Main Camp Highlights
How Did We Get Here Already?
It’s hard to believe we’ve arrived at the final stretch of Main Camp — but here we are, soaking up every last moment of a session filled with challenge, growth, and unforgettable memories.
Here are just a few highlights from this final week at camp:
Evening Program: Talent Show & Play
On Tuesday night, campers took to the stage for a show that had the whole gym buzzing. From piano solos and pop songs to card tricks, comedy, and original skits, the Main Camp Talent Show gave boys a chance to share their creativity and courage. The Performing Arts group also debuted a short theater performance they’d been working on throughout the session—earning plenty of laughs and applause.
“I was surprised at how well it all came together because we were never able to do a complete run-through,” said Colin Oram, the Performing Arts activity leader. “Despite missing a few lines here or there, with a few improvisational moments, people did really well.”
Thanks to every boy who stepped up and shared something personal, funny, or bold. It was a true celebration of the many ways Falling Creek campers shine.
Journeyman: Silence, Fire, and Resolve
On Monday night, six campers embarked on the most demanding challenge of their summer: the Journeyman Journey. Journeymen are boys who have earned the Warrior level in three activities and demonstrated steady leadership and character in daily camp life. Just being selected is an honor—but those who take on the final Journey are eligible to become Keepers of the Flame, one of the highest achievements at camp.
The Journey began Monday night and stretched through Tuesday, testing body, mind, and spirit. The challenges included fire-building with limited matches, a service project of chopping wood for future campfires, and a silent orienteering course across 900+ acres of camp property. Campers had to locate hidden checkpoints using only a map and compass—all in complete silence.
This year, though a few boys made it to the final stage, none completed the orienteering challenge within the time limit. Jack S. (Cabin 40) came incredibly close—locating all 10 flags but returning just a few minutes past the cutoff. “I still have a sense of accomplishment for coming so close,” he reflected. “Not yesterday of course, but today. Being so close lets you know you had what it took. Falling Creek is a place that lets you push yourself… The Journeyman is something worth trying. I gained friendships for life, and everything I learned at camp truly came together during this 24-hour test.”
Yates Pharr shared, “The Journeyman is a relatively new tradition at Falling Creek, but it has tremendous value for our campers. It is useful for pushing boys beyond their comfort zone. It requires strategic thinking and grit just to participate.”
We are proud of all six boys who took on the challenge:
- Jack S. – Cabin 40, mentor: Luke Dodson
- Andrew K. – Cabin 39, mentor: James Drury
- Berkley W. – Cabin 38, mentor: Webby Webster
- Grant L. – Cabin 38, mentor: William Ashcroft
- Will M. – Cabin 38, mentor: Whit Flickinger
- Gideon K. – Cabin 40, mentor: Asher Sloan
While no new Keepers of the Flame were named this year, each of these young men walked away with a deeper understanding of themselves—and left a lasting mark on the Falling Creek community.
Educational Program: Steve Longnecker
One of the most anticipated programs in our final week is always the Wildlife Assembly with Steve Longnecker—affectionately known around here as “Father Nature.” With a ball python around his shoulders and a red-tailed hawk on his glove, Steve captivated campers during a lively, educational, and often hilarious session. Boys learned to identify local snakes, heard stories of animal encounters, and got to see incredible creatures like the peregrine falcon up close. As always, Steve reminded us that understanding nature is the first step to respecting it—and that the world is full of wild, wonderful things if we just stop to look.
Evening Program: Awards Banquet
During dinner, we celebrated camper progress and character at our Main Camp Awards Banquet. Campers gathered in the Dining Hall for a special dinner served by their counselors—a long-standing tradition that honors their growth and contributions this session. Throughout the meal, activity leaders presented awards, Warrior and Ranger recognitions were announced, and the energy in the room was full of pride and joy.
Earlier today at lunch, we also highlighted one of the session’s most exciting side competitions: the Pickleball Tournament. Activity Director Mike Nuckles and camper Steve P. from Charlotte, NC took home the championship title—earning cheers and bragging rights after a string of tightly contested matches. Their focus, teamwork, and sportsmanship made them crowd favorites and role models for how to compete the Falling Creek way.
The banquet carried that same spirit—recognizing not just talent, but effort, character, and the bonds formed over a month of challenge and growth. It’s one of our favorite nights of the summer, and one the boys will remember long after the plates are cleared.
Looking Ahead: The Ironman
Today at 10:00 AM, the Ironman will begin—one of the most anticipated events of the entire summer. This triathlon-style challenge will push campers to their limits across three stages: swimming across the lake, biking and running on the trails in camp. It’s a test of stamina, mental focus, and determination—and a celebration of everything boys have worked toward all session long.
This year, 45 campers will take on the Ironman, launching in five waves. Each Ironman will be supported by a personal two-member pit crew, making up a team of 90 crew members working behind the scenes to hydrate, cheer, and help their racer through transitions. From the cheers at the swim dock to the final run around the field, the whole camp comes alive in support of this massive effort.
It’s more than a race—it’s a rite of passage, a team experience, and a final opportunity for boys to give their all, together.
What began as a summer adventure has become something far more. In just a few weeks, these boys have paddled whitewater, memorized skits, climbed high places—internally and literally—and forged friendships they’ll talk about all year. It’s easy to measure a summer in days. It’s harder to measure it in character, in grit, in gratitude. But that’s what truly grows here. More than a month at camp—it’s a launchpad for everything ahead.