Live by the Code: Servants Heart

At Falling Creek, we talk a lot about The Code. It’s made up of four values — Positive Attitude, Warrior Spirit, Moral Compass, and Servant’s Heart—and they show up in everyday camp life. This week on the blog, we’re sharing stories that highlight what those values look like in action. Some are small, some are funny, some are meaningful—but all of them remind us how the Code helps shape the way we live and treat each other here at camp.

Today we’re highlighting what it means to live with a Servant’s Heart.

This part of the Falling Creek Code reminds us that true leadership often looks like quiet service. It’s not about recognition or reward—it’s about choosing to help because it’s the right thing to do.

First year counselor from Cabin 32, Ham (former FCC camper ’13-’19), shared a powerful story about this shift in perspective. At the start of the summer, Ham said most of his questions were “me questions.”

Will I be good at this?” “Will I like my campers?” “Will I enjoy the activity I’m assigned to?

But everything changed during a moment of quiet reflection on what we call the Walk in the Woods—a solo time during counselor training when each staff member spends time alone with their thoughts and God.

Ham said he took that time to pray. When he came back, he wasn’t focused on his own worries anymore.

God told me that the activities and experiences were up to Him,” Ham shared. “It’s not on me to be great all the time. I can be excited for them.

That small but important shift—from “me” to “them”—captured what it means to have a servant’s heart.

Now I understand that God will take care of me,” Ham said. “So I can take care of my campers.

This week, we’ve seen Servant’s Hearts in every corner of camp.

During Evening Embers, the Sorrel line reflected on what it means to be respected—and how they can extend that same respect to others. One camper offered this: “Maybe we can try to help someone who’s having a hard time, so they don’t feel alone.”

The very next day, that idea came to life.

John C., from Charlotte, noticed his friend Harris was limping after breakfast. Harris had banged up his ankle during TacoCat the night before, and it took another knock during flag football. He wanted to stop by the infirmary. Without being asked, John C. walked with him all the way there and waited while the nurses checked him out.

It may have looked like a small moment—but that kind of quiet support echoes loud at camp. When one camper chooses kindness, it opens the door for others to do the same.

We also saw it during Pickleball.

Billy S. showed up to the court with an unusual item tucked in his pocket—a brand new toothbrush.

Turns out, one of the younger guys in his activity had quietly mentioned he forgot to pack his own. “The little guys don’t always want to admit they forgot something,” Billy said with a grin. And let’s be honest—we’ve all forgotten something before and tried to pretend otherwise. So, Billy grabbed an extra from his bunk and passed it off without making a big deal.

That’s what a Servant’s Heart looks like: seeing a small need and stepping in quietly, no spotlight required.

These tiny moments ripple far. When one camper leads with kindness, it makes space for others to do the same.