Camping & Courage
At Falling Creek, we live by a Code made up of 4 parts: Warrior Spirit, Positive Attitude, Servant’s Heart, and Moral Compass. We discuss what it means to model each of these parts of the Code during our Evening Embers discussions, church services, and campfires.
Modeling the Code can look like a lot of different things (and we’ve even done multiple blog series on each part of the Code), but one part of having Warrior Spirit means “living with courage.”
Living with courage can be a challenging but rewarding quality to practice. In fact, yesterday’s theme of the day was “courage”, and the boys were able to discuss what it means to them, and even put it into action. Last night, our first group of Cabin Overnights headed out across camp property, which can require a great deal of courage for boys who have never camped outside before, or who are not so comfortable with the idea of camping out.
Each session, we have cabin groups go camping together on these Cabin Overnights, in order to get to know each other, bond as a group, and enjoy time immersed in nature. Last night we had half of camp head out on their trips, and tonight the other half will have their opportunity. On the overnights, boys and their counselors are able to hike out to a spot on property, prepare dinner there around a campfire, and enjoy the camping experience together.
Why do we prioritize this experience for every camper? “It’s a lifelong skill that every boy should know, to be comfortable camping in the woods,” says Yates Pharr. “The camaraderie of 8 boys and 2 counselors sitting around a fire, enjoying a meal, eating smores, and telling stories - it’s hard to beat,” Yates said. “When you have just the one cabin, you can really hear the boys’ stories and they can get to know each other to bond better in friendships.” “They work as a team, they rely on each other,” Marisa Pharr added. Each of our counselors are trained to lead a camping trip, even if they aren’t part of adventure staff. “We’ve equipped every counselor during orientation to go on a Cabin Overnight,” said Marisa.
While on the overnight, all the boys from a single cabin work together to help their counselors collect firewood, cook food, and set up the campsite. They also get to play games and share stories and thoughts around the campfire. The addition of primitive shelters around Falling Creek’s woods makes camping even simpler since there is no need to pack tents. The shelters are all within the 900 acres of camp property, and many boys enjoy the chance to explore beyond the central area of camp, hiking anywhere from 20-45 minutes out to their sites.
Following the theme, the Evening Embers question for yesterday was: “How can you be afraid of something but still be courageous?” During Evening Embers boys and their counselors were able to talk about how it’s ok to be scared of something, and ways you can find courage even when you’re afraid.
For many of us, we can find courage through the support of others. Last night on the overnight trips, boys who were nervous about hiking to a campsite or sleeping outdoors were supported and encouraged by their counselors and peers. Trying new things, learning you can accomplish more than you thought possible, and being part of a supportive brotherhood are all goals of the Falling Creek experience.
Memories made on the trail while camping are some of the best, and though there aren’t any overnight trips off-property during Junior Camp, we want every boy to be able to experience those bonds that happen on trips with friends. The Cabin Overnight is always a great opportunity for a cabin to grow closer, but it is also a fun way to introduce boys to camping who may be less comfortable with the idea of sleeping outside. This morning, cabins who headed out on their overnights last night will be returning in time for breakfast, and plugging back into their activity routines.
What about the cabins who stayed at camp last night? We spent the evening playing some fun games in our Cabin Line groups, which we’ll describe in more detail in tomorrow’s blog! Today is Wednesday, and we’re looking forward to another fun day of games and activities!