Camp Veterans

What makes one a camp veteran?

Well, these boys have been here for 6 years or more and which we believe definitely makes them veterans at Falling Creek.

Today, we went around asking some of the veterans what they love about camp, why they keep coming back, and how Falling Creek became their home away from home.

The responses we received were absolutely beautiful, we are honored to share this with you.

What is your favorite thing about camp?

Wade M. is 15 years old, this is his 7th summer here at Falling Creek. His favorite thing about camp is blacksmithing, being able to express his creativity in a more unusual way.

George C. is 16, from Nashville Tennessee, and this is his 6th summer here. His favorite thing is being able to do a range of activities that he is not able to do at home, such as horseback riding.

Gideon K. is 15 from Waynesville, NC, and celebrating his 8th summer with us. His favorite thing about camp is the community, he loves seeing familiar, as well as new faces.

James A. is 14 years old, from Birmingham, Alabama and he is joining us for his 7th summer. He says the people, the community and friendships are his favorite part about FCC.

Judd C. is 16 years old, from Charlotte, NC, and he is here for his 10th summer, he was joined by friends John S. and Ransom A. Judd’s favorite thing is the adventure activities, particularly mountain biking.

John S. is also 16 years old from Arsland, Norway and he has known Judd and Ransom for 5 years now. This is his 6th summer at FCC and he loves the adventure opportunities including mountain biking, fly fishing and paddling.

Ransom is also 16, from New York and also experiencing his 10th summer with us. His favorite thing is the wide opportunities of activities as well as the connections he makes with people.

What brings you back to camp again and again?

Wade - it is the friends I have made, as well as the activities that camp has to offer that keeps me coming back. I enjoy the trips and am excited to go on a mountain biking trip. “It is everything at camp.”

George - “it is the freedom to choose my own path.”

Gideon - “it is the ability to progress and get better, as well as the people and the beautiful place.”

James - “my best friend, we met during my first camp here and because we live so far from each other, this is how we spend time together.” Creating a lifelong friendship.

Judd - “the amazing friendships I’ve made, and the endless opportunities.”

John - “I have become so close to the people at camp, it would be difficult not to keep coming back.”

Ransom - “camp is a place to reconnect with the friends that I’ve made in a special place. Where we can go on adventures and have a great time.”

Would you become a Falling Creek Counselor, and why?

George - “Definitely, as a way to come full circle and get the full experience.”

Gideon - “Yes, definitely. To experience camp from a different perspective as well as giving back to the camp community.”

James - “100%. Camp has given so much to me, this is a way to give back.”

Judd - “Yes, I believe it will be a great opportunity.”

John - “Yes, I would love to, it would be a really cool experience.”

Ranson - “I would! It would be great to give back to a community that has taught me so many valuable lessons and reiterate the code.”

Is Falling Creek like your second home?

Wade - “Yes, there is this sense of familiarity.”

George - “It is a home away from home. I know everyone, it is a community.”

Gideon - “I have been here a long time, I know my way around and I don’t feel out of place.”

James - “100% it has become a usual part of my life.”

Judd - “Absolutely. Arriving on opening day and leaving on the last days actually brings tears to my eyes.”

John - “Yes! It totally is a second home.”

Ransom - “Most definitely. I have met some of my best friends here. I can really be myself and I think that is no better description of what it means to be home.”

What is the most valuable thing that you have learnt at camp?

Wade - “How to treat people with respect.”

George - “Definitely the outdoor skills.”

Gideon - “Learning to help others.”

James - “It is totally okay to not be good at something at first. Camp is a place where you don’t have to be the best at everything, but it will help you improve.”

Judd - “To embody the Falling Creek Code, outside of camp, at home, at school, everywhere.”

John - “Brotherhood, no better fraternity. It is something you can’t really find anywhere else.”

Ransom - “It taught me to embrace who I really am. I have made relationships with people who are going to add value and improve my life.”