Final Campfire of June Camp

We packed a lot into our final day yesterday! You may be reading this on the way to camp to pick up your son(s) right now - if they’re too worn out to tell you all about what we did yesterday on the ride home, here’s a brief recap:

The morning had the same excitement as any other day at camp. We woke up, met at Morning Watch for a quick message, and enjoyed a hearty breakfast of eggs, cheesy hashbrowns, sausage, yogurt, and granola. After breakfast was Morning Assembly, the time for skits, songs, and announcements. Boys were able to enjoy their final three activities around camp, or could go on one last sailing trip to Lake Summit.

Steve Longenecker also brought his birds of prey and snakes for a special educational program during the morning. Steve (known at camp as SFL) has been a long time outdoor educator, nature enthusiast, falconer, rock climber, and “lump chef” at Falling Creek since 1975. The boys loved getting to see his peregrine falcon and screech owl, and were able to learn about rattlesnakes and copperheads.

Another classic camp activity that SFL started was “Longenecker Lumps,” which are lumps of fried dough rolled in cinnamon sugar. They originated on a mountaineering trip of his in the 70s, and were brought back as an instant hit. Harrison Little and Carson Skidmore brought all the supplies to make the tasty treats yesterday afternoon, and enlisted the help of campers to make them. They made tons of lumps, and there was a long line of campers at the grassy knoll, lined up for a taste of the tradition. You can make them at home with the recipe here in this blog

During free choice, I walked by the creek and noticed some small shoes scattered by the bridge. I looked over to find four barefoot boys splashing around, catching crawfish, and playing in the stream. “We’re having so much fun,” Jack said, as Brandon held up an orange crawfish to show me. David and George were also close by, exploring the nature around them and helping look for critters. It’s been exciting to see the boys go wherever their curiosity leads them over these past three weeks.

Lunch was chicken tender ranch wraps, with carrots and celery, and brownies for dessert. In the afternoon, we finished packing, and gathered at Morning Assembly for awards. It was rewarding to see the pride in all the boys faces as they were recognized for their accomplishments in front of their peers and counselors. We also gave all the Rangers and Warriors their waypoints stickers for their maps, and congratulated the 36 campers who were here for there 5th summer this year.

Dinner was hamburgers, fries, and salad with cherry cobbler for dessert. Cabins spent the evening together and made their cabin plaques, which are mounted outside the cabin walls for years to come. Finally, we gathered for one last campfire together.

At last night’s closing campfire, we enjoyed a final chance to reflect on a great session. The campfire area is the soul of camp, and is a special place for many. Before walking across Bain Bridge and becoming silent, everyone brings a rock to add to the growing Ebenezer Wall that leads to campfire. Every Ebenezer rock serves as a physical reminder for each camper and staff member of the contributions, memories, and experiences they have had during the session. This meandering stone wall reminds us, too, of the spirits of all those who have been part of the Falling Creek Camp community – past and present.

During this time, we have our Ceremony of Light, where each person is given a candle. The first candle is lit from the central campfire, and spreads from there. Each boy lights his candle from another, symbolizing the light we share, costing us nothing to spread our light to others. It gives the boys a thoughtful reflection into their Falling Creek experience.

Once all the candles were lit, the entire campfire area was flickering with a bright, warm, glow. We began walking out to encircle the lake, one cabin at a time. As the campers and counselors walk around the shore of the lake, their candle flames are reflected back off the surface of the water. It’s a beautiful sight once everyone has walked out, and is standing in a line around the lake’s edge. To finish the ceremony, we sang “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” followed by the first verse of Taps: “Day is done, gone the sun, from the lakes, from the hills, from the skies. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.”

As we dismissed from campfire to the cabins, there were many hugs, fist bumps, and laughs between friends. The boys returned to their cabins to share one last Evening Embers together and reflect on a great three weeks. We are so thankful for the individual light that each of these boys brought to this session, and are grateful that you chose to share your sons with us. We look forward to seeing you this morning as you pick up your boys, and we can’t wait to tell you all about the fun we had.