Wake. Lake. Make it Great: Mornings at Falling Creek
What Makes a Morning at Falling Creek?
There’s a rhythm to mornings at camp: one that doesn’t require an alarm clock, Wi-Fi, or a reminder to “put your phone down.” Instead, it starts with fresh mountain air, laughing boys, and the clatter of cabin doors opening as the bell rings through the trees.
Morning Watch: A Slow, Quiet Start
Before the pace of the day picks up, the camp community gathers at the foot of the lake for Morning Watch. This peaceful moment sets the tone: no music, no applause, just quiet reflection beneath the trees.
Cabins sit together on wooden benches, facing the Dining Hall tucked in the woods. One counselor steps forward to share a short message. It might be a personal story, a challenge to notice something new, or a quote that has stuck with them.
There are no interruptions. No distractions. Just space to be still.
The Warmth of Breakfast
Once Morning Watch wraps up, the slow start begins to fade. Campers make their way toward the Dining Hall, and energy starts to build.
On a recent morning, the tables were full of warm sausage biscuits, scrambled eggs, strawberries, oatmeal, and the usual fruit and yogurt bar. Conversation flowed just as freely:
- “Did you hear there’s a trip to Gilbert’s Rock today?”
- “I think I’m gonna sign up for fly fishing.”
- “Clemson football this year? Don’t get me started…”
Counselors refill their coffee cups. Campers finish their third biscuit. And just like that, it’s time to head out again.
Morning Assembly: Wake-Up by Way of Skits and Singing
There’s no better way to get moving than Morning Assembly on the front porch.
We start with the sports report, sometimes factual, sometimes…optimistic. Then comes the weather report, usually delivered by someone in costume and with highly questionable accuracy. Monday’s forecast? “Partly cloudy, high of 78, with a 100% chance of epic.”
The all-camp skit was equally nonsensical. All of the international counselors led "At a Time Like This" song and dance with Program Director Matt Sloan.
Then came the music.
The band struck up “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” and the whole porch came alive. There were off-key choruses, arm-in-arm swaying, and a few boys who looked skyward and howled, just for the joy of it.
Once the last note fades and announcements are made, the choice is theirs. Boys can stick with their regular schedule or sign up for special activities and trips:
- Paddle the French Broad
- Climb Gilbert’s Rock
- Trail ride with the horseback team
- Learn to cast in fly fishing
- Fire up the forge in blacksmithing
- Hike in Dupont (with snacks, of course)
Some boys dash off to Pushup Porch with Frank, knocking out early morning reps before activities begin. Others head to sign-up boards to make their picks for the day. The rest scatter to first period, ready to paddle, weld, ride, hike, sketch, or throw.
No two mornings look exactly the same, but each one starts with a shared rhythm: reflection, fuel, laughter, and choice.
So, what makes a morning at Falling Creek?
It’s not the biscuits (though those help). It’s not the jokes (even the Clemson ones). It’s the way each day begins: with time to think, time to laugh, and time to step fully into everything the day might hold.
“It’s a great daaaay to be alive.”