See You Next Summer!

As we gathered on the benches at Morning Watch yesterday, we reflected on this being the last full day of camp, not only for this Junior Camp session, but for the whole 2021 summer. It’s been a summer full of fun, growth, adventure, and excitement, and this past week was no different! For breakfast, we enjoyed warm cinnamon rolls, breakfast potatoes, eggs, yogurt, and granola. Everyone headed to the gym afterwards for one final Morning Assembly, where we laughed at skits and sang songs. Nearly all the counselors were up on stage singing along to “The General” one last time!

We packed a lot in yesterday, starting with morning activities. All over camp, boys were playing games and trying exciting new things. Down at the nature hut, Thomas, Matthew, Tre, and CJ were getting ready to go on a nature hike with their cabins, when Matthew spotted a black rat snake. These are harmless snakes commonly found in this area, with a beautiful sleek black color. Instead of saying something like, “Aah, a snake! Get away!”, Matthew used it as a teaching moment to encourage the boys’ natural wonder for the animals and plants we have all around us. He told the boys different facts about the snake as they safely admired it, which was a great way to kick off their nature hike.

Nearby at the paddling docks, T was teaching a cabin some basic canoe strokes so they could paddle around the lake. Each boy would be paired up in a canoe with a partner, so he explained the importance of working together. “If you paddle to the left, and your partner paddles to the right, you’ll just end up going in circles,” he said. “It’s important to communicate and work as a team.” After the boys paddled, they had a great time swimming in the water and jumping off the dock. What a way to cool off during these hot summer days!

After the morning free choice period, we gathered for lunch, which was hot dogs, kettle chips, fresh orange slices, and rice krispie treats for dessert! Once everyone finished eating, the counselors began the “Junior Camp Fashion Show.” During the Fashion Show, counselors parade through the dining areas, wearing items from the Lost & Found that don’t have names in them - the hope is that campers will be able to recognize their lost items and claim them. Not only is it funny and entertaining to see counselors dressed up in all the “too small” clothing, but it’s a great way to get the final Lost & Found items back to where they belong before Closing Day! During Rest Hour, everyone packed up their trunks, and gathered all their belongings so they would be ready for the trips home.

The afternoon was filled with our last fun activity periods of the week - we were climbing on the wall, blobbing each other at the docks, painting in art, running plays in football, riding the horses, and more. After working up an appetite, we enjoyed homemade pizza, fresh grapes, and salad, with cherry hand pies for dessert. After dinner, we split up by Lines and played games together on the field, courts, and in the gym. Once everyone got their post-dinner wiggles out, it was time for final Campfire.

As the boys and staff walk quietly to the Campfire area, they bring with them a rock to drop on the right, just before crossing Bain Bridge. Many others, before and after them, have added or will add rocks to this growing old style uneven rock wall for their final Campfire after each camp session. This is our Ebenezer wall. An Ebenezer serves as a reminder of God’s love, God’s real presence, and God’s assistance. Every Ebenezer rock serves as a reminder for each camper and staff member of the contributions, memories, and experiences they have had at Falling Creek Camp.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.

We closed out another great session with Campfire, and reflected back on how this past week has been filled with brotherhood and appreciation for this Falling Creek Community. We began Campfire as always with Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” After singing Taps, boys silently returned to their cabins to share one last Evening Embers together and reflect on an exciting week at camp. Junior Camp is always a great way to end the summer, with high energy and lots of fun.

As you read this, many of you may already be on your way to pick up your sons - thank you again for sharing them 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.