Saturday's Challenge by Choice
On Saturdays we take a break from our regular schedules to enjoy some special events around camp. To start the day off, everyone is treated to an extra hour of sleep so they can recharge from the busy week. The unique part about Saturdays are the tournaments that boys can participate in before lunch. This gives them some free choice and allows them to have some friendly competition in an activity of their choice. Counselors lead tournaments in all kinds of activities, from ball sports to card games to target practice - whether you are into active sports or quieter activities, there is something for everyone during these fun tournament free-choice periods. Plus, since there aren’t any adventure trips out during the weekend, it is a chance for the whole camp to participate in games together.
After Morning Assembly (the time after breakfast where we gather as a camp community for silly skits, songs, and announcements), the counselors introduced the tournaments that would be available for the morning. Each line had four different tournaments to choose from, allowing boys to challenge themselves based on their choices. Below is brief recap of the tournaments!
- Andy and Crocker led a flag football tournament on the turf field. The 16 person team “Cocoa Puffs” won in the camper bracket, but was defeated by a 5 person counselor team in the final match. Crocker said there will be a rematch so the campers have another chance to challenge their counselors!
- Rob hosted a cornhole tournament next to the gym, with teams of two people each. Connor S. and Dan M. won!
- Ford led a four-square tournament - or a Fo(u)rd square tournament! He told the campers to “be there and be square!”
- Thomas and Joe ran an “ultimate frisbee” tournament all morning on the landsports field.
- Adonis and Nemo had a soccer tournament in the “thunder dungeon” below the gym, where campers were in teams of 5. Team “Norms” was the winner!
- Wyatt led a doubles foosball tournament in the Dining Hall that was open all morning.
- Will Philpott led many rounds of Warrior Ball, one of our most popular free choice activities!
- Tre and Dan were referees for the basketball tournament, which was won by the “Cheese Sticks”!
- Jack and Trevor hosted an archery competition, which Miles and Henry won!
- Next to archery, Benjamin hosted a riflery competition, and everyone in the top 3 scored 40 or more points! Mike M. was 3rd, Patrick M. was second, and Max B. won!
- Randy led “Magic the Gathering” card matches all morning, which boys played in doubles.
- Finally, Shifty led a disc golf tournament, where boys played on the 18 hole course around camp.
At Falling Creek, every day feels like a Saturday since it’s non-stop fun with friends. However, the more relaxed Saturday schedule allows boys more of a chance for “challenge by choice.” They get to participate in some friendly competition or set a new personal record, all in activities that they choose to challenge themselves in. It’s a fun time to see how they’ve improved after a week of activities, or just to enjoy time playing with friends in different style tournaments.
Saturday afternoons continue with an all-camp-game, and this time it was Deep Woods Capture the Flag! The “game map” was double the size it was earlier in the week for Evening Program, and because there was more time, they could play more rounds! After dinner, everyone is able to have “cabin time,” where they can do activities together as a cabin. This is a treat since usually during the week, boys are on different trips and activities, and might not get to spend much time together as a cabin group.
The following morning, campers were treated to our Sunday buffet style brunch, including doughnuts from Krispy Kreme! Sundays are a more relaxed and reverent day at camp, and we are grateful for the slower pace during the weekend, allowing us to reflect on a great first week at camp. More stories from the week will be coming your way tomorrow!