'Till We're Back Next Year
Yesterday was the final full day of Two-Week Camp. The schedule included a full morning of activities, an all-camp game, Free Choice, packing, Line assemblies, and one last Campfire before this morning’s departure.
A Wide-Open Morning on the Lake
A Special Sign up on the last day was offered by the paddling staff, who opened the Falling Creek lake to boys who wanted one more morning in a canoe or kayak. Campers chose their boats and spent the activity periods paddling with friends, practicing skills, racing across the lake, or staying close to the dock.
There were no progressions to complete and no planned route to follow. Boys were given free rein on the water and could decide how they wanted to use the time.
Two groups also traveled to Lake Summit for the morning. They paddled near the sailing docks before returning to camp for lunch and the rest of the final-day schedule.
Trips Around Western North Carolina
The Lake Summit outings followed a busy week of trips beyond the camp gates.
- Paddling: A two-day trip on the Tuckasegee River with an overnight at Tsali, another day on the Tuckasegee, and a three-day paddling and camping trip on Lake Fontana.
- Mountain Biking: An all-day ride at DuPont State Recreational Forest and a two-day trip through the Gateway and Lower Black Mountain trail systems.
- Backpacking: Trips to John Rock, Black Balsam, Tennent Mountain, Shining Rock, DuPont, Whaleback swimming hole, and Cove Creek Falls.
- Rock Climbing: A day at Gilbert’s Rock and two overnight trips in Pisgah National Forest, with climbing on the Nose and south side of Looking Glass.
Will G. of Raleigh returned from the Black Balsam and Shining Rock trip remembering “lots of walking,” “really cool views,” and time with a friend from his cabin. Finn F. caught his first fish, a rainbow trout, during a fly-fishing trip.
Deep Woods Capture the Flag
After lunch, boys returned to their cabins for an extended Rest Hour devoted to packing and cleaning. Trunks were filled, shelves were cleared, and gear began making its way back to the correct activity areas.
The afternoon continued with Deep Woods Capture the Flag. Camp was divided into Green and Gold teams, with each side responsible for finding two opposing flags and returning them to its headquarters.
Players could also earn points by pulling opposing flag belts and carrying them back to their team’s bank. The game spread across the Deep Woods area and continued until the final bell, when the Gold team was announced as the winner.
Final Free Choice
One last Free Choice gave boys time to return to a favorite activity before dinner. Campers headed to the Warrior Ball, fooseball, ping pong, and other areas around camp.
Reynolds C. of Charlotte had made two arrowheads in Blacksmithing during the session and was already thinking about next summer.
Two-Week is way too short. I’m definitely coming back next year.
The Final Campfire
Rain moved the final Campfire into the gym, where John Stanfil (Keeper of the Flame) lit the fire and continued with the usual closing program.
The boys sang “Carolina in My Mind” and “Welcome Home Son,” watched an installment of the MEG 2: Enter Globius skit, and listened to Johnny, “Beans” Ervin speak about friendship and the end of a season.
Using Robert Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” he acknowledged that camp does end. Boys return home, cabins empty, and the people who spent two weeks together separate again.
He also reminded campers that friendship requires effort beyond the summer. They were encouraged to stay in contact, to listen when a friend needs them, and to continue practicing the independence, kindness, and respect expected at Falling Creek.
Near the end of Campfire, everyone sang “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” The final verse was written specifically for this moment:
So when you leave tonight by the firelight
Please leave your spirit here
And we’ll let the trees and all the memories
Guard them all till we’re back next year
Taps closed the program before boys returned to their cabins for one final Evening Embers.
This morning, trunks are packed and families are arriving. Thank you for sharing your boys with Falling Creek for these two weeks. We hope to see them back on the mountain next summer.