Main Camp Has Begun!
We’ve been waiting to say this for a long time, but it’s finally here—Opening Day for Main Camp 2025!
This morning, we welcomed 313 campers from 25 states and 5 countries to the mountain. The first families arrived with the sun shining through the fog and by mid-morning the sun was shining on the lake—and the energy didn’t let up for the rest of the day.
Among this group are 25 first-time campers, beginning their very first adventure at Falling Creek, and over 71 boys returning for their fifth summer or more. We even have 2 campers joining us for their 10th year! Whether they’re brand new or seasoned veterans, we’re excited to walk alongside each of them for the next four weeks.
From Cars to Cabins: Opening Day in Motion
We thought we were ready—but nothing matched the joy on the boys’ faces as they hopped out of their cars, met their counselors, and started unpacking in the cabins.
Counselors were quick to help each camper settle in, and soon enough the fields, courts, and porches were full of games, introductions, and the happy buzz of the first day.
I’m probably most nervous about missing my parents. But I’ll be ok. I passed the swim test last year, so the big stuff is out of the way. It just takes a little bit to really get going.
-Jack S. Cabin 1, second year camper
We caught up with friends Marsh D. and Sam H. from Atlanta. Marsh is back for his fifth summer, and Sam decided to come to camp for the first time because, in his words, “Marsh kept talking about it so much—I wanted to try it too.” When asked what items he packed, Sam didn’t hesitate: “I was nervous about being too hot. I packed a fan for sure!”
Marsh, who brought his own fly rod and reel this year, shared that fly fishing is hands-down his favorite activity. “I can’t wait to get out there.”
Lunch, Sign-Ups, and Camp Tours
By lunchtime, boys were already forming new friendships over plates of fried chicken, green beans, rolls, and chocolate chip cookies. A hearty meal to fuel the rest of the day.
Afternoon rotations included:
- Swim checks at the lake
- Camp tours to learn the lay of the land
- Cabin photos (one serious, one silly—of course)
- Activity Sign-Ups for their six daily classes
Boys also got their first taste of freedom with special sign-ups—a daily option to explore longer activities like blacksmithing or fly fishing, or to head out on one of our many off-property adventure trips.
Max M. from Baton Rouge, LA signed up right away for blacksmithing. “I want to make a gift for my grandparents,” he said, excited to get started.
Younger Voices, Big Energy
Down the hill, we met younger camper Brooks C. from Atlanta, proudly talking about the item he would never leave behind, a stuffed Kermit the Frog. “I brought him from home,” he said matter-of-factly, before rattling off what he’s most looking forward to: “Backpacking, fitness, and the climbing wall.”
Jesse C., a fourth-year camper from Latta, SC, already has his eyes set on the Ironman challenge later in the session. “It’s a lot of work, but I’ve watched the older boys do it and I’m going to go for it,” he said. “I also want to try fly fishing.”
Cabin Goals and Line Meetings
In each line, boys gathered with counselors and leadership to set goals for the session. At Robinia, a camper named Grant P. helped lead the group with this challenge: “Meet someone new every day.”
Assistant Line Head Whit Flickinger encouraged the boys to be intentional with one another:
“If at the end of the day, we can be attentive to the guy across the table from us, we will have an amazing summer.”
Evening Program: Opening Campfire
After dinner and Evening Program, we gathered for Opening Campfire—where cabins introduced themselves and set the tone for the summer ahead.
There were songs, reflections from our leadership team, and time to look ahead to the month to come. It’s the first of many fires we’ll share.
Campfire is my favorite tradition at camp and the thing that I think about most when I am at home. I missed the music, the bond that gets created with my cabin and the quiet. It helps you to feel closer to everyone and everything.
-Lee S. Athens, GA
What’s Next + Where to Follow Along
Today marks our first full day of scheduled activities. From mountain biking to pottery, chess to climbing, every camper will begin finding their groove.
Daily Photos will be uploaded by lunchtime each day via your CampInTouch account or the Campanion App (downloads are free). These galleries give a glimpse into life on the mountain—not every camper, every day—but enough to follow the rhythm of the session.
Blogs will be posted each morning, usually around 9:30AM. Expect short stories, reflections, and even guest posts from staff throughout the summer.
Final Note to Families
We know that sending your son off to camp can stir up lots of feelings: pride, nostalgia, maybe even a bit of anxiety. You packed his trunk, gave that one last hug, and trusted us to take it from here.
Thank you.
Our promise is that this will be a place where your son is known, encouraged, challenged, and celebrated. He will grow. He will laugh. He will persevere. And by the time you see him again, you’ll be amazed by how much he’s discovered about himself.
Let the fun—and the adventure—begin!