What's Stronger Than STEEL?

by Leslie Sloan on Friday, July 18, 2025

They might be leaders—but the STEEL guys are campers first when playing All Camp Games.

As boys grow older at Falling Creek, something shifts.

They’ve climbed the mountains, earned progressions, memorized the trails. They’ve learned how to start a fire in the rain, comfort a homesick camper, and speak so others listen. By the time they reach STEEL, they’re no longer just campers — they’re mentors, leaders, and most of all, deeply connected to each other.

The leadership journey at Falling Creek grows with the camper. Rising 11th graders join FLINT (Forging Leaders INTentionally), a program focused on service, responsibility, expanding your comfort zone, and leading by example. For rising 12th graders, STEEL (Summer Training Encouraging Emerging Leaders) builds on that foundation. These young men apply to return as counselors-in-training, helping in cabins, assisting in activities, and serving as role models. Both programs prepare them for life beyond camp—with real responsibility, strong friendships, and quiet leadership.

Leadership at Falling Creek begins with quiet steps—learning by doing and serving with heart.

Why They Come Back

Ask a STEEL camper why he returned this summer, and the first answer might be about a skill—leadership, paddling, learning how to be a counselor. But give him another thirty seconds, and the answer always circles back to people.

I came back to get better at paddling. But once a group text went around, I realized I really wanted to come back because of who else was going to be in the cabin—Thad and Gideon.

We’ve known each other for a couple of years, but we bonded fast. Every year, it feels like we pick up right where we left off. One of the best parts about Main Camp is how long it is. You get to be really good friends because you spend so much time together.

We love talking to each other and giving each other a hard time. It’s nonstop—but in the best way.

A Friendship That Crosses Oceans

One of the most compelling friendships in this summer’s STEEL cabin is between Judd C. from Charlotte, NC, and John Hayden S.. John first came to camp while living in Dallas, and even after moving to Norway, he’s continued to return each summer. Judd joined years ago through a family connection—and this year, they made sure they’d be back together.

Our friendship was the reason we came back. Since John lives in Norway now, this felt like our last chance before college to spend a summer together.

I knew STEEL was about leadership, but I thought I’d still be more of a camper. Turns out, we’re really leading—and it’s been harder and more rewarding than I expected.

It’s been a big commitment. We’ve had wins, and plenty of tough days. But these guys aren’t just cabinmates. It’s a real brotherhood.

Becoming the Leaders They Once Looked Up To

For Gideon K., a 9th-year camper from Waynesville, NC, returning as a STEEL camper wasn’t a decision—it was a responsibility.

When I was younger, I had a STEEL leader in my cabin who I looked up to so much," he said, standing near the pickleball court where he was helping run a match.

As he spoke, two younger campers from Cabin 15—where Gideon now serves—walked up and grinned. That’s our Gideon, one said, clearly proud.

STEEL is really special. It was important to me to come back. Our cabin group is really close. A lot of us have been coming to camp for almost 10 years. That means we’ve spent nearly a year of our lives here. We’ve built a deep connection and shared so many experiences.

What They Learn by Leading

STEEL isn’t about prestige. It’s about presence. These young men don’t lead because they wear the STEEL title. They lead by example—guiding younger campers, setting up for meals, jumping in when things go sideways, and helping camp run more smoothly for everyone else.

“The STEEL guys are always active and enthusiastic. You can count on them to join in and be part of everything at camp.”
—Eleanor D. Nairobi, Kenya, Samara Linehead.

A Group That Works

“This year’s STEEL guys are a diverse group,” said Yates Pharr, Camp Director and Owner. “They come from different backgrounds and enjoy all kinds of activities—but camp is what brings them together. It’s been incredible to watch them appreciate one another and truly value each other’s gifts. They came for leadership, service, and responsibility—but I think they stay for the friendships. That part really means something to them.”

Steel Sharpens Steel

Falling Creek is built to grow with boys. As they get older, they’re not just given more freedom—they’re given more responsibility. And more chances to fail, try again, and grow stronger.

Max A., a STEEL camper from Durham, NC, reflected, “I think a lot of people stop coming to camp in high school because they feel like they have to do something impressive. But what I’ve realized is that STEEL is impressive—just in a different way.”

“The relationships here are different,” he added. “I’ve known some of these guys since we were in Cabin 1. We’ve failed in front of each other. That kind of friendship doesn’t go away. I can’t imagine a summer without Falling Creek. A piece of my life would be missing.”