Opening Day in Six Moments

Opening Day at Falling Creek is always a whirlwind of energy, emotion, and excitement. Campers arrived with bags in tow and butterflies in their stomachs—but by sunset, laughter echoed across the fields and friendships had already begun to take root. On the way in, many families paused for a photo in front of the iconic Falling Creek waterfall, capturing the start of a new adventure. While the day held countless memories, here are six moments that defined the beginning of this June Camp.

The First High Five

That first handshake, high-five, or “Hey, I’m Jack” might feel small — but it sets everything in motion. The moment campers walk across the gravel to meet their counselors, the nervous energy starts to settle. Some campers walked in solo, others with friends from home, but by the time bunk tags were being claimed, a cabin had already started to form.

Making Camp Feel Like Home

One of the first things campers do after arrival is walk into their cabin and choose a bunk—but it's not about racing for the “best” one. Every bed comes with a view of the woods, a spot to stash your trunk, and a place to make your own. Whether they hang up photos from home, organize their books, or line up their favorite hats, campers begin the quiet process of turning a new place into their space.

It’s not really about the top or bottom bunk—it’s about the comfort that comes from unpacking and settling in. A few brought things to show and tell—new swim trunks, a favorite camp game, even a deck of cards. It doesn’t take long for a cabin to feel like home.

First Camp Meal

Lunch on Opening Day is more than just a meal—it’s the first time the cabin gathers around the table together. Campers find their spot and begin learning the rhythms of mealtime at Falling Creek.

Before eating, everyone stands behind their chairs and joins in singing the blessing—a tradition that may be new to some, but quickly becomes familiar.

“A few words in, George N. from Nashville was mouthing the words along with his cabin.”

It’s not loud or flashy. There’s no need to link arms or chant—just voices lifted in song and a moment of shared focus before the meal begins.

Afternoon Activities

By mid-afternoon, campers and counselors were getting into the rhythm of camp life. Each Line gathered for a quick meeting to learn their group cheer before setting off on a tour of camp. Along the way, they knocked out some important first-day tasks: lice checks, cabin photos, activity sign-ups, and a few games to keep the energy up and the nerves down.

The main event of the afternoon was Multiball in the gym—a high-energy version of dodgeball where Lines faced off in their first friendly competition. From across camp, you could hear shouts of “Take him out! Take him out!” as balls zipped in every direction.

Graham Z. from Charleston, playing with the Robinia Line, picked up on a strategy quickly and turned into a sniper. After spotting a loose ball, he swooped in and fired off a clean shot at an unsuspecting camper. Seconds later, he grabbed another and landed a hit on a counselor mid-sprint. His hands shot into the air as he got caught up in the moment. Graham was fired up, and the gym was electric.

Campfire Reflections

As the sun set, campers walked silently across the bridge to Campfire. The sounds of the day faded into the crackle of flames and the soft croaks of bullfrogs near the lake. Cabins sat close together, swaying slightly as they sang.

Charlie D. from New Orleans shared, “I like going to Campfire. It’s calming and relaxing. We don’t get to have fires like this at home because it’s so hot there. Campfire is special because it’s something we get to do with our cabin.”

There’s something about a first night at camp—it feels like the start of something big.