, Max Bumgardner, Bennett Broad. Front - Harrison Mallory, Scott Spicer, Davis Bailey, Bennett Darling, Jack Kleckley

Cabin 40: Back - Frankie Wimbish, Harrison Ariail, Mills Womble, Jackson Ariail, JR Wallace. Front - Declan Solomon, Wells Cocke, George Craddock, Jack Scheerer

iron man & honor council E

Iron Man Participants: James Axon, Jacob Bailey (2nd Place), Tate Barganier, Sawyer Barnette, Teddy Barret, Ridgeway Britt, Jack Cardinale, George Clements, Blake Dabney, David Dabney, Campbell Erwin, Charlie Flouhouse, Jack Foster, Beckham Prahler, James Fuller, Cooper Gooch, Wilson Hayes, Rand Jones, Thad Jones, William Jones, Gideon Koehring, Marshall Liggit, David Lilly (3rd Place), Percy Mason, Merrill McCloud, Paul McSwain, Cameron Morrison, Hamilton Norman, Fite Paine, Thomas Reuger, Elliott Reynolds, William Rives, Jack Ryan, Baker Smith, Jack Solcher, Parker Spence, Thomas Sproull, Clay Sproule, William Swann, Lance Weimer, John Cannon Wessel, Berkley Willis (1st Place). Honor Council: Back - KC Collins, Whit Flickinger, Jackson Skelly, Thad Jones, Jack Stamoulis, Ford Layman, Sawyer Barnette, Rodgers McCullough, Grant Pinkston, Billy Piper. Middle Back - Max Albright, Ian Smith, Walter Miller, Wodajo Oleksy, George Clements, John Allen, Clay Dorrill. Middle Front - Henry Koch, John Hayden Scheland, James Albright, Julian Beaujeu-Dufour, Ransom Albertson, Judd Collins, Jacob Bailey, William McCollum, Rhodes Feild Front - Alex Ostrom, Jack Tracey, Madden Mahalak Not Pictured: Bennett Broad, Will Cameron, Andy Killebrew, Will Skipper. 73

directorsandstaff Facility Managers: Back- Thomas Cason, Casey Pullen. Front- Doug Smathers (Director), Alonso Carrasco, Simon Wilson, Nathan Hall Not Pictured: David Echeverria

Kitchen Leadership: L to R- Leslie Sloan, Dee Keene, Darrell Callahan, Wayne Matthews. Front - Diana Byrd (Director)

Culinary Team Members: Back- Oscar Morales Guevara, Andrea Leal Quintero, Ricardo “Agis” Agis Urias, Valeria Rodriguez Islas, Asaf Rodriguez Torres, Erick Candia Tellez Front- Esmeralda “Esme” Hernandez Ramirez, Salma Estrada Reyes, Maria Benitez Corona, Karen Castro Pineda, Karen Lazcano Valente, Jhennifer “Jenny” Cortes Leal, Katia Velazquez Flores

Line Heads: Zach Scheidly (Robinia), Ford Layman (Sorrel), Amanda Black (Samara), Robert Obst (Tsuga), Adonis Merritt (Betula)

Assistant Line Heads: Ella Harlacher (Samara), Caleb Kluckhohn (Betula), Sam Feingold (Tsuga), Jack Goodridge (Robinia), Riley McIntosh (Sorrel)

Leadership Team: Back Row - Mike Nuckles, John “JGB” Burton, David Echeverria, Frank Tindall, Ben Williams, Diana Byrd, Doug Smathers, Yates Pharr, Marisa Pharr. Front Row - Nathan Newquist, Zach Rivera, Jasmine Westbrook, Matt Sloan, Andy Killebrew, Jeff Killebrew, Paige Hafner

Assistant Outdoor Adventure Directors: KC Collins & John Allen

Program Coordinators: Back - Chris Lyle, CJ Sumner, Front - Rich Carr

Photography Staff: James Singhal, Tamara Ayala, Doni Towers (Head Photographer), Valery Uscanga, Tom Twemlow. Not Pictured: Shannon Hemmer, William Ashcroft (Videographer)

Dash: Back - Jay Foster, Will Skipper, Philip Billings, Will Woodruff, Will Cameron, Cameron Sumners. Front- Luke Dodson, Griffin Eubanks, Tommy Bond, Rhodes Feild, Philip Cronje, Winston Smith.

Head Van Driver: William “Wally” Wallace

Samara Line Staff Members: Back - John Allen, KC Collins, Care Smyth, JR Wallace, Eleanor Donohue, Nicola Greaves, Claire Stephens, Pete Curtis, Owain Williams, Sophia Krusen. Middle- Amanda Black, Jay Novelli, Ella Harlacher, Heather Moffatt, Tamara Ayala, Giselle Barrales, Anna Kate Yoxsimer, Doni Towers. Front- James Singhal, Etta Pierce, Scuba Keiser, Valery Uscanga, Amanda Velez, Mare Pharr, Max Feild. Not Pictured: Croft Hamilton, Matthew Kornegay, Andrew McDonald. Don Kirkwood.

Doctors 2023 Joe Jackson................................................. June Week 1 Brewer Eberly............................................... June Week 2 Ron Turner.................................................... June Week 3 Nupe Singhal................................................ Main Week 1 Kristy Carter................................................. Main Week 2

Steve Feingold.............................................. Main Week 3 George Edwards............................................Main week 4 Hunter Louis......................................................2-Week 1 Preston Wendell.................................................2-Week 2 Lauren Robinson..................................................... Junior

medicalstaff doctors

Joe Jackson

Brewer Eberly

Ron Turner

Nupe Singhal

Kristy Carter

Steve Feingold

George Edwards

Hunter Louis

Preston Wendell

Lauren Robinson

Head Nurse: Catie Cornett

Angie Band

medical staff nurses Not Pictured: Eva Kinnear

Kathy Benoit

Amanda Black

Katie Boeggeman

Gina Cherry

Natalie Clements

Stephanie Devaney

Heather Earney

Sarah Holt

Sarah Howell

Mary Lobianco

Nora Loughlin

Lillian Magruder

Brelan Montgomery

Chuck Niemeyer

Chris Reed

Liz Sparks

Brooke Stromdahl

Chrisy Templin

Erin Traister Walters

Devin Yates

SAVE THE DATE 70

Introducing This Year’s Annual Trunk Sticker!

Apply online atk.com e

ingcre www.fall

Our 2024 Trunk Sticker features the Overlook, one of camp’s most recognizable and beloved scenic spots. The gazebo, named “Cope’s Place” for staff member Rusty Copeland, was originally built in the late 70s but moved up to its present location during the construction of McGrady Gym in 2014. The overlook is a favorite place for both campers and staff to admire the mountain views. This year, the annual trunk stickers will be part of the Christmas mailing.

SAVE THE DATE Traditional Sessions SESSION

GRADES

DATES

June Camp

1-9

Sun, June 9 to Fri, June 28, 2024 (20 Days)

Main Camp

2-10

Sun, June 30 to Fri, July 26, 2024 (27 Days)

STEEL Program

Sun, June 30 to Fri, July 26, 2024 (27 Days)

2-Week Camp

1-5

Sun, July 28 to Fri, Aug. 9, 2024 (13 Days)

Junior Camp

1-4

Sun, Aug. 11 to Fri, Aug. 16, 2024 (6 Days)

SESSION

GRADES

DATES

May Father/Son Weekend 1

K+

Fri, May 17 to Sun, May 19, 2024

May Father/Son Weekend 2

K+

Fri, May 24 to Sun, May 26, 2024

August Father/Son Weekend

K+

Fri, Aug. 23 to Sun, Aug. 25, 2024

SESSION

GRADES

DATES

Family Camp

all ages

Fri, Aug 30 to Mon, Sept 2, 2024 (4 Days)

Grade denotes the ’22-’23 school year.

Father/Son Weekends

Family Retreat

a call toquarters

Hard-Charging

GENTLEMEN By Ben Williams

Here at camp, we pride ourselves on great adventures. We’re able to mountain bike, paddle,

W Ben Williams, Outdoor Adventure Director

TAPS Day is done, gone the sun, From the lake, from the hills, from the sky; All is well, safely rest, God is nigh. All FCC Campfire programs end with the community standing and singing the first verse of Taps together.

backpack, and rock climb in some of the most beautiful places in the Southeast United States. If the boys are interested and willing to put in the work, we’ll help them build their skills to tackle class V rapids, send 5.11 climbs, backpack for days through the wilderness, or shred down black diamond trails. However, Falling Creek is more than just an outdoor adventure or sports camp. Our goal isn’t just to have boys try these activities once or twice as something fun to do. We want to equip boys with an ability and enthusiasm to pursue these sports and adventures throughout their lives. The easy and fun part of our job is taking boys out on rivers, rocks, and trails. What sets us apart is that, in addition to teaching the skills, we teach the boys how to behave and how to live. We aim to prepare boys to be their best selves, before their outdoor adventure even begins, and long after it is over. While we’re out on our adventures, counselors are talking with boys about how they engage with people, how to be helpful, how to be friendly to people at the put-ins and the trailheads, and how to clean up—not because we have to, but because we want to. We encourage boys to try new things, expand their comfort zones, live life to the fullest, and give it their all in everything they do. We want them to have the same passion for being a better person as they do for engaging in specific sports and adventures. We’ve recently started referring to this concept as being “Hard-Charging Gentlemen,” encouraging both staff and campers to live out this new theme. What does it mean, exactly? A “Hard-Charging Gentleman” is someone who is passionate about their sport or activity, and dedicated to advancing their skills. They’re enthusiastic about

charging toward the next challenge or adventure. At the same time, they’re committed to pursuing the qualities of a gentleman. We emphasize practicing the life skills of being thoughtful, kind, helpful, humble, responsible, receptive to others, and putting others first. We’re developing more than just our outdoor skills, we’re developing character. For example, when we get to a trailhead, we practice saying hello to the other trail users. When we leave a campsite, we clean up after ourselves. When we run a big rapid, we cheer on our friends instead of bragging about our accomplishments. We get dirty and play hard, but we also embrace the tradition of sitting quietly around the campfire and reflecting with friends. We want to push campers to do incredible things on the river, on the trail, and on the rock, but we also want to push campers to do incredible things in all aspects of their lives. Being a “Hard-Charging Gentleman” is about more than just activity skills and personal progress. The progression systems at camp are great for advancing individual goals, but they’re single sided. They’re not always about giving back to the community or interactions outside the camp world. So, emphasizing the idea of a “HardCharging Gentleman” puts some focus back on social awareness. When things like humility and cooperation are emphasized, the program becomes about more than just ourselves, it becomes about being others-focused. In the same way that staff members are going to help campers with activity skills like setting up their tarps, knowing their climbing commands, and mastering their kayak rolls, they’re also going to help boys perfect the life skills of treating others with respect, helping out a friend, and being willing to clean up. A “Hard-Charging Gentleman” sets the bar high in all aspects of life.

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID MARIETTA, GA PERMIT #215

Post Office Box 98 Tuxedo, North Carolina 28784 828.692.0262 www.fallingcreek.com