Leadership in the Little Things
Each week at Falling Creek, we focus on a value that helps shape strong character. This week’s focus: Initiative.
Initiative means taking action without being asked — seeing something that needs doing and stepping up. It doesn’t always mean being loud or taking charge. Most of the time, it’s the quiet stuff that counts.
You’ll hear counselors talking about initiative in Evening Embers, Morning Watch, Morning Assembly, even during Sunday worship. It’s part of the rhythm of camp life, and part of how we teach boys to lead with awareness, humility, and heart.
Initiative isn’t always easy to get right. What feels helpful to one person might seem unnecessary or out of place to another. It’s not just about stepping up — it’s about paying attention. That’s why we treat it as something to practice at camp, in real-life moments that help boys learn when and how to act.
So we give them chances every day — not just in big, bold ways, but in the hundreds of small ones that make up a day.
At camp, you’ll see boys taking initiative in things like:
- Returning ping pong paddles to their rightful place
- Not arguing over a call in the Warrior Ball pit
- Gathering chess materials while waiting for a friend
- Picking up scattered tennis balls instead of leaving them
One camper used a Magic: The Gathering card to rescue a bug from the path — scooping it up and placing it gently in the grass before walking on. Quiet. Thoughtful. Completely unprompted. Exactly the kind of moment we love.
In mountain biking, initiative might mean slowing down for someone who’s struggling — or bouncing back with grit.
Kieran K. was on a tough section and took a little spill over an edge. Other riders flew past him and didn’t see him. He gave me an 8/10 hurt rating, walked his bike up the hill, and said, ‘It’s a 5 now. I can ride down because I can straighten out my leg. It’s just hurting but I’m not hurt.’
He’s persistently optimistic. He chooses fun.
Gunner, Mountain Biking Lead
In cross-country, initiative looks like helping the whole group stay together.
Declan has set the tone for the session. There’s no dilly-dally with him. He sees every guy in our group, and if someone’s struggling, he’s right there helping.
Clayton Allen, Fayetteville, AR
In strength and conditioning, it’s about taking responsibility for your growth — and asking for what you need.
Three guys showed initiative this month because they wanted to get better at pull-ups. It’s not in our program, but they came to me and asked. Now they stay after third period and we work on it. Dylan M, Ben, and Evan P have increased their pull-ups from 1 to 2 in just over a week. They’re really pushing.
Erik, Strength & Conditioning Lead
At blacksmithing, it starts with curiosity and builds into care.
I could’ve done blacksmithing last year, but I didn’t. I tried it this year and I really like it. Now I’ve made an arrowhead and a hook. I’m going to try a leaf next—and help out around the shop.
Hamil, Charlotte, NC
In paddling, it’s about noticing what needs doing—and jumping in.
After our first meal, Jack B. from Cabin 37 didn’t just leave his bowl on the ground—he looked up and asked, ‘What should I do with my bowl?’ That small moment set the tone for the whole trip. After that, everyone started pitching in, and everything ran more smoothly.
Henry Smith, Paddling Lead
Initiative can be bold—raising your hand, stepping up, asking the hard question.
But most of the time, it’s quiet:
Filling the water pitcher without being asked.
Tidying up before someone else has to.
Noticing there’s an empty seat for someone at the table.
If you’re talking with your son after camp, you might ask:
- “What’s something you did that helped your cabin or favorite activity?”
- “Who made your day easier without being asked?”
- “When did you take the lead?”
Initiative doesn’t need a spotlight.
It just needs someone who’s willing to look around—and take the first step.