Why Camp? (From The Staff Perspective)

Why did our staff enjoy working at camp? What did they gain? Would they recommend Falling Creek?

Here are their reasons for “why camp”, including the ways they saw growth relationally, professionally, spiritually, and personally.

Relational Growth

“I feel as if I was able to grow out of my comfort zone and be a better man and leader this summer. It has been a transformational experience for me to be a counselor at this camp and I have formed so many relationships, it has been awesome. I am so proud of myself and the other staff members for how we did this summer.”
- Asher S., Asheville North Carolina

“I have gained so much from this summer. I came in unsure about the position I was about to be in. I had enough experience to land me the job but was still nervous and unsure about some of the skills. I however was supported the second I stepped into camp. I was taught so much through my leadership and I have not only gained hard skills for my future but soft ones as well. With this, I have gained a lot of personal experience and growth within myself. Situations I would not have thought I would be in this summer have helped me gain confidence in the work field and mature as an individual. However, I wouldn’t have been able to grow personally and professionally without the friends I made this summer. The relationships I made I will never forget. They started out as friends but now have become my family. I can not thank Falling Creek enough for bringing them to me. “
- Care S., Cave Spring, GA

“Falling Creek blew me away with all of the ways that everyone there shows they care. From the minute I arrived in May, I was so scared and nervous for the summer, but everyone made me feel so comfortable and welcomed. The people that are hired at FCC truly are the best of the best and getting to know such amazing people was so meaningful to me.”
- Evi-Jane G., Winter Park, FL

“I never take a minute of my time on that mountain for granted. Understanding I have been placed in such a beautiful place is not something that passes me by. Working with people from all different backgrounds and ages taught me a lot in moments of triumph and challenge.” - Eleanor D., Spartanburg, SC

“I feel I grew relationally by being able to connect with people at an accelerated rate due to the fact that we were experiencing the same camp journey in our small camp bubble. We had to depend on one another for support and care while pouring our all into the campers. It was great to learn how different staff grew up in many different parts of the world and what brought them to camp.”
- Drew F., Wake Forest, North Carolina

“Going into the summer, one of my goals was to learn to develop meaningful relationships with others. I feel like that was absolutely achieved and I have noticed a profound difference in making connections with others this year at school because of my summer experience.”
- Evan S., Boone, North Carolina

“The people I met in that short time have become some of my best friends and I am so blessed to have met them. An environment like that really helps you build relationships and friendships and I don’t think I will ever forget it.”
- Jay W., Birmingham AL

Professional Growth

“In terms of career goals I have further expanded my skills and knowledge of working with kids in the outdoors. This helps to support my goal of going into the field of Outdoor Ed/ Recreational Therapy. I grew as an individual this summer and made friendships that are so incredibly deep and intentional.”
- Etta P., Delaware, OH

“I have gained many social skills in learning how to communicate better professionally. Personally I learned more about how to use my time wisely, and knowing when I need to take a break for myself. I’ve made so many meaningful connections with people, who I am still talking to and keeping up with!”
- AJ L., Fountain Inn, SC

“I worked as an activity leader this summer and it really pushed me to grow my confidence in myself. I was making decisions and leading a group of people who all had different levels of experience at our activity and I got to help them grow and they helped me grow my leadership skills. I think being an activity lead also helped me grow the skills to lead a team of people that I may do one day in the future.”
- Heather M., Mars Hill, North Carolina

“My summer job at Falling Creek was one of the first times I felt that my skills and passions fit into a professional position. Holding some sort of responsibility constantly kept me on my toes and provided fertile ground for me to grow my sense of empathy. I feel less self-conscious and have a newfound ability to focus on others.”
- Evan S., Boone, North Carolina

Spiritual Growth

“I really made some awesome friendships throughout the summer that I’m sure will last for life. Camp is a place where you go and leave all your life and concerns behind, and it gives you a chance to really connect with people without screens and also with God.”
- Johann G., Puebla, Mexico

“Coming back to camp was so wonderful for me in so many different ways. Being able to reconnect with a place that I loved being in during my childhood helped me grow spiritually and emotionally while I was also able to forge so many new relationships and experiences.”
-Everett N., Charlotte North Carolina

“This community pushed me to further my relationship with the Lord and being surrounded by likeminded Christians helped me to succeed in that.”
- Etta P., Delaware, OH

“Taking on the job at Falling Creek was a step of faith that I took. Seeing the way in which God uses a place to change lives, constantly being immersed in God’s beautiful creation, and being in the fellowship of others who live by the spirit all came together to provide such profound growth in my life. I feel that lots of loose ends in my spiritual life have been sorted out. I have a fresh perspective and a direction to focus my life on. With the heightened confidence in my faith, I can walk with the Lord in boldness.”
- Evan S., Boone, North Carolina

Personal Growth

“I feel like I became more outgoing and more comfortable leading people throughout the summer. Including both campers and other counselors.”
-Drew W., Cary, North Carolina

“I feel I grew personally by learning how to live with many different people all at once. I have never had to share a living space with many other people yet alone with nine other individuals all at once. Being responsible for the well being of your cabin allows one to step up and be a parent figure while the campers are away from their normal routine and away from their parents.”
- Drew F., Wake Forest, North Carolina