Keeping Positive with Progressions
At Falling Creek, we offer over 30 different activities, from in-camp to out-of-camp programs, as well as numerous special signup activities.
We have a system called progression that charts the campers progress through each activity. Some levels can be completed in a few days, while others will take a couple of summers. Campers that achieve the top two levels, which are Ranger and Warrior, will get recognised on the Hall of Fame board. We use a metric called Waypoints in order to earn these achievements.
The different progression levels that we have start with Scouts, moving to Explorer, Challenger, and finally Ranger and Warrior.
- Level 1: Scouts
- Level 2: Explorer
- Level 3: Challenger
- Level 4: Ranger
- Level 5: Warrior
Each level has a set of criteria that a camper must complete in order to advance in the activity. These levels are usually skill based with some leadership and service components required in the final levels.
These levels allow campers the opportunity to reach goals as well as build skills.
Becoming a Journeyman
Once a camper has achieved Warrior status in at least three different activities, they have the opportunity to become a Journeyman. The camper has to also consistently live by the Falling Creek Camp code.
During Main Camp, the camper who has become a Journeyman can attempt to earn the coveted status of Keeper of the Flame.
Will Cameron became a journeyman in 2021 by achieving Warrior status, in not only three but four different activities. Will started going to camp at 10 years old 2015, this would be the second year that this tradition existed.
In 2017, he started taking his progressions seriously as he fell in love with backpacking. He joined every single backpacking trip that year and by the end of the summer, he had achieved his Warrior status in backpacking. Will says that it was extremely difficult, super fun and greatly rewarding. In 2019, Will achieved his Warrior status in rock climbing, thus increasing his desire to reach the Journeyman status. And by 2021, he had become a Warrior in both Disc Golf as well as in Woodworking, qualifying him as a Journeyman. He worked extremely hard to get to this point, and credits his commitment, dedication and motivation.
Now, it was time for the ultimate test, becoming Keeper of the Flame.
Keeper of the Flame
Becoming Keeper of the Flame is the highest level of achievement at Falling Creek.
This not only allows a camper to be recognized for living by the FCC Code and achieving a high level of skill in multiple activities, but also means they can light the fire when we have our weekly campfire, a tradition that has been around since the beginning of camp.
We have spoken to our very own, Will Cameron, about how he managed to achieve Keeper of the Flame as a camper. He is now a counselor teaching climbing wall and fitness, and still lights the fire at campfire to this day, keeping the tradition alive.
Will Cameron spoke about his journey to Keeper of the Flame, and we would like to share his story with you. Following achieving Warrior status in Woodworking, Backpacking, Rock Climbing as well as Disc Golf. Will’s determination did not cease there.
He describes those achievements as stepping stones to the real deal. Will’s mentor at the time, counselor Mitch Budihas, assisted him with his journey, teaching him techniques and ensured he could start a fire in various conditions. One mysterious night, the journey to Keeper of the Flame began, and Will joined 8 other boys on an adventure to try to conquer these challenges.
Challenge 1 involved building your own fire in extreme and harsh conditions, which Will has already had practice with, thanks to his mentor. Challenge 2 involved a service project, where Will was able to prepare, source, and ensure there was wood for future Campfires by chopping and stacking firewood by hand. This was actually his favorite part. These challenges are conducted in silence as a part of the process. Finally, the mental and physical challenge, which involved finding certain locations using a map and compass. By now, we were down to only 2 journeymen. Will passed the challenges and was rewarded Keeper of the Flame in 2021.
Now Will is a counselor who hopes to inspire and encourage young campers to become great Keepers of the Flame. As the journey taught him great resilience, dedication, and proved his commitment to Falling Creek and its Code.