One Last Game, One Last Song
SEE YOU SOON, MAIN CAMPERS!
It’s hard to believe pickup day is here — but we know the boys are ready to share their stories from the past four weeks, and we hope you all have safe travels home from camp.
Thursday Morning: Celebrating 25 Years of Nathan
The final full day of camp began with something special—recognizing Nathan Newquist’s 25th summer at Falling Creek. Campers and staff showed up to breakfast proudly wearing “Nathan Shirts,” and the celebration continued into Morning Assembly with Nathan-themed trivia, songs, and a few surprise guests who helped honor his milestone.
A native Texan, Nathan began working at Falling Creek in 2001 and joined the year-round team in 2008. Since 2012, he’s served as Operations Director, bringing a mix of heart, humor, and high-level systems thinking to just about every corner of camp. Whether he's solving a tech issue, designing a better process, or cheering on his kids from the sidelines, Nathan is always helping Falling Creek live up to its own motto: “Takin’ it to a whole ’nutha level.”
We’re grateful for the dedication, leadership, and quiet steadiness Nathan has brought to camp for a quarter century—and we’re even more grateful to call him a friend.
Thursday: Ironman Tradition
Thursday brought one of the most anticipated events of the session: Ironman. With 45 participants and more than 90 campers supporting as pit crew members, the day was filled with drive, determination, and constant encouragement from start to finish.
The race unfolded in five waves, beginning with a swim across Lower Lake, followed by a mountain biking loop, and ending with a final sprint up the hill. Each section demanded focus and stamina—and the boys rose to the challenge. By mid-morning, all 45 Ironmen had crossed the finish line, cheered on by friends lining the route and pit crews shouting support every step of the way.
Berkley W. earned the top spot with a course record time of 51 minutes and 50 seconds, making him a three-time Ironman champion. Right behind him was Holden H., followed by George C. whose strong finishes reflected the kind of perseverance and support that define this tradition. Whether racing, pacing, or cheering from the sidelines, the entire camp had a hand in making it unforgettable.
Final Showdown: Battle of the Bands
After lunch and a restful hour back in cabins, campers headed out for one last burst of camp-wide energy: Battle of the Bands—the final event of the Green vs. Gold competition.
Part tag, part mission-based strategy, the game had campers racing to complete challenges while dodging opponents and protecting their teammates. The stakes were high, and the energy was higher.
Gold pulled off a dramatic comeback victory, edging out Green to win the month-long rivalry. The celebration that followed was loud, proud, and full of good-natured hugs and high-fives.
Dinner & Dessert: One Last Bite
Inside the Dining Hall, dinner was filled with stories and shared memories from the day. Campers enjoyed a final plate of creamy chicken alfredo, fresh vegetables, and warm garlic bread. The highlight, though, was dessert—a s’mores pie with graham cracker crust, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows that had boys hoping for one more slice.
Candlelight Campfire
As the sun sank behind the ridgeline, we ended the session the way we always do: quietly, together, and by the lake. Each camper placed a rock on the Ebenezer Wall, lit his candle, and joined the circle with their lights.
The flicker of candlelight, the voices rising in “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” and the stillness of the lake—it was one last moment to pause, remember, and carry camp home in their hearts.
This Morning
Trunks were packed. Goodbyes were said. But even on the last day, camp still felt like camp. Breakfast together, a few final games, and time with cabinmates who’ve become something more.
Some boys are ready for home-cooked meals. Some would take one more campfire. But all of them are heading down the mountain changed—in ways that matter most.
Thank You
Thank you for sharing your sons with us. They’ve added laughter, leadership, and heart to this session—and we’re grateful for every one of them.
We’ll see you soon. Until then, safe travels down the mountain.