Endless Opportunites at Camp
Morning Watch Story
This Morning Watch had JGB (John Burton) telling us about how he made a bad situation into a great opportunity, when he was a boy.
He had hurt his right arm as a young boy, and thought that was the end of his sporting opportunities, until he went to camp and realized that he could do awesome, fun, activities such as playing ping pong with his left hand, and tried other programs that he didn’t think he could do. As he healed, he gave whitewater paddling a try, and it became a passion for the rest of his life. He also learned that he enjoys being involved in team sports and combined these interests to paddle with a partner in what they call a “C-2” (closed canoe boat for two). JGB kept at it and this passion turned into representing the USA in the 1972 olympics.
We spoke all about making the most of every opportunity presented to you, and how that may look like, even in difficult situations. As well as the opportunity to be kind, as everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about, so always be kind.
This week is all about making the most of every thing that is presented to you!
Interviews with Campers
Speaking of amazing opportunities, I had the great honor of speaking to some of our campers about what they would like to accomplish in their time here at Falling Creek.
Reid W. from cabin 27 is most excited about his opportunities to do horseback riding as well as woodworking. He has a little bit of horse riding experience, but he is not too experienced in woodworking. He is keen to learn a new skill, and will work hard to achieve his goal, by making a chair in the woodworking sessions. He has already successfully made a box.
Keaton B. from cabin 6 is most excited about meeting new people and connecting with people from all over the country. He is going to be learning rock climbing, which he isn’t very experienced in at the moment but he is excited to learn. His goal is to be able to go onto the Gilbert’’s Rock traditional outdoor climbing trip. This is his second year at Falling Creek and he also really enjoys the pottery classes.
Henry D. also from cabin 6, loves rock climbing! This is his first year at Falling Creek. He has experience climbing on the wall, but hasn’t climbed on real rocks outdoors. His goal for the summer is to conquer Gilbert’s Rock. He also enjoys backpacking, and can not wait to do an overnight trip.
Carr S. from cabin 15, is extremely keen to learn blacksmithing. He has never done it before and can not wait to make a J-hook, as well as the more advanced pieces such as a metal leaf. This is his 4th year at Falling Creek and his goal is to reach the Ranger level in Ultimate Frisbee.
Daniel L. from cabin 21 is most excited about making new friends this summer, and he is in the perfect place to do so! He is keen to indulge in pottery, archery and rock climbing sessions. This is his 4th year at Falling Creek and he is happy he can make new things everyday in pottery.
I had the opportunity to speak to Wyatt M. from Virginia, it is his 4th year at camp.His favorite activities include basketball, soccer, football as well as backpacking. He really enjoys the Evening Program and has fun playing the games.
The group began a discussion about survival and how humans have evolved. One of the campers shared a philosophical thought, reminding us of the wonderful joys in life. Salomon A. (cabin 7) from Colorado is only 8 years old, and he said “It’s cool that our ancestors lived, so that we could live.” He is right! I can’t think of anything cooler, and now we get to experience this cool life together.
Backpacking Trip to the Waterfalls
Today, we had some campers be some of the very first to venture off to the Falling Creek Falls using a new trail that we completed a few weeks ago. It is a fairly intermediate trail. Since camp is located on top of the mountain, this hike allows the route to the falls to be down hill, while the majority of it being uphill on the way back.
Firstly, we went over some very important ground rules. Everyone had to wear sunscreen, closed toed shoes, and bring a full water bottle. The rules included, no throwing sticks, as well as be kind to the wildlife and nature. With the most important being to stick together!
The boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves as we found little creatures on the trails, including centipedes and millipedes. Majority of the trail is shaded which was lovely as we did not get too overheated on our walk.
Notes about Homesickness:
By now, you might be getting some letters home, detailing new friends and cabinmates. While we know that many letters will contain fun stories about new activities, we also know that many will share feelings of missing home or feeling upset.
Now that the boys have been here for a couple of days and camp is still new to them, this can be a time when homesickness could begin to show in some of them. Homesickness is completely normal and we’re prepared to work with each boy, as no situation is the same.
If you do get a homesick letter in the mail over these next few days, don’t panic. These feelings are common for all campers at some point throughout the session.
Please be assured that if your son shows any continuing signs of homesickness, we will be in touch with you. A good rule of thumb typically is that no news from us is good news, and the homesickness usually passes quickly.
The boys are learning to be independent and resilient, and you are giving them a great opportunity to do that by allowing them to be at camp.