Discovering Your Interests
Everyone in Cabin 28 (including their counselor) has been to Falling Creek for multiple summers. Still, they keep finding new things to do, and new activities that pique their interest.
Why do they keep coming back? “Because it’s fun,” said Telfair. “The memories,” said Copeland. “Because I can’t see mountains at home, I live in Miami,” said Will. “If I didn’t come to camp, I’d probably be sitting in my basement right now watching TV,” said Walton. “I’m trying to get to Warrior in soccer this year,” said Hudson. “Because there’s stuff here I can’t do as much at home, like mountain biking,” said Hopkins.
They happened to be going mountain biking on their Cabin Adventure in Dupont the following day, and a few of the boys were really excited since that was already their favorite activity. However, even though Connor and Hudson had the cabin record with 5 years at camp each, they had yet to ever go on a mountain bike trip. They were both excited to try something new with their cabin mates. It was going to be a trip they would never have otherwise thought to go on, and would maybe turn out to be an activity they’d really enjoy.
At camp we encourage trying new things, but sometimes boys surprise themselves with the things they end up really enjoying. This will hopefully be the case for Connor and Hudson after their first mountain bike trip, but it was exactly what happened for Phillip Zaki, their counselor.
Known as “Zaki” at camp, he was a camper for 4 years before becoming a counselor. He remembers trying woodworking for the first time at Falling Creek, and being inspired by the woodworking counselor, Will Vogan. After learning about the craft and practicing his new skill during the weeks at camp, he was inspired to continue following this new interest back home. Years later, he’s now returned as a woodworking counselor himself, and continues to inspire campers in the activity that he found so much happiness in as a camper.
The woodshop has continually been busy and popular this session. That is partially due to the fun of the activity, but I’m sure much of it is due to Zaki’s fun personality and easy-going nature. Many campers choose their activities simply based on the incredible counselors who teach them.
I asked the cabin, “How would you explain camp to someone who has never been before?” One of them said, “Camp is a place where you really feel good at the end of every day.” We’re certainly looking forward to many more good days ahead.