Grow & Behold: A Publication of Falling Creek Camp (Fall 2021)

Grow behold CONTENTS

N

12

10

17

W

E

30

20

46

20

10

It Only Takes A Spark. How a scholarship grant has provided our staff members with the resources and support to positively impact others beyond the summer months.

In Thier Own Words. The inside scoop from our parents’ perspectives.

12

Just What the Doctor Ordered. Two doctors (and camp parents) describe the manifold psychological and physical health benefits of the camp experience.

30

Cabin Lines: Rooted in the Code. While in their cabin groups (called Lines), campers follow a unique path where they embrace specific values from the Falling Creek Camp Code, corresponding with their ages and stages.

17 Off the Beaten Path. Former Falling Creek camper and staff member High Garst took the meaning of “new normal” to new heights in 2020, when he and a friend hiked all 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

46

The Nests. These rentals offer a new way to experience the natural beauty of camp outside the summer months, all while enjoying the comforts of home.

On the Cover: Boys charge ahead with excitement during a high energy Evening Program game on the landsports field.

4 Yates’ Yak 26 Scholarships 32 Fan the Flame 75 Save the Date 76 A Call to Quarters

S

W

E

The annual FCC Ironman triathlon began in 1982 under the leadership of alumni Skeet Keyes, Terry Tyree, and Garrett Randolph, and has taken place during Main Camp ever since. The smaller photo is from the first ever FCC Ironman, with Skeet on the right cheering for participants as they exit the Lower Lake.

The larger picture shows Roy, our 2021 Ironman Winner, crossing the upper dam amidst cheers from friends.

yates’yak

CAMP’S MANIFOLD BLESSINGS & BENEFITS (Now More Than Ever!)

Growing up, camp benefitted me in many ways, and those benefits changed and grew as I grew. My first summer, I was a camper for 3 weeks and gained much from the newfound independence the experience gave me. Returning for the longer 6-week sessions gave me deeper friendships, built my skills, and heightened my appreciation for camp traditions.

W The benefits continued to grow as I returned as a counselor and was held accountable to higher expectations. The older I grew, the more my camp experience continued to teach me - how to live harmoniously with others, become more confident as an instructor, increase my resilience, and improve my leadership abilities.

Going forward, we know that camp will continue to be beneficial in this changing world, giving boys and young men the edge they need to excel in life. Marisa and I are humbled and grateful to be stewards of a place that creates such profound impacts and unique memories.

To this day, I continue to reap the rewards of the camp experience, both through the lessons and skills I learned, as well as the lifelong mentors and friends I gained. In the current roles that Marisa and I have as directors, the biggest reward and motivating factor is seeing the positive impact camp has on the lives of individuals. Waking up every day to work toward camp’s mission gives me more fulfilment than any other job I could imagine. I learn more about myself and about being a better community member and

leader each summer, just as I did as a camper and counselor.

That’s why in 2020 when the traditional summer couldn’t happen, we all felt the loss. A year without any of the typical growth or benefits from camp was tough for all of us - campers, staff, directors, and parents. However, it was even more meaningful this past summer when camp returned. Covid aside, summers at camp have always been full of opportunity, but in 2021, the return to a more traditional summer was even sweeter than ever.

The camp environment can carry high drama because the staff of 150 and the 312 boys must live, work, play, eat, lead, and worship together for weeks.

Although camp life is full of fun, the camp climate can be a challenge on many fronts, just like any community living scenario. The longer sessions are especially beneficial because they require campers and staff to further develop their hard and soft skills, interact effectively, engage in independence, and nurture relationships with the entire camp community.

Being a camp counselor also has its own unique opportunities for growth. It is one of the most demanding and rewarding jobs, requiring the individual to be a combination of teacher, confidant,

Pharr Family from left to right: Yates, Marisa, Jasmine, Mary, Danielle, Lucy, Annie Pharr Ramsbotham, Zeb Ramsbotham

THE MAGAZINE

were an affirmation of what we’ve known all along: that no matter what age or stage you’re in, the camp experience can offer a multitude of timely lessons difficult to achieve anywhere else.

Going forward, we know that camp will continue to be beneficial in this changing world, giving boys and young men the edge they need to excel in life. Marisa and I are humbled and grateful to be stewards of a place that creates such profound impacts and unique memories. As always, thank you for your friendship and trust, and for including us in your son’s journey to manhood. Here’s to the personal growth that camp will foster in 2022—and beyond!

Grow behold

leader, coach, and mentor. It is a responsibility that calls for ‘round the clock attention, demanding flexibility, and the ability to think on your feet. There are many opportunities to gain strength in working with others and experience problem solving alongside both peers and superiors.

In this issue of Grow & Behold, you’ll read examples of the manifold blessings and benefits the camp experience will bring - from a Q&A with two doctors about the physical and psychological impacts camp has on health, to the ways our camp counselors share the spirit of Falling Creek with communities outside the summer months. The 2021 sessions

E

Fall 2021 Editor: Annie Ramsbotham

Design: Steve Parker Design

Editorial Contributors: Yates Pharr, Creston Mapes, William “Wally” Wallace

Photographic Contributors: Laura Hartman, Cole Janney, Cynthia Liu, Reed Mattison, Isabel Paris, Yates Pharr, James Singhal, and all of our Adventure Trip staff

Cover Photo: Laura Hartman

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.

(This letter home was written by a Main Camper and shared with us by his mother!)

11

W

Dear Mom, Dad, and Robert, I hope y’all are having a great time in Kiawah. I tried rock climbing to face my fear of heights. My counselor was a camper here and is really good at telling stories.

He is a great mentor. I am hoping to try horseback and blacksmithing soon. When I’m surrounded by other teenage boys with similar hobbies, it’s hard not to have fun no matter what I’m doing. One of my favorite counselors from my first year came back after being gone for 4 years! I’ll send more letters!

8 year camper from Houston, TX

Whit was absolutely honored to wear his Falling Creek Camp pin in his graduation ceremony from Episcopal this May, 2021. I wanted just to say a quick thank you.

As always, thank you so much for the love and support you’ve shown Whit over his years at FCC. What a blessing.

Anne - New Bern, NC It was a true blessing to spend an entire weekend with my son up in North Carolina at Falling Creek Camp. We made so many unforgettable memories this weekend.

Memories that can only be made while exploring the great outdoors together. Riding mountain bikes, zip

lines, archery, canoeing, shooting guns, and playing all kinds of fun games together. The one-on-one time I get to share with my son is without a doubt some of the best moments of my life. Taking the time to get away from the everyday schedule, and spend time together in the woods is something that I think every father and son should do. As much as possible. I can’t say enough good things about the staff and overall operation at Falling Creek. They run a first class operation, and their staff are absolutely great with the kids. I highly, highly recommend it for any family out there with young boys.

The Father / Son weekend is a must do, and truly a bucket list adventure for any Dad. Ryan - Atlanta, GA On June 12th, an FCC two time IronMan winner and my little guy Cooper (can you hear him cringe?) turns 20 years old. To celebrate, we are leaving Brevard tomorrow morning to participate in a 24 hour MTB competition down in Alabama. This morning, Cooper took me to Burnt Mountain, Cedar and Big Rock and patiently taught me how to ride all of the technical aspects save one big drop at the end. (By that time, I was too scared because of all the rain to give it a go.)

I am writing to thank Falling Creek’s wonderful staff for helping to give me a son who is generous, patient and adventuresome. Without all of you to help Cooper become the young man he is becoming, I would never be this 56 year old mom learning to live and share such an adventurous life with my son. For all that you have done and continue to do, I thank you all for the phenomenally wonderful influence you have had on our lives.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for stepping into an untraditional way of life in order to offer a life changing experience for so many young men. I wish we found you years ago!

Every day, as I read the blog and follow along the adventures through the amazing pictures, I am grateful for the time the boys are spending with you. Yesterday was the first day I saw pictures of Ben, and there were lots of them. My heart was singing to see him smiling and having a big time. There is no doubt in my mind that he is experiencing connection like he has never felt before. You guys are changing lives.

Ellyn - Winston-Salem, NC Thomas Wolfe famously wrote “You can never go home again.” Will just proved him wrong. After an unwanted but unavoidable COVID delay in 2020, he thankfully got the chance to “return home” to Falling Creek Camp this summer to work as a counselor after years of being a camper there himself. (Dad Jonathan is an alum, too!) After nearly 3 months away, he is back in Norfolk today with some great memories and a whole new appreciation for all the effort behind the scenes that goes into making camp seem effortless for the campers.

We are proud of him and grateful for a safe, happy return to some normalcy for him and the boys. Falling Creek is indeed the best, and I strongly recommend it for those looking for an amazing summer experience for your sons. Welcome Home Will!

E

Liz - Norfolk, VA

Dedi - Kingsport, TN Thank you again for another wonderful family camp weekend. We snuck out a little early this year so we did not get to personally thank each of you for such a special weekend. The time together is truly treasured and I think the families plus staff are truly about the nicest group of people you could find anywhere. We adore this special weekend and hope it continues for years to come. I hope to see many of you tomorrow at drop-off when we bring Grant back up the mountain!

Jenn - Charlotte, NC

Above: Will as a camper with father Jonathan.

Left: Will on the left as a counselor in 2021.

11

W

The parents of Lew Jaynes (the blonde boy in the left photo and the counselor in the right photo) sent us this during the summer to show how Lew’s camp experience has come full circle! He went from recieving mountain biking awards as a camper, to giving them out as a mountain biking counselor!

“Shannon just sent me this… pretty cool! Good luck with Main Camp! Saw Lewis on Friday and he is loving it.”

to you for allowing me/us to be a part of that. We feel so blessed to be a part of Falling Creek and wish you a wonderful winter. (-Megan) It was another magical week for the Louises at Falling Creek! I am astounded every year at how you orchestrate such a fabulous symphony of joy, love, and truth for so many boys, men, and women. Thank you for letting our family witness so closely the magic and joy that Falling Creek produces. (-Louis)

Richard - Atlanta, GA Hunter (Junior Camp Doctor) and Megan - Charleston, SC What an amazing drive home - nonstop tales of Main Camp from both boys! The happiness on their faces and the joy in their voices was palpable. Thank you for creating such an amazing space for our boys.

Anne - Atlanta, GA As a first time camper, Hunter III gained a sense of independence and learned about cohabitation. He learned about cooperation and teamwork and is excited to have earned the “cleanest cabin” award. He is already talking about 2-week camp next summer. I loved watching them learn new skills, try new things, work together as a team, and to just have fun being boys.

The joy on their faces spread to mine and I am grateful

Just wanted to thank you for organizing an amazing weekend at Falling Creek Camp. We had a blast! I know everyone else did as well. It was the perfect way for all our families to get together safely. The activities were great, the food was delicious, and you and all your staff were so gracious and helpful. It is such a magical place and I hope you will allow us to come back. Please share this letter with Kyle as well. He was a terrific camp leader. Our family is still talking about “I get to” instead of “I have to.” Such an amazing message that our kids could understand and relate to as well.

Ann Marie - Spartanburg, SC

N

W

E

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

S

in their own words...

Our Parents’ Perspectives

What was the greatest value your son gained at camp?

A month electronic-free where he can just be a boy with no judgement, playing in the woods with people from all over the world - you can’t put a price on an experience like this! He is gaining experience in self responsibility, learning how to live in shared spaces, and deal with all types of people.

Carolyn, Atlanta, GA _______________________________________________ Confidence. He is often considered a “quirky” and “nerdy” kid by his peers, but at FCC he was valued for exactly who he was and was given affirmation for the activities in which he naturally excels. He felt seen and known and loved.

Courtney and Stephen, Greensboro, NC _______________________________________________ I think from the smiles on their faces and the stories they are telling, they both loved the freedom of choice and the feeling of independence.

Cheryl and Andrew, Dallas, TX _______________________________________________ Blake doesn’t have a brother, so joining a brotherhood is something that will stick with him throughout his life.

Lauren and Zach, Tampa, FL _______________________________________________ Love, unselfishness, and optimism.

Kara and David, New Orleans, LA _______________________________________________ A “yes I can” attitude. He’s a more mature boy after 3 weeks (he’s been making his bed because “it’s easy” after Falling Creek) Ana Cristina and Billy, Coral Gables, FL _______________________________________________ He stepped up to do the Ironman this year and he did well. He learned how great it feels to have your friends support you and to see your hard work pay off.

Beth and Andy, Spartanburg, SC

I don’t think there has ever been a summer where a camp experience has been more important - I don’t think there is money better spent. I have heard nonstop tales from Mac and Sawyer - tales of friendship, leadership, struggle and frustration, complete happiness, fear and challenge, disappointment and satisfaction, decision making, relationship building, and laughter.

Anne and Will, Atlanta, GA _______________________________________________

Why did you choose Falling Creek for your son?

The facilities, property, consistent leadership staff, quality of counselors, and the values and morals line up with our own.

Andrea and Derek, Longwood, FL _______________________________________________ It’s a Christian camp, all boys, with great programming and opportunities for youth development. I think Falling Creek really captures the heart of a young boy.

Susan and Chuck, Asheville, NC _______________________________________________ When the boys couldn’t come last summer, we felt the deficit all year long. Every year they come back from camp feeling more competent, more confident, and more responsible. It reinforces all of the qualities we love about our boys and helps them grow in ways they can’t do at home, and the environment is so encouraging and FUN they talk about it all year long. We think it is the most important investment we make for our sons.

Holly and Billy, McLean, VA _______________________________________________ We love the emphasis on individual choice for activities, the wide variety of “off camp” adventure trips available, and the overall character-building and inclusive atmosphere.

Courtney and Stephen, Greensboro, NC _______________________________________________ We chose Falling Creek because of its commitment and focus on the growth and development of boys.

We believe it is the best place for Gray to gain the confidence he needs to grow, try new things, branch out and take chances. It’s an opportunity for him to meet young men who are great role models for boys.

Leigh and Oliver, New Bern, NC

E

Over the years we’ve found parents learn and benefit a great deal from hearing insights about camp from other parents — and so do we. That’s why we survey parents periodically, to get the inside scoop.

JUST WHAT THE DR. ORDERED!

A Q&A WITH DR. STEVE FEINGOLD AND DR. CINDI MAY

We know that being outside, being active, and spending time with friends is good for us. However, these are all things that have been somewhat curtailed due to Covid-19. But, luckily, these are the things we do regularly at camp.

Indeed, the health benefits of a summer at camp are more apparent and necessary than ever—but don’t just take our word for it.

We sat down with Dr. Steve Feingold and Dr. Cindi May to hear their opinions on the positive effects of spending the summer outdoors at camp. Dr. Feingold has worked in clinical emergency medicine for 20 years and is one of our camp doctors. His wife, Dr. May, has a doctorate in psychology, and primarily studies cognitive functioning in children. With their combined knowledge of the physical and psychological needs of healthy humans, they were able to give us some fantastic insights into the question: what are the health benefits of the camp experience?

It’s psychologically important to be active outside (not just exercising indoors), where you can be surrounded by the sounds of nature. Being active outdoors is the proactive choice—there’s a benefit to you, your mood and, as a result, to your family.

– Dr. Steve Feingold

Q: Steve, you’ve been one of our camp doctors for years. Why have you prioritized coming here and bringing your whole family for a week each summer for the past decade?

Dr. Steve Feingold - One of the reasons we have continued to come to camp is because the message is so rejuvenating. The three things that I enjoy most about camp are being outdoors, the social and moral messages, and the community.

Dr. Cindi May - For everyone, I think community is probably the biggest draw here. Nothing makes a parent happier than knowing your kids are happy. All the people here are people we admire and respect. Even though I realize our family is a fractional part of Falling Creek, when you feel like you are a part of a community who shares the same values, it’s meaningful.

Q: Why did you decide to send your sons here as campers?

Dr. May - I had never been to camp and was really apprehensive about sending my kids for a variety of reasons. However, I had read that kids who go to camp adjust better when it comes time to go off on their own, to go to college and to move out of their parents’ homes, so we started making a conscious effort to give our kids time away.

As a college professor I have seen the sense of personal independence and confidence waning. There are very high anxiety and depression rates among college students these days, and I think one way to protect against that is to have kids go to camp and learn, “Yeah, I can do this by myself. I can be away

from mom and dad and I will be okay. I can be part of a community.” There’s not enough of that. I think for every kid, having some time away from mom and dad is really important. There is a personal resilience from camp I think that comes from being on your own. What our kids have been able to do on their own is remarkable, and a lot of that has come from that experience of going to camp.

E Dr. Feingold - I had a lot of opportunities to become more independent as a child, both going to camp and in other experiences. So, given the environment that we are in where parents are more protective of their kids, rightfully so, it takes longer and it’s harder for kids to foster independence. You have to find a place for them to go where the mission drives the decisions that are made. That’s one thing that Falling Creek does. There are the four core values in the FCC Code, and those values not only drive the decisions that are made in the administration, but also teach the kids how to make their own decisions based on those core values.

why camp?

Q: What are some ways being at camp has benefitted your family?

Dr. Feingold - The thing that strikes me is the way our family has grown through camp. When we first got here, Cindi and I would look at each other and think, you know we haven’t seen the kids from breakfast to lunch, and there are 890 acres here to roam. But we know they’re safe. And we would kind of check in and we’d be able to have family meals and see what was going on with the kids. We’d see them establish independence and try new things, which is harder to do these days than it used to be.

setting changed. Walking is great, but walking in nature gives you doubly robust benefits.

So, when you’re thinking about kids in the setting of camp who are learning how to set goals, how to focus to attain those goals, and they’re running from activity to activity, all while in a natural setting, this presents a cognitive nirvana. It’s exactly what you would want for your developing child because they’re combining exercise and exposure to nature.

Q: How do you think camp helps campers and staff build lifelong healthy habits?

Dr. Feingold - There’s no way for you to go to camp

Dr. May - Exploration is encouraged here. Kids used to have a lot of alone time and independence, and now that is often replaced with screen time. Another thing we love about camp is the lack of screens.

Q: You see the benefits of camp for the campers and for your own kids, but what about the benefits as members of the staff?

and not be active. Even if you choose more of the sedentary daily activities, you still have to walk around a very hilly campus. When you don’t have the screen time and you’re engaged, those healthy habits of being outdoors, having community, and having physical activity—they’re something that’s really important that you take with you for the rest of your life.

Dr. May - I have a very different perspective. To

being phenomenal parents. Because when you are responsible, not only for the health and wellbeing of kids, but also for helping them develop and progress and enjoy an experience, that’s a lot! I think it’s probably pretty eye-opening for some of them. We’ve enjoyed being here and seeing the counselors evolve over the past 10 to 12 years.

me, I think that one very fundamental human need is the feeling of belonging. Humans tend to repeat or gravitate toward things that we find rewarding. Being a contributing member of a group is what is rewarding here at camp. Think of the all-camp-games and being a member of a cabin. These activities are fundamentally rewarded through a sense of community and belonging.

It’s not like you’re giving out medals for the kids who are the most active, but they’re getting rewarded in a deeply intrinsic way because they’re part of their cabin and part of the larger camp community. All of these things, learning to clean up, be a good citizen, help the next person out—it’s just so deeply embedded that this is how you develop friendship, and this is a place where you have friends.

Q: Why is the outdoor setting of camp and the emphasis on being active so important?

Q: What about the benefits of minimizing screen time?

Dr. May - The silver bullet for cognition is exercise.

Above everything else you can do—playing bridge, solving crossword puzzles, doing online games— cardiovascular exercise staves off cognitive decline.

Specifically, there is a line of research that examines the benefits of being exposed to greenery and nature as opposed to being in an urban setting. When researchers looked at kids and adults who spent 50 minutes walking through an arboretum versus an urban setting, they found that both mood and attention were better during the arboretum walk, even though nothing other than

Dr. May - Genuine research exists that shows the

Dr. Feingold - I still remember my counselors

W

and cabin mates from camp and that was 40 years ago. It’s very important for kids to be able to see themselves in their role models and mentors—and see the progression from camper to Man of STEEL to counselor and, sometimes, to full-time staff member.

Dr. May - I think all the counselors here will end up

addictive qualities of screen time. They build it that way. One of the things parents must know when they send their kids to Falling Creek is that screen time is nonexistent. Back home, kids probably need some support in getting off screens. If parents do that, then the kids will go out and do many of the same things they do at camp. The onus will be in part on parents to say, ‘Why did we send our kids to camp? What did we value about that? And, if we want it to continue, how can we support that at home?’

It’s exactly what you would want for your developing child because they’re combining exercise and exposure to nature.

E

– Dr. Cindi May The Feingold Family Back row: Tom, Steve, Cindi, Sam. Front row: Lily, Maybelle, Sarah.

Q: If you were going to write a “nature prescription,” what would it look like?

Q: Since Covid, have you seen the physical and psychological health benefits of camp grow larger or become more important?

Dr. Feingold - I would prescribe getting outdoors and being active, once a day for at least 15 minutes, or at minimum once a week. It’s psychologically important to be active outside (not just exercising indoors), where you can be surrounded by the sounds of nature. Being active outdoors is the proactive choice—there’s a benefit to you, your mood and, as a result, to your family.

Dr. May - I agree, and psychologically I think it’s interesting to reflect on how you view exercise. Instead of saying exercise is something I’ll do if I get everything else done, view exercise as something you have to do in order to continue doing everything else. Just like if a doctor wrote you a prescription for heart medication or blood pressure, we would never say, ‘I’ll take my medicine if I have time.’ We have to treat this ‘nature prescription’ in the exact same way and with the same authority. In fact, if you follow a nature prescription before you have a real prescription for high cholesterol or blood pressure or many other things, it may help stave off or delay the need for those pharmaceuticals. Medication has a lot of negative side effects, while nature has a lot of positive side effects.

Dr. May - I think the campers have needed a summer at camp more. This year the kids seemed less adept at being in groups and working in teams than they have in years past.

Dr. Feingold - I think what’s happened is that for some people it’s been an incredibly trying year because they’ve been more isolated, and it’s thrown them off in a way that they haven’t known how to adapt to or recover from. We have lost almost two full years of “typical” social interaction and development for kids, which is really important, so I would echo that importance of camp, especially now. As these campers continue to return they’ll ‘catch up,’ but we’ve got to want to make that progress, and we have to prioritize being in an environment where those gains can happen.

Q: Once they’re back home, how do you recommend parents encourage their sons to continue the healthy habits they learned at camp?

Dr. May - Transfer is one of the hardest things for kids to

Q: Do you think campers realize all the underlying benefits of camp?

get. A lot of times parents think that a good parent will do everything for their child, but it’s okay to have these expectations that your child will be pitching in. These jobs will actually make them feel meaningful. At camp, they are expected to be part of a team—they clear the table, keep their cabin and bathroom clean, and have weekly inspections. It’s important for parents to learn about what their sons have done at camp, and then have some of those same expectations at home.

Dr. May - That’s what I love about camp for the kids

Dr. Feingold - Campers will get that ‘kernel’ that sticks

and how they’re trying all these new activities. For the vast majority of us, we’ll never be the best at anything.

It’s important to learn to enjoy something when you are not the best, and that is what camp teaches. Whatever level you’re at, you can enjoy that level. You learn that there are other ways to contribute—whether it’s through good sportsmanship, supporting other people, or mentoring—that aren’t just for your own benefit.

Camp takes a healthy approach. It’s not about making you the best at flag football, it’s about teaching you to become proficient and to have a good time.

with them at camp, but there has to be a reminder or trigger at home to continue encouraging those healthy habits. Being proactive instead of reactive is one of the biggest challenges in emergency medicine. I’ve enjoyed what I do, but it is very reactive and the schedule tends to be very disruptive to a family schedule. It’s easy in life to let the things that seem urgent cloud the things that are really important to us. There are a million things that are incredibly disruptive to a family schedule, so you always can’t do it, but if you’re in a scheduled job you can create at least one family evening a week. You can be proactive and choose the message you want to focus on for that week. You can unload and discuss the past week to see how everyone is doing and where you can all improve. Those things make a huge difference.

We have lost almost two full years of “typical” social interaction and development for kids, which is really important, so I would echo that importance of camp, especially now.

– Dr. Steve Feingold

Dr. Feingold - In some ways that’s a metaphor for the best of camp, because you can fail at something for a long time, have fun doing it, and then ultimately learn through that process.

OFF THE

High Garst as a backpacking counselor in 2017

BEATEN PATH Due to Covid-19, the year 2020 was a year of firsts for most people as we adjusted to the “new normal” of life.

Former Falling Creek camper and staff member High Garst took the meaning of “new normal” to new heights in 2020, when he and a friend hiked all 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail over a six-month period.

Mountains of Memories

For context, the Appalachian Trail crosses 14 states from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine, and only about one in four hikers who attempt a “thru-hike” finish the whole journey.

W

“The Appalachian Trail (AT) had always been an interest for me, but the moment I knew it was something I actually wanted to do was when I did a five-day backpacking trip when I was a counselor [at Falling Creek] in 2017,” said High, who was also a Falling Creek camper from 2006-09. “It was along the AT near Roan Mountain with the advanced guys in Main Camp, so we were able to push the mileage. I felt at that moment very connected with the longevity of the trail, and realized the enormity of the task of hiking the AT. After I came back from that trip, I knew it was something I wanted to do.”

In a year when all public spaces were closed to stop the spread of Covid, it seemed like a perfect time to retreat to the woods for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. “I started casually looking at it, and the stars really kind of aligned because of Covid,” High said. “I was planning on doing the trail before Covid and had started purchasing and planning, but when Covid happened, everything started to make more sense. We were able to be isolated, interact only with hikers, take whatever precautions needed to be taken, respect the hostels and the trail angels, and still make it work, so it worked out perfectly.”

On the Trail High and his friend from school, Mae, started their journey in mid-June of 2020. “We did a unique version of the hike, called flip-flopping, which is when you start hiking in the middle and go one direction, and then you go back to the middle and finish in the other direction,” High explained. “It wasn’t the traditional way of doing it, but with Covid and trying to avoid the crowds, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) asked people not to start in Maine. Bachelor State Park with Mt. Katahdin in Maine was also closed until July 1, 2020.

“We wanted to get started a little early so we went to the Pennsylvania/Maryland border. We started going north to get that out of the way before it started to get cold,” High said. On September 4, 2020, they summited Mt. Katahdin and headed back to the Maryland line to finish the second half. On November 11, 2020, Highway—the trail name given to High during his journey—summited Springer Mountain in Georgia, completing the epic journey.

Near the top of his list of fond memories from the trip was the sense of community High and Mae felt. “Both the hiking community who were actually doing the through-hike, and the community around the trail— they were folks you could call if you saw their number at the trailhead for a ride into town, and people who would give out slices of pizza or doughnuts to hikers as they passed. I loved those connections we made with these people who connect with thousands of hikers a year.”

As for High’s favorite section of the trail, New Hampshire took the cake. “The White Mountains are just gorgeous, like nothing I’ve ever seen. I know mountains being from Asheville, but it was a totally different ballgame,” High recalled. Though this section of the trail is infamous for its difficult and strenuous terrain, the White Mountains also hold incredible beauty. High was grateful for the assistance of a ‘trail angel’ who went by the trail name, ‘IceMan,’ and provided dinner and snacks for the hikers.

“A lot of these trail angels, most who are retired, do this every year and they travel to help,” High explained.

“IceMan was one of these trail angels. They follow ‘the bubble,’ which is the largest group of through-hikers every year. He was there serving like 20 to 30 hikers a night, and he and his wife travel to do that every night.”

When asked if he would ever consider becoming a trail angel himself, High said he would absolutely return to give back in the same way. “I would totally hang out at the AT trailhead near Harrisburg with a cooler and snacks, just because it’s fun to interact,” he said.

Mile-High Challenges Though there were plenty of great moments along the journey, it wouldn’t have been an adventure without some adversity and difficulty. “The hardest part was keeping entertained and keeping committed to my goal,” said High. “There are the highest highs that happen when you’re on top of a mountain, or hanging out with a group of friends around the fire, or even on rainy days when you get to a shelter and get all dry and warm and everything’s great. But for all those moments there are also the moments when you’re just walking in the woods alone and just thinking ‘what am I doing here?’ Those moments where you have to find ways to keep yourself entertained, or remember why you’re doing it and stay committed to the goal that you set for yourself—those are always the hardest moments.”

Through-hiking the Appalachian Trail is a big challenge no matter what, but what about hiking during a pandemic? Though Covid-19 brought unique complications, it also created a few silver linings. “Covid made the ‘fear-of-missing-out’ easier, because everyone

was stuck inside while we were adventuring in the woods,” High explained. Social distancing also made the transition back to life “post-trail” a little easier.

“In one way, coming back and being able to ease into the social aspect of being off-trail was easier, because there wasn’t as much demand to re-immerse yourself in this large social culture while everyone was social distancing,” High said. “But going from being very free to being very secluded and kind of locked down at times, that was tough. I’m lucky because I’m going into work, so I get to go and interact with people at work, but it’s definitely been different. It was just a new challenge with new expectations to set.”

Benefits and Lessons “When I was a camper I backpacked a lot and loved the cabin overnight, then I started backpacking with my dad when I came home. Years down the road I joined the outdoor programs at Gettysburg and came back to Falling Creek as a counselor,” High said. “Because of my time as a counselor, the confidence of being competent in an environment where you’re taking care of others in the outdoors took away that fear of the outdoors that I think a lot of people have on the Appalachian Trail. I knew that I could take care of 10 or 12 boys on a fiveday backpacking trip, and so I definitely knew that I could take care of myself any day on the AT.”

hard it’s going to be, physically,” says High. “Depending on how much hiking you want to start doing in the beginning, physical prep is going to be a big thing. I was already a big runner, so I just started doing more strength-based exercises to make sure I was ready.”

Gear was the other key factor. High recommends doing research to find out what kind of gear to prioritize. You can get durable and practical gear at a good price, or compare ultralight gear that weighs far less, but costs far more. You’ll also want to figure out what is comfortable for you, and what fits well. Shoes are an especially crucial piece of gear, and most hikers go through at least three pairs during their thru-hike.

“Regardless of your level of experience, the shape you’re in, or what you’re able to buy, anyone is able to do this because it’s purely a mindset,” High said. “You can make this work regardless of what you bring to the table, and you’re only going to get stronger, smarter, and better the longer you’re out there. You won’t be able to fully figure it out until you go. A lot of people have spreadsheets and try to plan everything out to the half-ounce before they set out, but everyone gets beaten up by the trail for the first couple weeks. Then, they find their groove and make it work. If everyone goes in with a reason or a ‘why,’ then they’ll make it to the end.”

E

Do You Have What It Takes? In a Word: Yes Though hiking is a solitary endeavor, High noticed that those who were willing to give to the hiking community have a better experience. “The most rewarding part is the connections. The feeling of accomplishment is so huge. In the last week I was ready to get off, but then we finished at Springer Mountain in Georgia, and at the top it felt like a massive weight off my shoulders. It was such a feeling of accomplishment.”

Preparing for a physical and mental challenge as daunting as the Appalachian Trail takes a lot of planning.

If you’ve been thinking about taking on the challenge of through-hiking yourself, High offered some advice: Don’t neglect the physical training as you prepare to take on the grueling task of hiking long miles every day for months on end. “Many people underestimate how

19

It Only A TAKES

SPARK

!

Have you ever been part of a program or group making positive change, but wishing there were more funds to make the impact even greater? We’re

striving to spread the Falling Creek “spirit of unselfishness” by supporting programs that make positive changes in communities around the world with the help of motivated Falling Creek staff members.

Right: Photo taken

by Honey Davis McNaughton during her time at El Buho with her now husband Caleb, capturing a smiling local girl making her way up the rock face with Climbers for Christ.

“It Only Takes A Spark” is a grant program that works in conjunction with the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, to award grants to Falling Creek staff members who demonstrate a Servant’s Heart. The grants provide our staff members with resources and support to positively impact others beyond the summer months. Former FCC staffers have already used the grant for a variety of initiatives around the globe: • to provide much-needed school supplies to children in rural South Carolina • to start ministries to help fathers and sons develop strong relationships based on Christian principles • to help underprivileged families in Honduras receive basic healthcare • to construct homes for those in need • to support The American Adventure Service Corps

Left: Tanner Morris volunteers with the Association for Creativity & Development (ACD) of Guatemala.

In 2020 and 2021, two more programs received funding from “It Only Takes A Spark,” thanks to the FCC staff members who applied for the grant. Tanner Morris has been working with ACD Guatemala since 2019, and the funds have allowed him to renovate the school soccer fields for local children. Matthew Kornegay recently began working at “El Buho” in Mexico with Climbers for Christ, and these funds have allowed him to serve at the climbing ministry cafe in El Potrero Chico in Northern Mexico.

The Association for Creativity and Development (ACD) of Guatemala is a not-for-profit organization in the city of Quetzaltenango. They support the

“I would like to introduce an after-school recreation program for the children in the community, which would teach children things not often taught in school such as money management, self-defense, and English. Plus things often taught at Falling Creek like fire building, growing their own produce, and how to be closer to God.” —Tanner Morris

W Below: Matthew, on the far left, working at El Buho in El Potrero Chico, Mexico during a mealtime.

community by offering after-school programs, education, medical care, food, Covid-19 relief, and community projects. Tanner has been passionate about this organization ever since interning there during college, and is now looking into options for staying longer than his one-year tenure as a volunteer. ”My role with ACD Guatemala is to help with programming and creating a soccer tournament for the children to have a healthy outlet, and also teach them the joys of sports while teaching them valuable life lessons needed to succeed in their future,” Tanner said, “The grant not only put a spark in the soccer field but it has been putting a spark in the community.”

Tanner is looking toward the future with ACD Guatemala, and has many plans he’d like to start within the community, beyond the new soccer field. “I would like to introduce an after-school recreation program for the children in the community, which would teach children things not often taught in school, such as money management, self-defense, and English. Plus things often taught at Falling Creek like fire-building, growing their own produce, and how to be closer to God,” Tanner said. “One thing that makes ACD unique is the fact that you can do a whole day’s work and barely break a sweat because of the weather. Anything you do for the organization and the community will result in immediate positive change. For example, ACD offers the construction of eco-friendly stoves and ecofiltros.

When you install these, the difference they make in that

family’s life is immediate. It also gives you the amazing opportunity of seeing another culture, getting to learn about the local people, and hearing their stories.”

Matthew’s initiative with Climbers for Christ was the most recent recipient of the “It Only Takes A Spark” grant in 2021, which will help him serve in “El Buho,” a coffee shop and ministry in El Potrero Chico in Northern Mexico. Matthew heard about this opportunity from fellow Falling Creek staff members, the Davis Family and Caleb McNaughton, who volunteered here in 2020. Caleb served at El Buho for a full 7-month climbing season, and was proud of the way they were able to support the local school and climbers. “The most rewarding part of my time in Mexico was the relationships that were built with all kinds of climbers, and having the ability to teach and help them with climbing desires, life challenges, and more,” Caleb said. “One of the things I loved most about those

relationships was the intentional conversations about faith in Christ and seeing and hearing where people stand in their faith—and encouraging them.”

Matthew will be beginning his time at El Buho with the Climbers for Christ for the first time this winter and is already looking forward to the experience. “The work of the Buho is no different than what every Christian should be doing: doing work with excellence, meeting people where they are, showing them God’s love, and speaking truth into their lives. But the place the Buho has carved out in Potrero Chico’s community gives us a unique chance to bridge different worlds and reach a new segment of people.”

The grant will help continue the meaningful work that El Buho has been doing for years. “The Buho team are all self-supported missionaries, meaning that we don’t get paid for our time down there and rely on individual

donors for our living expenses and the costs of the ministry work we do. The ‘It Only Takes A Spark’ grant will help me move beyond mere subsistence and give me the flexibility to be generous and hospitable toward the people we serve, both climbers and the local Mexican population,” Matthew says. He’ll be working at El Buho until April 2022, and will then return to Falling Creek for his 10th summer.

If you’d like to learn more about the great work ACD Guatemala is doing, along with Tanner’s help, you can visit acdguatemala.org. For more information about Climbers for Christ, the organization behind El Buho and Matthew’s mission, you can visit climbersforchrist. org. Current and former Falling Creek staff members are encouraged to contact camp (frank@fallingcreek.com) to learn more about submitting their own “It Only Takes A Spark” grant proposal.

Left: Youth in the ACD Guatemala afterschool program pose with their handmade “Gracias Falling Creek!” sign

E

To give to ‘It Only Takes A Spark’ online, please use this link: www.fallingcreek.com/ about-us/giving

23

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 fallingcreek.com/staff to learn more and apply for the summer of their lives.

THINK.

DREAM.

JOB.

There were four years between my last year as a camper and my first year as a CIT. I couldn’t believe that I was back in this place, but older and now exploring my new role in the community as CIT. As much fun as being a camper was, nothing compared to what it was like being a counselor to my boys.

If you are wondering what to do for the summer, please consider being a counselor at FCC: a place to grow personally and have the awesome experience of being a positive role model to youth. This place has had one of the most positive impacts on my life.

-Vince Green, Counselor (1987-97), Morrisville, NC

- Reed Mattison, Camper (2009 - ‘10, ‘12, ‘15) & Counselor (2017-18), Bowling Green, KY

REAL. LIFE. SKILLS.

My experiences at Falling Creek significantly enhanced my reliance on faith, brotherhood, training/ preparation, leadership, and field craft, which are all so vital to succeeding as a Commissioned Officer and a leader of Marines.

- Lieutenant Colonel Beau Bethea, Camper & CIT (1984-1989), Wilmington, NC

As a former FCC counselor, I can attest to the profoundly positive impact that that role played in my life. Not only do you develop life-long relationships with staff and campers, but you learn ever-important soft skills through managing teams and navigating tough situations. It provides the perfect foundation from which any career can be built.

- Jonathan Grayson, Counselor (2009, 2011), Carlsbad, CA

Guardian Society

WAYS TO GIVE

1.

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

2.

ANNUAL DONATION

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.

(White Level) $19.69 given annually (Green Level) $196.90 given annually (Gold Level) $1,969 given annually

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

BEH LD BEH LD BEH LD Spirit of Falling Creek Society

Spirit of Falling Creek Society

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

Mail a check to Falling Creek Camp (PO Box 98, 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: June 2020 - September 2021

Spirit of Falling Creek Society

FALLING CREEK CAMPERSHIP 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.

WHITE BEHOLD PLEDGE:

$19.69

GIVEN ANNUALLY

GREEN BEHOLD PLEDGE:

$196.90

GIVEN ANNUALLY

GOLD BEHOLD PLEDGE:

$1,969

Kyle Jeffries Andrew and Stephanie Maddox Patrick Mulloy Frank Tindall Harry Titus Bryan Fox Mike Gregorio Michael Nuckles Ann Michele Sweeney Charles Hill Morris Yates and Marisa Pharr

GIVEN ANNUALLY

Friends of Falling Creek Guardian Society Level

UP TO $999

Megan Cooney, in memory of Myers Fulk Steve Duhamel Beth and Jim Ehrich Katie Ensign, in memory of Myers Fulk Peter Field Harrison Finney Maggie Hilderbran Lisa Kaiser, in memory of Myers Fulk Anne Kuban, in memory of Myers Fulk David Martin, in memory of Ivo Vianna Dave and Whitney Schwartz Tracy Stabler, in memory of Myers Fulk Tyler Vaughey Dorothy Young

S!ething " GIVING THE GIFT OF CAMP CAN BE

BEHOLD

DONOR LEVEL

AMOUNT

CONTRIBUTORS

Our Appreciation to these Donors: June 2020 - September 2021

Green and Gold

$1000+

Guardian Society Level

Keeper of the Flame

$5,000+

Guardian Society Level

Guardian of the Flame

$10,000+

The Burton Family Foundation Haynes Chidsey, in memory of Rusty Copeland Illahee Friends, in memory of Myers Fulk (Melanie Adams, Suzanne Stockton Burke, Mary Ward Christian, Carole Hicks Hilderbran, Kendall Taylor Huguley, Catherine Tindall Kendall, Cathay Ward Mcnamara, Leigh Mullikin Nason, Michel Nicrosi, Karen Nixon, Julia Tindall Pinkston, Foofie Axelrod Shaefer, Katharine Nicrosi Schull, Andre Berot Spring, Escee White Sprinkle, Jennifer David Whitehead)

Jacqueline Arthur The Allen Powderly Fund

Cindy and David Brown

Guardian Society Level

Henderson County Community Foundation/ Camplify Donors:

Mrs. Clara Wood in memory of Hal Rather Nathalie L. Klaus Charitable Lead Unitrust Joel and Ashley Turner National Christian Foundation Alabama Dusty and Mary Lou Davis

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

“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.”

—Charles Hill Morris, Gold Spirit of Falling Creek Society Member

CABIN LINES:

ROOTED IN THE

CODE In May of 2021, we announced an evolution of our cabin groups, and introduced our new Lines: Sorrel, Tsuga, Robinia, Betula, and Samara!

When Falling Creek first started in 1969, cabins were divided into age-based groups: Junior Line, Middler Line, and Senior Line. Beginning in 1990 we began calling them Tribes. Our return to the Line system came with an expanded, enhanced description of their attributes - now each Line corresponds with a part of our existing Falling Creek Code!

During each session, campers are grouped into one of four Lines, from youngest to oldest: Sorrel, Tsuga, Robinia, and Betula. Samara is the Line for our staff who don’t live in camper cabins. While in their Lines, campers follow a unique path where they will embrace specific Values from the Falling Creek Camp Code (Positive Attitude, Servant’s Heart, Moral Compass, and Warrior Spirit). These Lines combine to make up the complete Falling Creek Camp experience, as campers progress on their journey from boys to young men.

Our leadership staff for each Line will be known once again as Line Heads, as they were at the beginning of our history. Falling Creek has always been a place of belonging and brotherhood. We know that these cabin groups will continue to uphold the values of the Falling Creek Code, and we are excited that the new Line names and descriptions will help to better highlight those attributes throughout a camper’s or counselor’s Falling Creek journey. Behold!

Sorrel Line Sorrels traverse their journey with contagious joy and a fun, carefree attitude. As our youngest group of campers, they haven’t covered much ground yet, so they find awe in their surroundings and are naturally curious, growing rapidly with each new experience. Sorrels celebrate their uniqueness and rejoice in the sweetness of life every step of the way.

This Line embraces the Positive Attitude value of the FCC Code.

Sorrels will look to spread happiness to all.

SORREL MEANING – This Line is named after the nickname for the Sourwood tree (Oxydendrum arboreum), which is known for its sweet honey. Just as the Sourwood is the only member of its genus (Oxydendrum), members of this Line celebrate what makes them unique.

Tsuga Line

Robinia Line

Betula Line

Samara Line

Tsugas are always ready to help as they continue their growth in the Falling Creek Camp Code. They are kind, friendly, and unselfish, prioritizing loyalty and friendship.

While they still have much of their journey ahead of them, they are considerate of others and eager to share the knowledge they have learned so far with their fellow campers.

Robinias grow strong in their environments and are becoming hardy and adaptive from the skills they have learned. They use their actions for good and are virtuous, honest, and diligent. They believe in themselves, give thoughtful advice and make good choices. While in this Line, campers learn the importance of finding strength in their weaknesses and owning their decisions.

Betulas are the most seasoned of the camper Lines and as such are noble, confident, and persevering.

They are pioneers who create new beginnings for those who come behind them, while leading by example and sharing their considerable knowledge with others. They are adventurous and courageous, constantly expanding their horizons.

For staff who don’t live in a cabin with campers.

Samaras are nurturing, mature, resourceful, and wise. Through their extensive experience, Samaras have learned that patience and hard work reap lasting rewards.

The Samara Line is full of role models and leaders who share their wisdom and nurture our camp community.

This Line embraces the Servant’s Heart value of the FCC Code.

Tsugas are always ready to lend a hand to others.

This Line embraces the Moral Compass value of the FCC Code.

Robinias prioritize honor, virtue and integrity.

This Line embraces the Warrior Spirit value of the FCC Code.

Betulas are passionate and bold and welcome new challenges.

This Line has mastered the values of the Falling Creek Camp Code. Samaras embrace them and pass them on to the campers they help guide.

TSUGA MEANING – This Line is named for the Carolina Hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana), which helps increase the quality of its surrounding streams and water table.

Just as the Carolina Hemlock shares nutrients and water through its roots with other trees, members of this Line never hesitate to help out.

ROBINIA MEANING – This Line is named after the thorny Black Locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia), which is sturdy, upright and seeks the light.

Members of this Line are reliable, diligent and dependable.

BETULA MEANING – This Line is named after the Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis), a pioneer species that paves the way in the forest for others to grow. The tree’s wood can be used to start a fire or be made into a canoe, just as members of this line have a spark that spreads to others and are adventurous by nature.

SAMARA MEANING – This Line is named after the Red Maple (Acer rubrum). Samaras are the Red Maple’s winged fruit, which carry the tree’s seeds on the wind to find new areas to take root. Members of this Line support campers and help them grow in ways they wouldn’t be able to on their own.

fantheflame “I keep coming back to Falling Creek because I see value in Falling Creek’s purpose. Every summer, I see boys that are pushed beyond what they thought they could do and get to see them grow as a result. They come and have a tremendous amount of fun, then leave ready to face the next year with newly gained skills and confidence while using the Falling Creek Code as their guide.”

-Tyler C., 4 year counselor / Rincon, GA

Church After the big cabin inspection on Sunday morning, boys put on their white collared shirts for our Church service. Staff and campers organize and conduct the service.

A theme is chosen that follows the Falling Creek Code. There’s something about the sounds of the birds, the breezes, and the location overlooking the lower lake that accentuates the beauty of the church service at camp. We think this is one of the most beautiful settings to enjoy God’s creation as a community of friends.

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

Morning Watch Every morning after waking up and getting ready for the day, we gather by the Upper Lake at Morning Watch. We sit on benches by cabin, and everyone is silent to enjoy the sounds of nature. A counselor or camper will then share a thought or message with the whole community. It’s a peaceful and reflective way to begin each day.

We believe... boys need a place where they can unplug from technology for literally hundreds of hours - and just “be boys.” Nestled in a peaceful mountaintop cove, Falling Creek provides a unique opportunity for physical, spiritual, and social growth.

N

E

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

S

Behold: 890 Acres of Playground Falling Creek’s original 125 acres have expanded to 890 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 Backpacking

Disc Golf

Trail Angel - Bennett Cooper Big Boots - Felix Deschenes Big Boots to Fill - Simon Hunt Wally Wallace Colors of Our Wish Zandy Rollins Yama, Spirit of the Mountain William Zelnak

Dragon (Warrior Spirit) Award Jack Bond Hydra (Positive Attitude) Award Patrick McDevitt Dragon (Warrior Spirit) Award Wells Dixon Hydra (Positive Attitude) Award Jacob Bailey

Basketball MVP Award - Jake Rhine The Bulldog Award - Thomas Johnson Rising Star Award - Bo O’Connor CP3 Award - John Greeley Steve Kerr Award - Walker Erich Kawhi Leonard Award - Zach Plyler

W

Blacksmithing Spirit of the Forge - Brandon Voss Forge or Die - Hunter Havens Swish King - Carson Streacker Spirit of the Forge - Colin Morrell Forge or Die - Jude Spisso Swish King - Jay Holly

Awards-All Sessions

Climbing Wall

Fletcher Award - Urijah Miller Robinhood Award Hamilton Norman The Lone Ranger Award Henry Bryan

Daredevil Award - Yancey Stribling Rising Warrior - Henry Graham Blackfoot Award - Berkley Willis The Progression Master Award Will Cameron The Clingy Climber - Bo Vaughan Magic Duelist Award - Hal Shuford

Arts and Crafts

Cross Country

Archery

Eyes on the Prize - Hunter Key Consistency is Key - Walt Faires Artsy Fartsy - Gibs Fishback Artist’s Eye - Freddy Somers Ray of Sunshine - Anuar Barranon Above & Beyond - TJ Afonso

Willpower Award - Berkley Willis Steam Engine Award - Lee Andrews Usain Bolt Award - Henry Gatto Phoenix Award - Dasher Evans

F.A.R.M. The Liet Kynes Planetologist Award - John Henry Mims The Pomona Sprout Herbology Award - Charlie Rini The Tom Bombadil Old Forest Award - Langdon Dyksterhouse The Liet Kynes Planetologist Award - Devin Muench The Charlie Weasley Dragon Studies Award - Yates Bass The Radagast the Brown Award Ryan Murray

Fishing Fisherman’s Creed - Lee Andrews Patient Perch - Will Marsiglia Gon’ Fishin’ - George Corbin Master Angler - Tucker Piper Fish on Hook - Anders Hedenborg Cast it Forward - Brandon Doerrler

Flag Football Tom Brady Award - Hunter Davis Most Improved Award - Levi Roberson Darren Sproules Award Erskine Bowles Drew Brees Award - George Blessey Peyton Manning Award John Greeley

Outdoor Skills Certified

Riflery

Firebender - Fin Brackett Bob the Builder - Will Marsiglia Knottiest Camper - Berkley Willis Bear Grylls - Blake Rowland Firebender - Patton Vargas Knottiest Camper Tanner Vaughey

Sharp Shooter - Rusty Kelley Sharp Shooter - Mike May Eagle Eye - Nathaniel Rubin Top Shot - Miller Vargas

Paddling Fly Fishing

Lacrosse

Fish of the Session - Mac Spear Most Improved - Henderson Rentz Fish Magnet - Tom Combs Best Fisherman - Jack Anders River Runner - Nikolai Snizaski

The HEAT

Paul Rabil Award - Buddy Geary Most Improved Player Henry Jackson Coaches Award - Will Bennett Hardest Worker - Marshall Ebel Most Improved Player Banks Cutter

The Sweat - Blaize Schuhmacher All Day Every Day - William Martin

Mountain Biking

Horseback Dynamic Duo Alex and Walt Faires Green to Gold - David Dabney Joker Award - Grayton Kennington & Miles Stilwell Razz Award - Walker Liggitt and Jacob Bailey Half-Moon Bit Award - Mike Green Stressy Dragon Boy Award Julian Pollard

Honkin’ Calves Award Patrick Combs I Think Therefore I Ride Riley Sampson Barge Award - Ben Kampine All the Leaves Are Brown Award Roy Richards Ride the Righteous Path AwardWhit Uden

Most Improved Paddler Aiken Bond Dynamic Duo - Corbett Parino and Henry Houghton Most Improved Paddler Sam Wyland Yates Yak Award - Luke Baugher

Photography Peter Parker - Walker Liggitt Lenscrafter - James Singhal

Pottery Pottery Machine Cookie - Gates Dixon Spin Master - Walker Liggitt Save the Baby Birds Award Symmes Cocke

Rock Climbing Full Send - Berkley Willis Most Stoked - Bennett Cooper Tommy Caldwell Climbing Award Colin Caughran Alex Megos Award - Jackson Skelly Stick Stickter Award - Coley Hucks The Best Friend - Henry Gatto

Sailing Knot Too Bad Award Thomas Johnson Sportsmanship Award - Jack McCoy Knot Too Bad Award Nathaniel Rubin Flying Dutchman Award - All Star Crew of Jack Stamoulis , Rodgers McCullough, Mac Barnette, Clayton Kunz, Douglas Johnson

Soccer - Indoor Golden Boot - Jack Lambertson Most Improved - Jack West Ballon d’Or - Logan Leddy

guts&glory Soccer - Outdoor Big Boot Award - Brenton Barrett Golden Gloves Award Frank Anderson Juggling Juggernaut - Hudson Pratt Lil Messi - Connor Zone Golden Gloves - Charlie Guy Super League Tristan Von Uklanski

Swimming Lonewolf Award - Brady Surovek Michael Phelps Jr. Award Rylan Chaput Loch Ness Lake Lapper Benjamin Podurgiel Sea Lion Award - Jay Holly

Tennis Andy Murray Warrior Spirit Award Foster Fogelman Ferocious Forehand Award Mac Spear Bottom Up Mentality - Wade Polk Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Zach Plyler

Ultimate Frisbee Turf Field Terror - Rylan Chaput Bumblebee - Alexander Ostrom Optimus Prime - Mason Hunt Megatron - Sam Stevens

Woodworking Da Vinci Award - Mac Spear Ron Swanson Award Nolan Caughran Speedy Gonzalez Award Coley Surovek Sidekick Award - Quentin Balestri Ron Swanson Award Lawton Broughman

Cleanest Cabin AwardsJune Camp SORREL Cabin 12 JP Van Buren, Will Weaver, Benjamin Brady, Christian Eddings, William Flournoy, William Gerth, Henry Kennington, Harrison Lane, Guy Tate, Collier Wright TSUGA Cabin 17 Max Feild, Cal Shelton, Beckett Beatty, Austin Davis, Connor Doherty, Wills Goldner, Jimmy Hunt, Neely Knox, Oliver Pegues, Bain Thorstad BETULA Cabin 40 William Walters, Henry Bryan, Gabe Cullens, Jonathan Dunham, Gus Faris, Thomas Johnson, Lex McDonald, Sam Neff, Mac Spear SAMARA Ocoee Honey Davis, Beck Lown, Sunny Ray

Cleanest Cabin AwardsMain Camp SORREL Cabin 4 Trè Dozier, Thomas Blount, Caleb Bowen, CR Donohue, Walker Edison,Walker Ehrich, Richard Rider, Pryor Roberts, Gage Weber

TSUGA Cabin 17 Max Feild, Cal Shelton, Tate Barganier, Miles Fuller, George Mattison, John McElroy, William Miller, Gabe Ruffer, Patton Vargas, Milo Zyblewski BETULA Cabin 40 William Walters, William Ashcroft, Finn Blum, Coop Cowden, Pete Curtis, Miller Kunz, Walter Miller, James Singhal, John Stanfill SAMARA Hideaway Laura Hartman, Cynthia Liu

Cleanest Cabin Awards2-Week Camp SORREL Cabin 4 Tre Dozier, Spencer Brown, James Camp, Teddy McDade, Thomas Hudson, George Kelly, Johnny Lechleiter, Hutson Parker, Fielding Welden, Guy Wengler TSUGA Cabin 20 Matt Thomas, Wesley Bradshaw, Jack Gilson, James Harris, Nathan Levinson, Luke Malhotra, William Nikodem, Michael Shea, Teddy Young BETULA Cabin 32 Tom Yoxsimer, Nolan Fore, Connor Hoyt, Grant Kumar, Parker Moss, Benjamin Neff, Davis Perry, Noah Sawyers, Oden Springmeyer

SAMARA Ocoee & Hideaway tied Laura Hartman, Isabel Paris, Honey Davis, Beck Lown, Sunny Ray

Cleanest Cabin AwardsJunior Camp SORREL Cabins 2 & 9 tied Cabin 2 Benjamin Arnold, Harrison Little, Grant Chandler, Scout Garner, Zeke Grannan, Weston Green, Parker McCarley, Freddy Smith, Jack Schottmiller, Thomas Thilman Cabin 9 Scuba Keiser, Matt Thomas, Briggs Boardman, William Bundy, Mac Deeb, Charlie Everett, Jack Jones, Hunter Louis, George Paradis, Max Rozek

TSUGA Cabin 17 Zach Scheidly, Cal Shelton, Wallace Carlson, Zane Clem, Henry Dollens, Porter Hujik, Taylor Odom, Richard Punches, Liam Rogers, Winston Sherman BETULA Cabin 32 Tom Yoxsimer, Graham Bowers, Pierce Chandler, Lucas DeLozier, Hendrick Grannan, Tilden Haislip, Liam O’Brien, Sam Smith, Oli Zubko, SAMARA Ocoee Beck Lown, Sunny Ray

guts&glory ProgressionsAll Sessions Archery: RANGERS Lee Adamson Henry Bryan

F.A.R.M. WARRIORS Devin Muench John Henry Mims Jack Gansman Edward Stinehour

Fishing Basketball RANGERS John Greeley WARRIORS Jake Keller Jake Rhine

RANGERS Edward Stivers WARRIORS Tucker Piper Anders Hedenborg

Flag Football: Blacksmithing RANGERS William McCollum William Zelnak Lawton Jordan WARRIORS Henry O’Hagan

RANGERS Henry Gardner Burnam DuBose Palmer McCollum Blaize Schuhmacher Mac Barnette Hyatt Hicks

The HEAT Climbing Wall RANGERS Berkley Willis

WARRIORS Dasher Evans

Horseback WARRIORS Bo Vaughan Yancey Stribling

Cross Country WARRIORS Henry Gatto Dasher Evans

Disc Golf WARRIORS Will Cameron

RANGERS Julian Pollard Ransom Albertson Sam Evans Marshall Liggitt WARRIORS Walker Liggitt Mike Green Edison Pellumbi Jacob Bailey Samuel Jaramillo

Lacrosse

Mountain Biking

RANGERS Andrew Barron Carleton Riser Graham Spears Henry Jones Julian Balestri Mac Riser Marshall Ebel Thomas Barret Thompson White Corbett Parrino Blaize Schuhmacher Jackson Weber William Spencer Buddy Geary Henry Neff Rhett Whitworth Wells Headly

RANGERS Max Albright Jack Wyland Patrick Combs Stewart Favero Graham Dickerson

WARRIORS Will Bennett Banks Cutter

WARRIORS Roy Richards Ben Kampine

Paddling RANGERS Bobby Briggs Davis Minnehan Patrick Minnehan Graham Spears Henry Donohue Julian Balestri Sam Wyland Beau Hurst Grey Edens Walker Edens WARRIORS Rhodes Feild

Pottery

Swimming

Activity Leaders

RANGERS Clayton Kunz Gates Dixon Edison Pellumbi

RANGERS Jay Holly

ARCHERY: Zach Sheidly, Phillip Zaki ARTS & CRAFTS/POTTERY: Sunny Ray, David Echeverria BACKPACKING: Matthew Kornegay, Andrew Krusen BASKETBALL: Cal Shelton, Tre Dozier BLACKSMITHING: David Echeverria CLIMBING WALL: Tom Feingold, JP Van Buren CROSS COUNTRY: JP Van Buren DISC GOLF: Will Niemeyer, Benjamin Arnold FARM: Zeb Ramsbotham FISHING: Brandon Owens FLY FISHING: Matt Thomas FLAG FOOTBALL: Tre Dozier HORSEBACK: Mary Pharr IT: Tom Yoxsimer LACROSSE: Patrick Greenwood MOUNTAIN BIKING: Cricket Davis, Josh Gilpin NATURE: Carson Skidmore OUTDOOR SKILLS CERTIFIED: Clint Morgan PADDLING: Tristan Hall, Dusty Davis PHOTOGRAPHY: Cynthia Liu RIFLERY: Benjamin Arnold, Mitch Budihas ROCK CLIMBING: Caleb McNaughton, Honey Davis SAILING: Dave Thomas SCRIBE: Annie Ramsbotham SOCCER (OUTDOOR): Andy Killebrew SWIMMING: Dan Waterland TENNIS: CJ Sumner, Will Weaver THE HEAT: Matt Thomas THEATER: Coley Brown ULTIMATE FRISBEE: Tom Yoxsimer WOODSHOP: Phillip Zaki

WARRIORS Benjamin Podurgiel

WARRIORS Walker Liggitt

Tennis

Riflery

RANGERS Foster Fogelman

RANGERS Jack Clinton Rusty Kelley Mike May

WARRIORS Zach Plyler Tal Turner

WARRIORS Nathaniel Rubin

Ultimate Frisbee RANGERS Doug Johnson

Rock Climbing RANGERS Easton Selbee Coop Cowden WARRIORS Coley Hucks Griffin Eubanks

Woodworking RANGERS Lawton Broughman Lawton Jordan Jack Lawton WARRIORS Quentin Balestri

Sailing RANGERS Nathaniel Rubin

Staff Honors

Soccer (Indoor)

Green & Gold Award

RANGERS Grant Loeffler

Paige Hafner

5th Year Staff WARRIORS Carson Streaker Tom Combs Gus Farris

Susan Bowers, Tom Feingold, Thomas Hudson, Paul Nowicki, Will Philpott, Mark Van Kirk, William “Wally” Wallace, Dan Waterland, Phillip Zaki

Soccer (Outdoor) RANGERS Jude Spisso Hudson Pratt

10th Year Staff

WARRIORS Charlie Guy Gus Faris Jake Rhine Palmer McCollum

20th Year Staff

T Buckley, Max Feild, Paige Hafner, Erin Hiller, Harrison Little

Chuck Niemeyer

30th Year Staff Simon Wilson

Adventure Trip Leaders CLIMBING: Honey Davis Caleb McNaughton Croft Hamilton BACKPACKING: Matthew Kornegay Andrew Krusen MOUNTAIN BIKING: Cricket Davis PADDLING: Tristan Hall Dusty Davis John Allen

2021 Journeymen: Pete Curtis (Cabin 40), Mentor: Zach Rivera Raines Knight (Cabin 36), Mentor: Tristan Hall Walter Miller (Cabin 40), Mentor: Matthew Kornegay William Zelnak (Cabin 34), Mentor: Andrew Krusen

2021 2021

Newest Keepers of the Flame Will Cameron and John Stanfill 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 future Sunday night campfires; and completing an orienteering challenge.

Congratulations to Will and John!

keeperoftheflame

Will Cameron (Cabin 37), Mentor: Mitch Budihas John Stanfill (Cabin 40), Mentor: Scuba Keiser

2021

greenandgoldaward Paige Hafner Communications Director (2011 - present)

Prior recipients of the Green & Gold Award celebrate with Paige.

Left to Right: Paige Hafner, Simon Wilson, Ben Wilson, Nathan Newquist, Kyle Jeffries, Jules Jefferies, and Mathew Kornegay.

This past August, Paige Hafner was awarded the prestigious Green & Gold Award. This 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.

Paige, who completed her 10th year as our Communications Director in 2021, has been described as “the backbone of camp.” One of our parent surveys said, “I have never even met Paige in-person, but I am in awe of her. She is quick to respond to questions and her communication is top-notch.”

Paige does a fantastic job making sure parents are informed and connected, and is frequently recognized as being highly responsive, caring, and accommodating.

Though she naturally shies away from the spotlight, she is vital to the operations of camp. Paige is known as the person with all the answers, and works tirelessly with the campers’ best interests in mind at all times. We thank Paige for her many years of dedication and service, and salute her as an exceptional role model and leader for everyone at Falling Creek!

nests the

Our four cottages at camp, known as the Nests, have been a big hit for rentals during the “off-season” months! During the summer, Cardinal, Bluebird, Chickadee, and Wren are home to directors, chefs, and older staff leaders who don’t live at or near camp. Once the summer months are over, they become available as mountain getaways for families!

These rentals offer a way to experience the natural beauty of camp, while enjoying the comforts of an airconditioned/heated home. Relax on the front porch, or step out the front door and explore the 890 acres of camp.

The Nests (along with our A-Frame house and large Infirmary building) can be reserved through our rental website: fallingcreek.lodgify.com

N

E

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

S

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

W

Above: Kyle is pictured in the center during his days as a young cabin counselor in 2008.

Above left: Celebrating Jules and Kyle’s legacy at camp after the 2021 summer.

Kyle Jeffries (Counselor and Program Director, 2008-10, 2014-2021) and Jules Jeffries (2014-21)

Jules and Kyle dressed up for 4th of July - they’ve brought their fun spirits and energy to the camp community for nearly 20 combined summers!

Join us in congratulating Kyle and Jules as they begin their next chapter! We’re incredibly thankful for Kyle’s 11 years and Jules’ 8 years working at Falling Creek. Kyle has excelled in his position as Falling Creek’s Program Director since 2016. Jules wore many hats at camp, beginning in 2014 as a theater and swimming counselor. In recent years, she has been using her organizational skills and experience as a teacher to help with logistics around camp, as well as managing the “Parent Letters” that are written by counselors each week— a taent we hope she will continue!

After the 2021 summer, Kyle transitioned into his new position, working with our good friends on the Summer Camp Insurance team at Morrow Insurance. Jules will continue working as a 3rd grade teacher in Henderson County (she was teacher of the year for 2020/21!) They’ve bought a house in Etowah, and we’re glad they aren’t moving too far away.

Anyone who knows Kyle and Jules knows just how much love they poured into camp, and how much energy they give each day. They were both the Green and Gold Award recipients for different years - a testament to how they each carry the spirit of Falling Creek in their hearts, and display the Code daily through their actions. We’re forever grateful for the positive impact they’ve had on our camp community!

Walt Cottingham Jr. (Counselor 1975-82) In February of 2021, we were given a beautiful gift by camp alumnus Walt Cottingham Jr. - a stunning wooden bench he made by hand.

Walt used a locally-sourced fallen walnut tree for the top of the bench. He estimated the walnut tree to have been 100 years old.

It was so large that the bench top was actually cut from one of the branches, not the trunk! The legs were made from local mountain laurel. We’re honored to have this piece in our camp office, where it will continue to be enjoyed by many as a functional work of art.

Walt was a counselor from 1975 - 1982, along with his father, Walt Cottingham Sr. He worked with Gladson Capps on the facilities staff, and built many of the original shelters around camp. He was a teacher at Hendersonville High School until recently when he retired, and lives with his wife in the Green River area near camp.

The two of them enjoy hiking in this area, and Walt is well known as a local wood craftsman.

Doug Smathers (Director of Facilities, 2020-present) Baby Shelby Ray Smathers was born on June 28th, 2021 at 9:50am. His proud parents are Faith Smathers, and our Director of Facilities, Doug Smathers. Congratulations to them both on the birth of their first son this past summer!

Walt Cottingham Jr. presenting his hand crafted walnut & mountain laurel bench as a gift for Falling Creek in February, 2021. Right: Walt tests out the bench in its new home at the camp office.

Lulu Tindall (Camp Dog, 2006-2021) We want to thank Lulu for her many years as a good camp dog!

Lulu passed away right before June Camp last summer, and she was missed by all the campers and staff. Her gentle nature and relaxed demeanor were a comfort to many. Here’s to celebrating Lulu’s life at camp!

Paddling Alumni Running the Green In April, we heard from a great group of Falling Creek paddling staff alumni who ran the Green River Narrows together! Pictured is Taylor Barker (‘06-’07 camper, ‘10-’15 paddling staff), Crom Carey (‘96-’04 camper, ‘06-’07, ‘09-’10, ‘12-13 mountain bike staff/program director), Michael Welch (‘03-’06 camper), Steve McGrady (‘95-’05 camper, ‘19-’20 paddling staff), and Zach Fraysier (‘11-’13 paddling staff).

E

Drew Walker (Camper 1997-2003, Counselor 2006)

W

Congratulations to Sara and Drew Walker, who were married at camp on October 2nd! Falling Creek has been a special place for the whole Walker Family - Drew’s father Dan was a counselor in the late 70s, and his mother Kay was a camp nurse in the 90s when he and his brother Daniel were campers. Drew was always mountain biking at camp (his “Moab Rat” Mountain Biking award was proudly displayed during the rehearsal dinner!), and he returned on staff in 2006.

Drew and Sara even chose to have Psalm 133 read during their ceremony, which is the psalm that begins all our Campfires at Falling Creek. Join us in congratulating the new Mr. and Mrs. Walker!

James Van Horn (Camper 1998 - 2002, Counselor 2007) This September alumnus James Van Horn (left) visited with his sister Katie and her son Charlie, who will be a first time camper in 2022! The Van Horns are from New Orleans, and their family used to host camp movie shows back when James and his brother Knox were campers in the late 90s and early 2000s.

After working for 7 years at large commercial architecture firms in Denver and New Orleans, James Van Horn recently founded his own architectural practice focused on custom residential design. Van Horn Design is based in James’ hometown of New Orleans, but currently he has projects in several states, including three in Western North Carolina not far from Falling Creek! You can visit www.vanhorn.design for more information.

Left: Blair Hines with his sons Braxton and Thomas after receiving their scuba certifications in Okinawa.

Right: Blair’s wife Tracey sporting her FCC hat from the summit of Mt. Fuji.

Blair Hines (Camper 1983-90, Counselor 1993) We love hearing updates from our camp community all over the world - check out these photos from the Hines Family, who have been living in Japan! Blair Hines is pictured on the left - Both Blair and his brother Rob were campers in Yates’ cabin during different summers.

Blair’s sons Braxton and Thomas (also Falling Creek campers) are pictured on the right, after receiving their scuba certifications. They’ve been diving in the beautiful waters off Okinawa, as Blair is the Executive Officer at the Naval Hospital there. Blair’s wife Tracey is pictured in the second photo, repping FCC from the Summit of Mt. Fuji!

Mike Guerrero (Founding Counselor, 1969) This Fall we had a visit from alumnus, Mike Guerrero, who was the Cabin 1 counselor during Falling Creek’s first ever summer in 1969!

This throwback photo shows what Cabin 1 looked like in our founding year - aside from the growing number of cabin plaques on the outside wall, not much has changed!

Mike has been on a cross-country road trip around the USA, and made time during his adventure to stop by camp. He’s now a retired CPA and lives with his wife in Washington State.

Mike Guerrero on the front porch of the Dining Hall, September 2021.

Mike’s cabin, Cabin 1, in 1969 during Falling Creek’s first summer.

E

Falling Creek alumni who were in attendance to celebrate - what a beautiful wedding for an equally beautiful couple!

Honey Davis (Counselor 2020-21) and Caleb McNaughton (Counselor 2019-21)

W

Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. McNaughton! Both Honey and Caleb are Falling Creek rock climbing counselors, and were married on September 12th.

The officiant was Honey’s father, Dusty Davis, who has been part of our adventure staff and camp’s chaplain since the 80s. In fact, the whole Davis family is made up of FCC alumni, with mother Mary Lou having been a camp photographer, and brothers Cricket and Cole as mountain bike staff.

SEND US YOUR NEWS Do you have some great news or a mini alumni reunion you’d like to share with the camp community?

We’d love to hear it! Message us or send your photo to alumni@ fallingcreek.com

Whit U (Camper, 2017 - present) and Ben K (Camper, 2013 - present) Two of our Main Campers, Whit U. and Ben K. lined up at the same National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) race on the final weekend of August! They met at Falling Creek this past summer, and were able to reconnect over their shared love of mountain biking outside camp. We love seeing how the camp community stays connected throughout the year!

You can also check out the Alumni section of our website (fallingcreek.com/alumni), where former campers and staff can register in our Alumni Association Group database, enjoy the fulllength 50th anniversary film, view historical photos and past catalogs, and find previous Green & Gold books.

N

E

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

S

cabintime

junecamp Cabin 1: Back: Harry Gregorie, Lee Swetenburg, Carr Stowe, James Mikell, Ford Layman. Front: Alex Dovich, Cillian Green, David Schonberg, James Fitzpatrick, George Corbyn

Cabin 2: Back: Randy Smith, Percy Mason, Damon Hook, Fite Paine, Benjamin Arnold. Front: Mack Schoellkopf, Drew McCoy, Jack Spencer, Jack Stewart, Sam Marsiglia

Cabin 3: Back: William Philpott, Blake Martin, Cooper Highsmith, Mills Marcoux, James Hale. Front: William White, Henry Graham, Mickey deYoung, Teddy Swingle, Wes Berry

Cabin 4: Back: Clint Morgan, Port Cameron, Rollins Leopold, Kenny Smith, Tré Dozier. Front: Knox O’Connor, Tommy Nix, Teddy Webb, Walker Carby, Andrew Rembert

Cabin 5: Back: Alex Rios Mora, Brandon Voss, Maclean Simmons, John Mikell, Coley Brown. Front: Banks Fochtmann, Walker Borders, Hunter Key, Pip Garten, Tripp Whatley

Cabin 6: Back: Zach Scheidly, Beckett Blair, Banks Brown, West Nalley, Will Niemeyer. Front: Jack Phillips, Jack Prince, Barclay Blair, Miles Denison, James Worthen

Cabin 7: Back: CJ Sumner, Mac McNairy, Felix Deschenes, Andrew Fanning, Brandon Owens. Front: Palmer Haslam, Cian Green, Jackson Whitaker, Henry Knox, Fletcher Elwell

Cabin 8: Back: Tom Feingold, Whit Shealy, Frank Anderson, Levi McGahey, Robbie Watkins. Front: Colton Clarke, Louis Gannon, Sam Deterding, Nolan Caughran, William Spencer

W

Cabin 9: Back: Wyatt Farace, Lee Andrews, Will Martin, Wright Schoellkopf, Chapin Silva. Front: Brenton Barrett, Blake Dabney, Val Marcoux, Jack Bond, Langdon Dyksterhouse

Cabin 10: Back: Cooper Wright, John Basham, Jude Moore, Asher Lewis, Dan Waterland. Front: Sanders Mitchener, Bobby Webb, Liam Fitzpatrick, Arthur Runge, Russell Carpenter

Cabin 11: Back: Cole Janney, Gibs Fishback, Everett Jones, Sawyer Wood, Hays Edmunds. Front: Teddy Fishback, Andre Goudeau, Maxwell Brown, Jack Robison, Henri Goudeau

Cabin 12: Back: JP Van Buren, Harrison Lane, Christian Eddings, Benjamin Brady, Will Weaver. Front: Henry Kennington, William Flournoy, Collier Wright, Guy Tate, William Gerth

Cabin 13: Back: Crocker Barker, Jack Barzizza, Jasper Barry, Phillip Savage, Jack Ponder. Front: Jackson Weber, Bo O’Connor, Rory Green, Patrick Harrison, Jacob Zhang

Cabin 15: Back: Trevor Angel, Riggs Savage, Dixon Barre, Patrick McDevitt, John Allen. Front: Bryce Walger, Gavin Nichols, Graham Stilwell, Lucas Miranda, Jack Smith

E

Cabin 16: Back: Patrick Greenwood, Callahan Holsten, Connor Leddy, Jameson Saylors, Burt Young. Front: Gus Fochtmann, Baker Humphrey, Mitchell Blanks, Richard Magruder, Jackson Guthrie

Cabin 17: Back: Max Feild, Bain Thorstad, Jimmy Hunt, Beckett Beatty, Cal Shelton. Front: Oliver Pegues, Neely Knox, Austin Davis, Wills Goldner, Connor Doherty

Cabin 18: Back: Jack Long, Tripp Biosca, Alonso de Idiaquez, Stanton Czajkowski, Harrison Little. Front: Buddy Geary, Rob Russell, Walt Faires, Jupiter Kirk, Hunter Havens

Cabin 19: Back: Dave Thomas, Coley Surovek, West Miller, Weston Cejudo. Front: Britton Lewis, Berkley Willis, John Harris, Max Dockweiler, Patrick Combs

Cabin 20: Back: Wells Headley, Phillips Blair, Thomas Simmons, Kevin Galindo. Front: Walker Peters, William Martin, Henry Manno, Charlie Rini, Rhett Whitworth

Cabin 21: Back: Connor Curreri, McLean Robinson, Holland Dennington, William Warnock, Croft Hamilton.

Front: Miller Rhine, Braxton Richardson, Bennett Cooper, Levi Roberson, Blaize Schuhmacher

Cabin 22: Back: Kenner West, Lincoln Davis, Jack Schafer, Zach Fargher. Front: Henry Neff, Beckham Botic, Noah Mishoe, Finn Henderson, Caleb Crowder

Cabin 23: Back: Gabe Cranor, James Thompson, Andy Butler, Baldwin Key, Andy Killebrew. Front: Christian Kahlert, William Payne, Noah Liptak, Hunter Davis, Merritt Wrighton

Cabin 24: Back: Robert Smith, William Swann, Sam Dewey, Marshall Magruder. Front: Wade Odom, Jack Rollins, Herdon Hinson, Ford Daniels, William Rachels

Cabin 25: Back: Jackson Masters, Brady Harris, Harrison Phillips, Mieky McBride. Front: Coleman Highsmith, William Cassady, Logan Leddy, Connor Sparta, James Langdon

Cabin 26: Back: Daniel Medlin, Tiger Barker, Grant Loeffler, Spence Perry, T Buckley. Front: Thomas Fanning, Liam Fanning, Henderson Rentz, Will Morgan, David Lawton Barnes

Cabin 27: Back: Zack Mikat, Rylan Chaput, Joe Basham, Taj Majors, Lew Jaynes. Front: Cobin Rabon, James Brown, George Smith, Walker Beatty, Ben Owens

Cabin 28: Back: Hopkins David, Walton Plaster, Will Marsiglia, Phillip Zaki. Front: William Ramirez, Telfair Parker, Connor Brown, Hudson Pratt, Copeland Stukes

Cabin 29: Back: Steven (Scuba) Keiser, Colin Caughran, Carter Savage, Graham Dickerson, Joe Lane. Front: Foster Fogelman, Grayton Kennington, Andrew Weber, Cole Venters, Tristan Sindoni

Cabin 30: Back: Will Shiflet, Billy Barrett, Hunt Houseman, Miles Stilwell. Front: Cooper Davis, Corbett Parrino, David Dabney, Jackson Fitzpatrick, Jackson Smith

Cabin 31: Back: Adonis Merritt, George Stowe, Gunner Jones, Brooks Arnold, Michael Stopak. Front: Jackson Shealy, Hudson Young, Henry Jackson, Henry McGahey, Kearney Sword

Cabin 32: Back: Henry Knox, Bryan Knox, Rusty Kelley, Tom Yoxsimer. Front: Dan Ballone, Henry Houghton, Jack Falgoust, Wyatt Davis, Lachlan McFarland

Cabin 33: Back: Carson Skidmore, Stockton Leffel, Hudson Bell, Jake Deter, Trevor Nelson. Front: Liam Green, Woods Gamble, Wesley Hair, Brady Surovek, Bly Borders

W

Cabin 34: Back: Sammy Hodges, Alex Faires, Hudson Copenhaver, Jake Rhine, Luke Atherton. Front: Edward Stinehour, Jack Gansman, Holden McCarthy, Tom Combs, John Henry Mims

Cabin 35: Back: Shane McNiff, Aiken Bond, Burke Moorman, Mac Copenhaver. Front: Patrick McCarthy, Rob Kay, Ben Ardoin, Jack Blanks, Everett Hair

Cabin 36: Back: Will Foushee, Tucker Thompson, Palmer McCollum, Andrew McCormick, Thomas Hudson. Front: Will Arendall, Burnam DuBose, Jack Lambertson, Fin Brackett, Henry Gardner

Cabin 37: Back: Jack McCoy, Forrest Phipps, Isaac Kirby, Colt Woodhouse. Front: Sawyer Kribbs, Charlie Owens, Carson Streacker, Lucas Parker, Hartt Daniel

Cabin 38: Back: Mitch Budihas, Thomas Honey, Carter Highsmith, Banks Eaves, Charlie Castillo del Valle. Front: Phillip McClary, Stewart Favero, Yancey Stribling, Jack West, Edwin Salisbury

Cabin 39: Back: Alex Paris, Reid Bromenschenkel, Will Mather, Mac Holley. Front: Graham Webb, Mike May, Jman Watson, Riley Sampson, William Harrison

E

maincamp Cabin 40: Back: William Walters, Jonathan Dunham, Henry Bryan, Sam Neff. Front: Lex McDonald, Gabe Cullens, Thomas Johnson, Mac Spear, Gus Faris

Cabin 2: Back: Benjamin Arnold, Robert May, Leuven Foutch, Liam Keys, Harrison Little. Front: North Bass, George Stewart, Shepherd Crotty, Simon Hunt, Alexander Ostrom

Cabin 1: Back: Harry Gregorie, Matthew Sproull, Reece Davidson, Griffin Kirwan, Ford Layman. Front: Carter Bryson, Christopher Rider, Ford Trbovich, Felix Ostrom, Teddy Barret

Cabin 3: Back: Alex Rios Mora, JD Prahler, Hunter Hawkins, James Bennett, James Hale. Front: Mack Eubanks, George Barret, Hammon Hawkins, Erskine Bowles, Thomas Lawrence

Cabin 4: Back: Richard Rider, Gage Weber, Thomas Blount, Trè Dozier. Front: Pryor Roberts, Walker Edison, Caleb Bowen, Walker Ehrich, CR Donohue

Cabin 5: Back: Randy Smith, Charlie Branch, Hank Young, Murray Mathews, Coley Brown. Front: George Thomas, Connor Zone, Tradd Fain, Thomas Andrews, Tanner Vaughey

Cabin 6: Back: Symmes Cocke, William Rives, James Albright, Will “Nemo” Niemeyer. Front: James Fuller, Luke Savoie, Hart Hicks, Stephens Rabb, Wells Dixon

Cabin 7: Back: Miles Stengle, Bowman Ritchey, Wyatt Eby, CJ Sumner. Front: Davis Rives, Robert Gilmer, Davis Minnehan, Gates Dixon, Winn Chamberlain

Cabin 8: Back: Walker Jacobs, Walt Palmer, Marshall Liggitt, Tom Feingold. Front: Jack Trbovich, Rhys Kreitler, James Axon, Ridgeway Britt, Benjamin Podurgiel

Cabin 9: Back: Connor Curreri, Baker Smith, Quinn Davenport, Hamilton Norman, Wyatt Farace. Front: Cameron Noah, Rich Hickson, Wills Yelverton, Rand Jones, Santi Junco Madrazo

Cabin 10: Back: Joe Lane, Ike Thomason, Garland Lynn, Thomas Sproull, Will Weaver. Front: Garrett Lee, Thomas Barret, Jude Spisso, John Cannon Wessel, Nicholas Ashcroft

Cabin 11: Back: Cole Janney, Urijah Miller, Crosby Bonde, Lucas Thomason, Hays Edmunds. Front: Camp Clark, Cameron Schurter, Ben Bronzert, Zack Muench, Jack Tracey

Cabin 12: Back: JP Van Buren, Mason Porter, Benjamin Finney, Mason Hunt, Cooper Wright. Front: Jack Lawton, Wade Monroe, Bobby Briggs, Marshall Ebel, Nicholas Robinson

Cabin 13: Back: Zandy Rollins, Brandon Doerrler, Bo Vaughan, Brandon Owens. Front: Tripp Bowen, Evan Powderly, Jamie Nikodem, Carson Pleiman, Hale Borden

Cabin 15: Back: John Allen, Clay Sproule, Luke Brown, Aiden Moore, Jordan Bennett. Front: Amari Dukes, Oliver Clary, William Lancaster, JJ Simmons, Beckham Prahler

Cabin 16: Back: Burt Young, Lance Weimer, Beau Hurst, Paul McSwain, Thomas Buckley. Front: Graham Whitehead, William Jones, Stratton Werner, Jim Lanier, Carleton Riser

Cabin 17: Back: Max Feild, Miles Fuller, John McElroy, Tate Barganier, Cal Shelton. Front: Milo Zyblewski, George Mattison, William Miller, Gabe Ruffer, Patton Vargas

W

Cabin 18: Back: Jack Long, Lukas Dragseth, Philip Coleman, George Clements, Jack Ponder. Front: Graeme McNeish, William Davis, Teddy Vlak, TJ Afonso, Finn McHugh

Cabin 19: Back: Dave Thomas, Colin Morrell, Sam Evans, Huck Trottmann. Front: Julian Pollard, Coley Hucks, Judd Collins, Ransom Albertson, Easton Selbee

Cabin 20: Back: Matthew Thomas, Gideon Koehring, Tucker Piper, Zach Plyler. Front: Sawyer Barnette, McDonagh Kuntz, Jack Sudduth, Jack Solcher, Sam Wyland

Cabin 21: Back: Croft Hamilton, Mason Matthews, Anders Hedenborg, Chase Christopher, Chapin Silva. Front: Hosford Roberts, Beecher Aldredge, Wade Polk, Lawton Broughman, Liam Kuntz

Cabin 22: Back: Andrew Stroud, Duncan Jones, Henry Jones, Clint Morgan. Front: Grayson Andrews, Edward Stivers, Jack Rivera, Simon Ikenberg, Locke Schoettelkotte

Cabin 23: Back: Gabe Cranor, Banks Cutter, Hill Porter, Douglas Hughes, Andy Killebrew. Front: Thomas Cauthen, Bowman Yanicelli, Michael Rohm, Thompson Haddock, Luke Sedgwick

E

Cabin 24: Back: Warner Shaper, Max Albright, William McCollum, Marshall Magruder. Front: Charlie Woodruff, Hal Shuford, Thad Jones, John Hayden Scheland, Wil Davis

Cabin 25: Back: Heuer Erdle, Grey Chamberlain, Manuel Junco Madrazo, Mieky McBride. Front: Henry Echols, Spencer Dill, George Blessey, Tal Turner, Van Turner

Cabin 26: Back: Lew Jaynes, Jay Holly, Andrew Barron, Chase Mueller. Front: Cole Horton, Chris Watters, Jacob Bailey, Bellamy Falatko, Wallace Blum (not pictured: Daniel Medlin)

Cabin 27: Back: Zach Sheidly, Julian Balestri, Oliver Losinski.

Front: Nathaniel Rollins, Hudson Tinch, JB Clark, Juanes Del Pozo, Garrett Long

Cabin 28: Back: Phillip Zaki, Chris Sanchez-Medina, Freddy Somers, Josh Wright, Mike Nuckles. Front: Anuar Barranon, Frank Reece, Logan Hope, Evan Hunt, Marshall Smith

Cabin 29: Back: Scuba Keiser, Jack Clinton, Edison Pellumbi, Harrison Keys, Kevin Galindo. Front: John McCoy, Charlie Guy, Ryan Murray, Patteson Branch, Devin Muench

Cabin 30: Back: Will Shiflet, Austin Miller, Tristan Von Uklanski, Jake Keller. Front: Beauford Mathews, Ryder Bond, Grey Edens, Nolan Bishop, Will Bennett

Cabin 31: Back: Will Foushee, Walker Ritchey, Xander Beamon, Henry Gatto, Adonis Merritt. Front: Samuel Jaramillo, Javi Lopez, Luke Meinhardt, Ian Smith, Yates Bass

Cabin 32: Back: Bobby Jackson, Thompson White, Mac Riser, Tom Yoxsimer. Front: Luke Baugher, George Pipes, Charlie Hurst, Harrison Fuller, Henry Donohue

Cabin 33: Back: Trevor Nelson, Gray Hendricks, Jack Preston, Andy Pleiman, Carson Skidmore. Front: Lee Adamson, Walker Edens, Patrick Minnehan, Graham Spears, Doug Johnson

Cabin 34: Back: Sammy Hodges, Erik Soelberg, Tipton Connelly, Jack Norman, Luke Atherton. Front: Joe Maybank, William Zelnak, Miller Vargas, Henry O’Hagan, Blake Rowland

Cabin 35: Back: Benjamin Kampine, Damon Nasser, Rodgers McCullough, Will Philpott. Front: Clayton Kuntz, Jackson Smith, Ro Unis, Roy Richards, Nathaniel Rubin

Cabin 36: Back: Charlie Castillo del Valle, Hyatt Hicks, Billy Piper, Raines Knight, Thomas Hudson. Front: Jack Anders, Whit Uden, Jack Stamoulis, Walker Liggitt, Charlie Friedrich

Cabin 37: Back: Will Cameron, Sam Stevens, Dan Waterland, Parker McCollum, Mike Mullen. Front: Rhodes Feild, John Greeley, Luke Dodson, Lawton Jordan, Dasher Evans

Cabin 38: Back: Patrick Greenwood, Mike Green, Frank Reuther, Spencer Greeley, Andrew Smith. Front: Grant Greeley, Nikolai Snizaski, Jack Wyland, Griffin Eubanks, Conor Clinton

W

twoweek camp Cabin 39: Back: Mitch Budihas, Pablo Perez, Owen Samra, Adrian Dragseth, Michael Stopak. Front: Mac Barnette, Henry Smith, Tommy Caso, Jackson Skelly, Quentin Balestri

Cabin 40: Back: William Ashcroft, Pete Curtis, John Stanfill, Finn Young, William Walters. Front: Coop Cowden, James Singhal, Walter Miller, Finn Blum, Miller Kunz

Cabin 1: Back: Alex Rios Mora, Jack Kneisel, Brooks Kurimsky, Davy Wallace, Harry Gregorie. Front: Davis Springmeyer, Hudson Hopkins, James Moss, John William Ryan, Graham Fitzgerald

Cabin 2: Back: Harrison Little, James Moore, Arthur West, James Cardinale, Benjamin Arnold. Front: Brooks Brown, Stuart Carey, Hank Biosca, Tyler Dyvig, Hudson Swyka

Cabin 3: Back: Luke Atherton, Rhett Borders, Charlie Rayburn, Brody Schaaf, James Hale. Front: Charlie Sumrall, Ben Roberts, Hunt Melton, Asher Dooley, Rylan Wilson

Cabin 4: Back: Tre Dozier, Teddy McDade, James Camp, George Kelly, Thomas Hudson. Front: Fielding Welden, Guy Wengler, Hutson Parker, Spencer Brown, Johnny Lechleiter

Cabin 5: Back: Matthew Kornegay, Henry Wetzler, Jay Tomascak, Witt Stauffer, Coley Brown. Front: Jimmy Hessberg, Simon Pollard, Davis Leveridge, Wright Ritchey, Keval Patel

Cabin 6: Back: Will Neimeyer, James Adams, Hux Tucker, Sutton Atienza, Scuba Keiser. Front: Rhett Morrison, Henry Meadows, Reid Johnston, Hank Pittman, Simms Farnsworth

E

Cabin 7: Back: Charles Williams, Hudson Selbee, Adam Lee, CJ Sumner. Front: Logan Montgomery, James Starr, William Creason, Pellerin Deluke, Aaron Goodman

Cabin 8: Back: Jackson Green, Teddy Hasley, Edward Edgeworth, Will Foushee. Front: William Mazzuco, Alex Hanson, Garrett Murchison, Louis Smith, Will Mitchener. Not Pictured: Tom Feingold

Cabin 9: Back: Wyatt Farace, Yohannes Sharpstene, Griffin Mather, Wells Funderburk, Connor Curreri. Front: Henry Sigmon, Harrison Carr, Marshall Powers, Hammond Cummings, Charlie Screws

Cabin 10: Back: Cole Janney, Wright Borden, David Sartorio, Collier Williams, Will Weaver. Front: William Crawford, Joe Espy, Will Rechkemmer, Brooks McLanahan, Miller Ruehling

Cabin 11: Back: Hays Edmunds, Lawson Jones, Andy Zimmerman, Shaw Rust, Jack Ponder. Front: Ben Powderly, Walker Carroll, Wood Maguire, Dane Graham, Phillip Sudduth

Cabin 12: Back: JP Van Buren, Taylor Stukes, Benny Maynard, Roman Young. Front: Bowen Knight, Graydon Gibadlo, Bo Washington, JW Godwin, James Rini

Cabin 13: Back: Cole Swyka, Brandon Owens, Jackson Smith.

Front: Lee Hochner, Grant Plexico, Bauer Lewis, Miles Dean, Emmet Ellison. Not Pictured: Miles Valentino

Cabin 15: Back: John Allen, Sam Robertson, Luke Hawkins, Merrill McCloud, Jordan Bennett. Front: Tony Sanchez, Hawkins Atchison, Charlie Wukasch, Lowe Miller

Cabin 16: Back: Burt Young, Ryder Lazzara, Charles Anderson, Adam Pollard, T Buckley. Front: Henry Spizer, John Monk, Zach Zimardo, Crawford York, Edward Rawl

Cabin 17: Back: William Rueger, Jack Schwartz, Cal Shelton, Griffin MacPhail. Front: Gus Glassner, Cameron Cho, Pierce Maher, Charlie Fitzgerald, Weldon Beesley

Cabin 18: Back: Jojo Hancock, Wyatt Armour, Gray Wheeler.

Front: James Blair, Wayne Wilson, Duncan Mulloy, George Yelverton, Holt Wade. Not Pictured: Cricket Davis

Cabin 19: Back: Henry DeHaven, Dave Thomas, Fisher Leffel, Granger Albergotti. Front: Cliff Walker, Grey Cushnie, Fritz Keber, Henry Hickey, Henry Fischer

Cabin 20: Back: James Harris, Matt Thomas, Teddy Young.

Front: William Nikodem, Wesley Bradshaw, Nathan Levinson, Jack Gilson, Michael Shea. Not Pictured: Luke Malhotra

Cabin 21: Back: Croft Hamilton, Jack Maguire, Spencer Blackwood, Whitt Goldsmith, Chapin Silva. Front: Holden Baird, Gabe McKinney, Liam Holley, Anderson Callaway, Blake Kelly

Cabin 22: Back: Clint Morgan, Henry Daniel, Mac Smith, Sam Thomas, Andy Killebrew. Front: Owen Easley, Yorke Beaver, Jack Cardinale, Bruce Biggs, Jackson Williams

Cabin 23: Back: Leo Reger, Gabe Cranor, Jack Fairey, Braeden Dooley. Front: Mack Hughes, Ryan Donahue, Luke Dixon, Tab Cannon, Daniel Hill

Cabin 24: Back: Campbell Lee, Parker Eaves, Marshall Magruder, Charlie Flouhouse. Front: Beckett Valkenburg, James Quesinberry, Teddy Batten, Akhil Patel, Ren Clark. Not Pictured: Charlie Klein

Cabin 25: Back: Owen West, George Edwards, Mieky McBride, Hugh Hudson. Front: Will Lambertson, Max Ishee, William Whitty, Jack Wheeler, Danner Walker

W

Cabin 26: Back: Daniel Medlin, William Logue, William Camp, Blake Dyvig, Lew Jaynes. Front: Elliot Reynolds, Taylor Wendell, Jack Hall, Banks Johnston, Allan Flynn

Cabin 27: Back: George Bridger, Zach Scheidly, JJ Nastopoulos, Bear Brannon. Front: Pierce Copenhaver, Jack Roberts, Locke Boor, Philip Hess, Henry Webster

Cabin 28: Back: Max Feild, Wales Averyt, Carter Bundy, Phillip Zaki.

Front: Graham Welden, Hamilton Applegate, Julian Parker, William Bradley

Cabin 29: Back: Cullen Gullott, Kevin Galindo, Quincy Wood.

Front: Clark Pollard, Cross Burt, Ford Summerour, Hunter Johnson, Graham Mitchell. Not Pictured: Ryan Lee

Cabin 30: Back: Connor McElroy, Will Shiflet, William Maloney, Landon Schaaf. Front: Robert Peace, Raines Young, Sam Connor, Abe Anderson, Oliver Toms. Not Pictured: William Kneisel

Cabin 31: Back: Adonis Merritt, Connor Kugajevsky, Matthew Bovo, Perrin White, Cooper Wright. Front: Manning Wilson, Wade Glasgow, Cole Pritchett, William Merson, Marcos Hubbard

E

Cabin 32: Back: Benjamin Neff, Grant Kumar, Oden Springmeyer, Tom Yoxsimer. Front: Davis Perry, Noah Sawyers, Parker Moss, Connor Hoyt, Nolan Fore

Cabin 33: Back: Trevor Nelson, Anderson King, Connor Mestl, Peyt Black, Carson Skidmore. Front: Charlie Fischer, Keller Pittinos, Reid Davis, Jack Bogart, Colin Farnsworth

Cabin 34: Back: Bennett Borders, Sammy Hodges, Charlie Daniel, Cooper Gooch. Front: Kline Cummings, Holden Kleinhelter, Tate Parrish, Patrick Dugan, Will Sanderson

Cabin 35: Back: Carter Cox, Coleman Todd, Will Philpott, Dawson Jordan. Front: Emmet Liipfert, Jack Conrad, Max Marsiglia, Pepper Bright, Graham Conrad

Cabin 36: Back: Lee Wetzler. Lowden Scarlett, Charlie Castillo del Valle, Trav Apple. Front: Jack Sweeney, Wes Andrews, Myles Neugebauer, Lee Washington, Mills McGrail

Cabin 37: Back: Cameron Morrison, Dan Waterland, Will Morrell, James Edge. Front: Mason Lazzara, Henry Hancock, Joe Kennett, Wip Mulloy, Stephen Parrott

Cabin 39: Back: Mitch Budihas, Parker Spence, Lennon Rowland, Liles Knight, Michael Stopak. Front: Cam Crozier, Taylor Glidewell, Reid Owen, Will Versaggi, Allen Maynard

Cabin 40: Back: Samuel Thompson, Crocker Barker, Whaley Nichols. Front: Roland Mims, Ford Dixon, Thomas Rueger, Forrest Walker, William Jones

Cabin 1: Back: Alex Rios Mora, Caldwell McGovern, Lawrence Burtschy, Harry Gregorie. Front: Jack Kelly, Wright Yelverton, Hamill Crittendon, Merle Masterson, Peter Warnock. Not Pictured: Brek Johnson

Cabin 2: Back: Harrison Little, Weston Green, Scout Garner, Zeke Grannan, Benjamin Arnold. Front: Thomas Thilman, Grant Chandler, Freddy Smith, Parker McCarley, Jack Schottmiller

Cabin 3: Back: CJ Sumner, Dalton Blinn, Montgomery Ellis, Robert Swope, James Hale. Front: Hill Barganier, Charles Gibadlo, Lowndes Wright, Carson McElheney Jr., Graham Levell

Cabin 4: Back: Luke Atherton, Drew Royal, Eason Phillips, William Bradley, Trè Dozier. Front: Murrell Smith, Scott Weil, Mac Robertson, Georgie Johnson, Henry Sweatman

Cabin 5: Back: Coley Brown, Edward Spizer, Lawson Simon, Scott Chafik, Andrew Krusen. Front: Whitaker Bradford, Ellis Bacon, Walker Rumley, Beau Montgomery, Wyatt Klynman

Cabin 6: Back: Will Niemeyer, Oliver Ladley, Benjamin Hoffman, Wyatt Farace. Front: Preston Saylors, Greer Menges, Les O’Brien, Drew Walsh. Not Pictured: Ryder Gano

Cabin 7: Back: Will Foushee, William Yun, Henry Lowry, Yates Schipper, Thomas Hudson. Front: Ford Proutt, Sam Hartsfield, Graham Carpenter, Carson McClintock, Gray Thompson

Cabin 8: Back: Tripp Merriam III, Tom Feingold, Sutton Harris.

Front: Marshall Stubbing, Barnes Hartnett, Wyatt Murphy, Harrison Blais

Cabin 38: Back: Mike Nuckles, Crawford Screws, Nico Zubko, Jack Lyle, Patrick Greenwood. Front: Luke Jennings, MacEwen Morrison, Elliott Thompson, Grant Quiles, Xander MacPhail

juniorcamp W

Cabin 9: Back: Matt Thomas, William Bundy, Charlie Everett, George Paradis, Steven Keiser. Front: Jack Jones, Briggs Boardman, Max Rozek, Hunter Louis, Mac Deeb

Cabin 10: Back: Will Weaver, Slade Gupton, Wells Wallace, Daniel Drummond, Cole Janney. Front: Wils Moore, Blake Cejudo, Wills Dean, Michael Lynn, Mac Clark

Cabin 11: Back: Hays Edmunds, Mac McGirt, Brooks Bagin, Ryan Sunday. Front: Henry Wimberly, Henry Weekes, Mac Schorr, Houston Barnett, Smoak Copenhaver

Cabin 12: Back: JP Van Buren, Hank Tracey, Louis Brown, Luke Cushnie, Jordan Bennett. Front: JD Valentine, Daniel Layfield, Hawkins Huffstutter, Brett Cushnie, Mitchell Pittinos

Cabin 13: Back: Matthew Kornegay, Nash Donahue, William Sloan, Brandon Owens. Front: Teddy Bender, Hunter Petillo, Banks Johnson, Haynes Robinson, Parks Arnold

Cabin 14: Back: Croft Hamilton, Cole Gerber, JR Fox, Cullen Weaver, Jack Ponder. Front: Andrew Todd, James Thompson, Whit Meares, Patrick Collie, Beckett Williard

E

Cabin 15: Back: John Allen, Henry Lamont, John Hopkins, William Montgomery, Jack Long. Front: Alexander Moore, Hanes Andrews, Mac Georgerian, Wickham Raquet, Turner Black

Cabin 16: Back: Thomas Buckley, John Hayes, Hudson Elmerick, Marsh Douthat, Burt Young. Front: Ware Menges, Thomas Hayes, Bryson MacDiarmid, Moore Anderson, Bonds Manis

Cabin 17: Back: Zach Scheidly, Wallace Carlson, Zane Clem, Liam Rogers, Cal Shelton. Front: Richard Punches, Porter Hujik, Taylor Odom, Henry Dollens, Winston Sherman

Cabin 22: Back: Clint Morgan, Miller King, Caspian Falck, Andy Killebrew. Front: Sam Brinkley, Drew Sedgwick, Charley Ankar, Oscar Tobin

Cabin 23: Back: Daniel Medlin, Alex Fore, Will Hoots, Cannon Hardwick, Gabe Cranor. Front: Cooper Angell, Cade von Weller, AJ Demski, Ben Sellers, Bobby Detar

Cabin 24: Back: Jack Griffin, Marshall Magruder, James Craft.

Front: Will Carey, Patrick Barge, Freddy Masterson, Ridge Underwood, Drew Green

Cabin 25: Back: Dave Thomas, Bos Maddison, Myers Mumpower, Stanton Stonerock, Mieky McBride. Front: William Mumpower, Ward Giordano, Oliver Brown, Brooks Theodore, Bruce Burch

Cabin 26: Back: Lew Jaynes, Rowe Magrath, Tres Stone, Bowman Ellis. Front: Cameron Vandevere, Elliot Wendell, Wallace Young, D.R. Avila, Baxter Waters

Cabin 27: Back: Parker Wade, Willis Cantey, Patrick Greenwood.

Front: Christian DiMarco, CJ Seaman, Callum Williamson, Paul Traylor, Robby Thornburg. Not Pictured: Bryson Gano

Cabin 28: Back: Phillip Zaki, William Bush, Tommy England.

Front: Brooks Whelan, Johnny Ensminger, Liam Fuller, Patrick Bonnoitt, Parker Deaton. Not Pictured: Wim Vlak and Max Feild

Cabin 29: Back: Gideon Jones, Samuel Harris, Tripp Tobin, Kevin Galindo. Front: Baird Williams Jr., Nicholas Iauco, William Tyburski, Christian Hage, Miles Lynn

Cabin 30: Back: Crocker Barker, Max Gillespie, Hunter Small, Will Shiflet. Front: Jack Langley, William Oates, Rutledge Wall, Gray Salewski, Beck Fayssoux

Cabin 31: Back: Pate Henderson, Max Collie, Charlie Batson, Chapin Silva. Front: William Georgerian, Lee Rhodes, Aiden Beach, Luke Schwartz, Jackson Olivo

Cabin 32: Back: Oli Zubko, Tom Yoxsimer, Lucas DeLozier.

Front: Pierce Chandler, Hendrick Grannan, Liam O’Brien, Tilden Haislip, Graham Bowers. Not Pictured: Sam Smith

Cabin 33: Back: Cooper Wright, William Kutner, Mills Slacum, Beckett Howard, Carson Skidmore. Front: Declan Earp, Reed Ryan, B Jones, George Garner, Townes Clements

Cabin 34: Back: Sammy Hodges, Ford Wallerstein, Sloan Huber, Harrison Dellinger. Front: Jack Herzog, Mac Polancich, Mills Cutter, Auggie Springhart, Keys Ellison

Cabin 35: Back: Will Philpott, Fritz Lincoln, Avi Downey, Asher Donnelly, Michael Stopak. Front: Jack Hartsfield, Dave Demski, Jack Merrell, Brayden Royal, Grey Brice

Cabin 36: Back: Logan Wasson, West Martin, Gray Mitcho, Charlie Castillo del Valle. Front: Lawson Joyce, Mac Greene, Billy McClintock, Tate Ballinger, Will Chandler

W

Cabin 37: Back: Dan Waterland, John Gray Norris, Joe Starbuck, Grady Gerber, Trevor Nelson. Front: Hugh Gardner, Hank Barrett, Hutcheson Huffstutter, Marshall Morton, Smith Spivey

Cabin 38: Back: William Valentine, Mitch Budihas, Jack Teague, Eli Deeb. Front: Joe Neilson, Griffin McGuire, Ty Young, Maddox Sherrill, Spencer Cox

iron man & honor council Iron Man: Jack Anders, Jacob Bailey, Will Bennett, Wallace Blum, Wil Davis, Wells Dixon, CR Donohue, Rhodes Feild, Jay Holly, Thad Jones, William Jones, William Lancaster, Walker Liggitt, Paul McSwain, Luke Meinhardt, Davis Minnehan, Andy Pleiman, Zach Plyler, Benjamin Podurgiel, Roy Richards, Carleton Riser, Mac Riser, Easton Selbee, Jackson Skelly, Baker Smith, Henry Smith, Erik Soelberg, Jack Solcher, Graham Spears, Jude Spisso, John Cannon Wessel, Sam Wyland

Honor Council: Mac Barnette, Will Cameron, Rhodes Feild, Henry Gatto, Grant Greeley, John Greeley, Spencer Greeley, Bobby Jackson, Samuel Jaramillo, Walker Liggitt, Joe Maybank, Rodgers McCullough, Walter Miller, Alex Ostrom, Billy Piper, George Pipes, Wade Polk, Tal Turner, Van Turner Staff: John Allen, KC Collins, Andy Killebrew, Harrison Little, Will Neimeyer, Tom Yoxsimer, Phillip Zaki

E

directorsandstaff Line Heads: Back Row: Carson Skidmore (Betula), KC Collins (Samara), Andy Killebrew (Tsuga), James Hale (Sorrel). Front Row: Mitch Budihas (Betula), Lauren Croll (Samara), Jack Long (Tsuga), Will Weaver (Sorrel).

W

Chefs: Sharniquia White, Derek York, DJ Hunter

DASH Culinary Team: Back Row: Gabe Jones, Mark Van Kirk, Nathan Beule, Jack Trujillo, Jack Gowen, John Nowicki, Hayes Holly. Front Row: Diana Isidro, Gabriela Lopez, Andy Mirón, Esteysy Leon, Bere Cetina, Jesùs Zamora, Vanne Segura, Liss Perez

Full Time Facility Managers: Simon Wilson, Doug Smathers, Drew Boggan

Photographers: Laura Hartman, Isabel Paris, Cynthia Liu

E

Leadership Team: Back row: Zeb Ramsbotham, Annie Ramsbotham, Lori Hamacher, Frank Tindall, Marisa Pharr, Yates Pharr. Front Row: Nathan Newquist, Ben Williams, Diana Byrd, Paige Hafner, Doug Smathers, Kyle Jeffries, Zach Rivera.

Samara: Back Row: David Echeverria, Dani Easley, Jules Jeffries, Jeremy Gillespie. Front Row: Amanda Black, Lauren Croll, Laura Hartman.

Samara: Back Row: Matthew Kornegay, Tristan Hall, Josh Gilpin, Cricket Davis, Dusty Davis, Honey Davis, Caleb McNaughton, Isabel Paris, KC Collins, Andrew Krusen. Front Row: Madalyn Equi, Taylor Nobles, Elissa Novelli, Beck Lown, Mary Pharr, Sunny Ray, Cynthia Liu. Not pictured are Ally Stockman and Grant Pinkston.

Rob Neff

Jeff Barwick

Matt Wakefield

Joshua Christian

Steve Feingold

Paul Nowicki

Noelle Jennings

Preston Wendell

Hunter Louis

Susan Bowers

Natalie Clements

Karen Cookson

Doctors 2021 Rob Neff .....................................................June Week 1 Jeff Barwick ...............................................June Week 2 Matt Wakefield ............................................June Week 3 Joshua Christian .........................................Main Week 1 Joshua Christian .........................................Main Week 2 Steve Feingold ............................................Main Week 3 Paul Nowicki ...............................................Main week 4 Noelle Jennings ...............................................2-Week 1 Preston Wendell ...............................................2-Week 2 Hunter Louis .........................................................Junior

W

medicalstaff doctors

medical staff nurses Margaret Anderson

Catie Cornett

Erin Hiller-Vassey

Sarah Holden

Sarah Howell

Anita Jones

Mary Lobianco

Gina Mallay

Michelle McHugh

Sarah Mishoe

Brelan Montgomery

E

Dave Morgan

Chuck Neimeyer

Martha Rabon

Chris Reed

Andrew Smith

Bre Snider

Allie Sullivan

Diedra Sweet-Mohney

David Tagye

Erin Talbot

At Falling Creek, we pride ourselves in being able to create opportunities for young men to develop leadership skills. As campers mature, responsibility around camp and opportunities for leadership increase. For our rising 11th and 12th grade campers, we have two leadership programs, created to build off of their existing camp experience, and help transition them towards college, work, or returning as counselors at Falling Creek.

FLINT: FLINT (Forging Leaders INTentionally) is for boys who have completed 10th grade. Campers in this age group are still regular campers with the freedom to sign up for the activities or trips of their choice. They may continue to work on their progressions in various activities, including leadership components for the rank of Ranger or Warrior. FLINT campers are eligible to apply to the STEEL program for the following summer.

flint

W

FLINT: Spencer Greeley, Grant Greeley, Will Cameron, Dasher Evans, Parker McCollum, Griffin Eubanks, Sam Stevens, Rhodes Feild, Frank Reuther, Jack Wyland, Nikolai Snizaski, Mike Green, Conor Clinton, Lawton Jordan, Mike Mullen, John Greeley. Not Pictured: Luke Dodson.

STEEL: (Summer Training Encouraging Emerging Leaders) is our camper leadership program formerly known as Counselor-in-Training (CIT), which takes place during Main Camp. It is for former Falling Creek campers who have completed 11th grade. The selection process is highly competitive and space is limited. STEEL is intentionally designed to foster leadership, service, responsibility, and teamwork.

& steel E

STEEL: Back: William Ashcroft, Pete Curtis, John Stanfill, Finn Young, William Walters. Front: Coop Cowden, James Singhal, Walter Miller, Finn Blum, Miller Kunz

anotherfundayattheoffice

Camp Leadership in Action

Clockwise from top, left: Frank Tindall (Associate Director), Ben Williams (Outdoor Adventure Director), and Yates Pharr (Director).

Nathan Newquist (Operations Director). Paige Hafner (Communications Director). Jules and Kyle Jeffries (Program Director). Yates Pharr. Lori Hamacher (Executive Assistant to the Directors).

Marisa Pharr (Director) and Zach Rivera (Assistant Program Director). Ben Williams.

INTRODUCING THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL TRUNK STICKER! Our 2022 Trunk Sticker features beautiful Lake Summit, located about 10 minutes away from camp where Falling Creek’s sailing facility is located. This year, the annual Trunk Stickers will be part of the Christmas mailing!

SAVE THE DATE

Apply online at

ek.com

ingcre www.fall

Traditional Sessions SESSION

GRADES

DATES

June Camp

1-9

Sun, Jun 5 to Fri, Jun 24, 2022 (20 Days)

Main Camp

2-10

Sun, Jun 26 to Fri, July 22, 2022 (27 Days)

2-Week Camp

1-5

Sun, July 24 to Fri, Aug 5, 2022 (13 Days)

Junior Camp

1-4

Sun, Aug 7 to Fri, Aug 12, 2022 (6 Days)

SESSION

GRADES

DATES

May Father/Son Weekend 1

K+

Fri, May 13 – Sun, May 15, 2022

May Father/Son Weekend 2

K+

Fri, May 20 – Sun, May 22, 2022

SESSION

GRADES

DATES

Family Retreat

all ages

Thurs, Aug 18 - Sun, Aug 21, 2022

Grade denotes the ’21-’22 school year.

Father/Son Weekends

Family Retreat

a call toquarters

Reflections on an Unforgettable Summer Summer blows through us like a whirlwind—that’s what it feels like when you’re having a blast at Falling Creek Camp. This most recent summer provided immense fun for all and I say that in wonderment because, once again, Covid-19 did its best to mess with us.

W

By William “Wally” Wallace

Two summers ago, this nasty bug tried unsuccessfully to disrupt our yearning for wholesome adventures.

But the brain trust at FCC put together a calendar of expeditions that kept our campers involved in their quest for outdoor activities, while meeting the stringent restraints of North Carolina’s health officials.

“Yea Thee,” I say to all of those who made this happen! And “Yea Thee” to the campers!

This past summer we were all back together. True, there were lots of masks, and true, we had to set up a huge tent so that all three or four hundred of us could keep our social distancing during meals. Can you imagine the ways the dining staff had to change their procedures? There were so many adjustments made by so many people. What I saw was lots of extra work required of everyone. Their level of dedication was unmatched. In passing my colleagues across camp, I witnessed commitment written all over their faces— faces that reflected the demands of their great efforts— yet still shone with that famous Positive Attitude.

Given all the challenges, how did we pull off yet another summer of fun, adventure, and growth?

The answer has to be that the Falling Creek Code is

so much more than words on a plaque. In Morning Watch, we shared our experience with the Code’s meaning: Warrior Spirit, Servant’s Heart, Positive Attitude, and Moral Compass.

Last summer, not giving up was just a way of life. I saw it everywhere. But, perseverance is a lot harder to achieve if you feel alone. Fortunately, the spirit of the Servant’s Heart was alive and well. People respected the presence of others, and were fain to acknowledge their influence. No one need be alone. We reach out to one another. It’s our Moral Compass. It’s the right thing to do.

Last Words: Campers, I wish you could have seen your leaders on the final day at our last staff gathering.

How great it was to see all these people rejoice in the company of their colleagues. And I wonder, how in the world did we so thoroughly defeat the nasty virus’ attempt to dampen our achievements, our growth, our camaraderie? It’s because of the glue that binds all endeavors of any good team: shared struggles, mutual dependencies, and the love of one another as children of God.