Live by the Code: Warrior Spirit
Today, we’re focusing on Warrior Spirit, as we continue our series on the Falling Creek Code. The four values that make up the Code are Positive Attitude, Servant’s Heart, Moral Compass, and Warrior Spirit. Living by the Code is what we strive for as members of the Falling Creek Community, teaching and modeling these values through our activities and interactions every day.
Warrior Spirit means living with courage, always doing your best, strengthening your body, mind, and spirit, and persevering. When thinking about this part of the Code, many people overestimate the importance of physical strength, or think that being courageous means showing bravery in the face of danger or a high intensity situation. However, bravery comes in many forms. Sometimes it takes a lot of courage to perform in front of your peers on stage, but that is exactly what we saw campers and staff do on Wednesday night for the 2021 Talent Show.
When it comes to sharing talents, some people were born to be on stage, while others have to muster up the courage to be in front of a crowd. We had a total of 14 acts in the Talent Show, and each one was unique. Though some people were nervous, we’re proud of them all for sharing their voices, musical talents, and comedic skill with us. It was a great display of Warrior Spirit, and thanks to our performers, we had a fantastic evening enjoying the talents of our friends!
To start the show, Shifty and Nemo performed a funny skit where Shifty was Nemo’s hands, as he acted out his day at camp. Everyone rolled with laughter when Nemo tried to brush his teeth, since Shifty (as his hands) put far too much toothpaste on the brush and was having trouble getting it in Nemo’s mouth. Afterwards, Nathaniel R. wowed the audience by playing the guitar using only his feet. Ryan M. sang the Bazooka Bubblegum song, and had everyone laughing with the lyrics.
Zach and Cal told jokes, and Zaki impressed everyone with his musical talents, playing both the keyboard and the melodica at the same time. Sunny unicycled around the whole gym, using just one pedal at times and even jumping off the stage without falling off! Afterwards, Coley and Carson played a duet together with a guitar and ukelele.
James and Ridgeway performed the song “Life is Fun” together, and John M. shared his voice with a beautiful solo. Finn had great stage presence and encouraged fun crowd participation while singing “Never Gonna Give You Up.” A group of 9 campers, led by counselors Patrick Greenwood and Burt Young, went by the name “Tay Tay’s Boys,” and sang along to Taylor Swift - they had the whole gym on their feet, jumping around and singing at the top of their lungs!
The final three acts were also singers, with Trè singing “This Is Me” as a solo performance. Our doctor for the week, Dr. Steve, agreed to sing with his daughter to a mashup of more Taylor Swift songs (all while dressed in a skirt and blond wig!). Finally, Sammy closed out the evening by singing “Someone You Loved,” while Gilpin played along on the piano. It was a phenomenal show, and we’re proud of all the boys and staff who braved their stage fright to share their talents with the community!
All throughout the summer we see examples like these of campers and staff living by the Code. Tomorrow we’ll be finishing up our series on the FCC Code, and highlighting one final part on the four values seen in our community. Today is Friday, so we’ll be welcoming back several trips who have been on adventures off property this week. A few of them have been out since Monday, climbing, hiking, and paddling for five exciting days! Our mountain bikers have also been challenging themselves on the infamous three-day “death march,” which returns today as well. We’re looking forward to telling you more about these trips once they’re back!