Main Camp Traditions

At Falling Creek, we have wonderful traditions that have spread across the decades.

Today, we would like to highlight a few Main Camp traditions that we hold so close to us at camp. These traditions form the heart and soul of our camp, creating a sense of belonging for all who join our community.

Camp is filled with many traditions, yet these are Main Camp specific.

The Honor Council

The Honor Council is a group of selected individuals who serve as the voice for the people, which ensures that everyone’s perspectives are heard and valued. Composed of young campers, older campers, and counselors, the Honor Council embodies collaboration and shared leadership.

The council meets weekly to discuss a range of topics, including how things are going at camp, how things can improve, what’s working, and what’s not working. Through open dialogue and thoughtful discussion, the Honor Council is able to offer a camper and staff perspective to address issues, suggest improvements, and celebrate successes.

This tradition also teaches valuable lessons in leadership, communication, and problem-solving. By empowering campers and counselors alike to contribute to the well-being of the camp, the Honor Council strengthens our community at Falling Creek.

Ironman

One of the most exciting, yet challenging, traditions at Falling Creek is the FCC Ironman. This event that started in 1982 pushes our campers to their physical limits while showing great determination.

The FCC Ironman consists of three grueling segments: a 500-meter swim, a 3.4-mile mountain bike ride, and a 3.1-mile run. Throughout the FCC Ironman, the camp community comes together to cheer on the participants. Counselors and fellow campers line the course, offering words of encouragement, high-fives, and the occasional splash of water to keep their friends refreshed and encouraged.

Completing the FCC Ironman is a remarkable accomplishment for any camper. The FCC Ironman is more than just a race as it is also a celebration of the power of community.

Keeper of the Flame

The tradition of the Keeper of the Flame at Falling Creek represents the enduring spirit and values that define our camp community, connecting generations of campers and counselors.

The Keeper of the Flame is an honor. In order to achieve this, one must embody the core values of Falling Creek: positive attitude, warrior spirit, servant’s heart, and moral compass. In order to become a Keeper of the Flame, one must achieve warrior status in three or more of their camp activities. Then, you become a Journeyman, where you are able to go on a journey and become a Keeper of the flame. This shows great dedication and courage, embodying the spirit we have at Falling Creek.

The Keeper of the Flame tradition allows the boys to soar to new heights, set goals and accomplish something they set their minds to. With only 8 campers to ever become a Keeper of the Flame, It is not an easy task. It takes hard work, dedication and grit to really achieve this goal.

Candlelight Campfire

During Campfire, we enjoyed skits, songs, and finally the candle lighting ceremony. The first candle is lit from the central campfire, and spreads from there, person to person. Each boy lights his candle from another, symbolizing the individual light we hold, and how it costs us nothing to share our light with others.

Once all the candles are lit, we walk out to encircle the landsports field, everyone’s individual light creating an unbroken circle. It’s a beautiful sight, and an evening that many campers and staff think back on fondly. To finish, we sang “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” followed by the first verse of Taps. This tradition has been done the same way since the first time in the initial 1969 summer.

We would like to take a moment to thank you for sharing your boys with us this summer! We look forward to seeing you next summer.