Terrific Tuesday at Junior Camp
Good Morning Falling Creek!
Every day at camp starts with Morning Watch, and yesterday morning was no exception. Unlike the loud, exciting, fast-paced energy you’ll find during the rest of day, Morning Watch is a chance for us to share a quiet moment and thought for the day, one that usually sets the tone for what’s to come.
Going along with this week’s theme of “Kindness,” counselor Patton Jaynes shared some reflections on kind people in his life. Patton was a camper for 9 years before returning to camp this year to teach cross country and arts and crafts. He talked about appreciating a counselor that he had years ago: Alex, who taught backpacking. Patton explained that Alex’s kindness and enjoyment around teaching is what inspired him to be a counselor. Now he’s back at camp in a “full circle moment” this summer, inspiring the next generation of campers with his own kindness.
After Patton’s Morning Watch, everyone headed to the Dining Hall for breakfast. The only thing better than the smell of Chef Dee’s pancakes and sausage? The taste of them! We also had peaches on the tables, and up front there was a fruit and yogurt bar with homemade granola, berries, oatmeal, hard boiled eggs, and bacon.
Once everyone has had their fill, we go out to the front porch for Morning Assembly. While Morning Watch is quiet and slow paced, Morning Assembly is anything but! To kick things off, a group of campers and counselors run out the doors yelling “Goooooood Morning Falling Creek!” Then we have the “weather report” with counselor James Stone, and the “sports report” with counselors Quinn Kelliher and Dair McFarland.
Yesterday morning the skit was “bug toss,” followed by songs with the Falling Creek Band. We sang the “Rooster Song” and “Fox on the Run.” Speaking of camp music, did you know that you and your son can listen to camp songs even at home? Check out our music library here.
From there, it was time for the first activity rotation of the day! During longer sessions, the boys have a lot of freedom of choice. However, it can feel overwhelming to choose when you aren’t sure what all the options are, or you don’t know what you might like to do.
That’s why Junior Camp is the perfect “sampler plate” solution.
From the Big City to the Blue Ridge
As mentioned in yesterday’s blog, boys travel from activity to activity together with their cabin. By the end of this week they’ll have tried 17 different activities, and maybe even found something new they enjoy doing.
In Cabin 31, William from Brooklyn, New York City, was most excited about swimming. “My mom went to summer camp when she was a kid, and her camp had a blob too.” This is his first year at Falling Creek. “It’s awesome so far,” he said. “It was kinda weird being in a little cabin on the first night.”
The woods of Tuxedo are pretty different from the bustle of New York City, but William said it’s nice and calm here. “They call New York the city that never sleeps, and that’s true.” He said he doesn’t mind the night sounds here on the mountain though. When you’re at camp, it’s the crickets and cicadas that never sleep.
Fishing Friends
On the other end of the lake, Cabins 35 and 36 were fishing. Walt, Hayes, and Webb were all fishing together by the bridge. “We’re on the same baseball team back home in Alexandria, VA,” said Webb. It was his first ever time fishing, but his friend Hayes was giving him tips. “You want to move the line every ten seconds to get the fish’s attention. Bump, bump, reel,” Hayes told him.
Not long after that, Hayes and Walt got a bite on the rod they were sharing! They reeled in a largemouth bass, and returned him to the water after many “oohs and aahs” from surrounding boys.
Cabin 36 counselor, Kyle Armstrong, was fishing with them. He’s from the coast of New Zealand, but despite being by the water he doesn’t get out to fish much. “I actually don’t like fish, they’re too scaly and slimy,” he admitted. “Except I love fish and chips,” he joked.
Boys have the chance to choose what they want to do during Free Choice times, which happen before lunch and dinner. They can play games under the Dining Hall or in the Gym, but the most popular location is always the waterfront.
James and Gilliam, both from Raleigh, NC, were hanging out together by the foosball tables. James said the most fun thing he had done so far was blacksmithing, where they got to make arrowheads.
Lunch was garlic glazed chicken with rice, honey roasted carrots, warm crusty bread, and a full salad bar. There were rice krispy treats for dessert!
Take A Hike!
During the post-lunch announcements, Outdoor Adventure Director Will Wilson showed everyone how to pack their backpack for the Cabin Overnights.
That’s because last night, the first half of camp went on their overnights! They hike out to one of the many shelters on camp property, cook dinner outdoors together, and enjoy the camping experience.
The second half of camp goes on their overnights tonight, so we’ll share more about the “what” and “why” behind these overnights in an upcoming blog.
It was a fun night of camping, and for the boys who stayed in camp last night, we played a huge game of BINGO together in the Dining Hall.
Hard to believe we’re halfway through the week already. More fun is in store today for Wednesday!
