Couch to Camp
Let’s Be “Present on Purpose” This Summer!
This 11-week countdown will share all the important details you need to be ready for All-Staff-Orientation on May 29th, 2026. The goal is for you to go from “couch to camp,” getting you familiar with camp even if you’re brand new to Falling Creek. Each week will have a theme, resources, and tips to set you up for success this summer!
These resources will be shared on our social platforms including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and staff blog, as well as sent to your email inbox each week.
If you miss a post or want to see all the links in one place, we’ll be updating this page weekly to keep all the “Couch to Camp” details in a convenient location!
2 Weeks To Go
Orientation Prep
It’s hard to believe that 2026 Staff Orientation is just two weeks away! When you arrive at camp it will be a whirlwind of meeting people, getting familiar with camp property, soaking up informational sessions, and preparing for activity teaching. To help you get ready, we’ve put together a list of tips for your first week at camp.
- Check out the video below by Eleanor, next in our Coin Toss Series, with tips for what to bring to Staff Orientation!
- How can you make the most of Staff Orientation? Check out this blog.
- In case you missed it during “4 Weeks To Go: Travel and Transportation,” be sure to review this guide to find out which pick-up shuttle you’ll be on when flying in.
Coin Toss Series
Staff Orientation Tips
Continuing our video series, Natalie flipped the coin to Eleanor, who shares how she prepares for Staff Orientation, and the things on the packing list that you don’t want to forget!
3 Weeks To Go
Summer Wellness
How can you prioritize your wellness while working as a camp counselor?
- Check out the video below by Camp Nurse Natalie, next in our Coin Toss Series, with tips for how to stay healthy all summer!
- This blog from fellow counselor Heather Moffat with her personal camp wellness tips.
- This blog outlines some self-care tips to help you this summer!
- For more, you can see our summer wellness tips on the images below
Coin Toss Series
Summer Wellness Tips
Continuing our video series, Nuckles flipped the coin to Camp Nurse Natalie, who shares her top tips for staying healthy and feeling good while working at camp this summer.
4 Weeks To Go
Travel & Transportation
This week is all about how to get to Falling Creek.
- Check out travel tips from Mike Nuckles (below) in the next video of our Coin Toss Series
- Below you’ll also find a video that shows the step by step driving instructions for Staff Orientation arrival.
- Flying to camp? New this year: This guide will detail our pick-up shuttles and great hotel accommodations if you arrive early.
- Prefer written driving instructions? Read this blog post, which shares the GPS address (different from our mailing/shipping addresses!), driving directions, instructions for flying, and other tips to make your arrival as smooth as possible.
Coin Toss Series
Flying To Camp
Continuing our video series, Charlie flipped the coin to Mike Nuckles, Camper Development Director, who shares some tips and reminders about traveling to camp.
Driving Directions
Use 2900 Green River Road Zirconia, North Carolina 28790 as the address for your GPS if you’re driving to camp. Don’t forget to add an extra 10 minutes to whatever the GPS predicts for your arrival time - our driveway is long!
This video will show you exactly what to expect as you drive up Falling Creek’s driveway and where to park for Staff Orientation.
5 Weeks To Go
Tradition & Culture
This week is all about the “tradition and culture” of Falling Creek. Be sure to watch the next video in our Coin Toss series below, where Charlie shares his favorite camp tradition. Below you’ll also find a video that explains 5 of the unique events we have each summer at camp.
Falling Creek’s culture is shaped by the FCC Code, a set of values that guide the actions of everyone in the camp community. We strive to live with Warrior Spirit, Servant’s Heart, Moral Compass, and Positive Attitude. You can read about camp alumni who “Live by the Code” in this blog series.
You can learn more about Falling Creek’s traditions and history here on our website, which includes videos about Candlelight Campfire and how FCC started, explanations of daily events like Evening Embers and Morning Assembly, and even a dictionary of Camp Lingo.
Coin Toss Series
Favorite Camp Traditions
Continuing our video series, David flipped the coin to Charlie Friedrich, the Sorrel Line Head, who will share more about Morning Assembly, his favorite tradition here at camp.
Traditions at Falling Creek
First time at camp this summer and new to Falling Creek’s traditions? Today, Director of Camper Development, Mike Nuckles, is explaining 5 events/traditions we have here at camp, when they happen, and why they matter within the camp community. Check out the video on our YouTube channel here.
6 Weeks To Go
Forms & Training
This week is all about forms! Summer is just around the corner, which means the due date for staff forms (May 1st) is also rapidly approaching.
To help you with the what, where, why, and how to fill out these forms, this blog can act as your cheat sheet to getting your organized and ready to be “present on purpose” before Staff Orientation starts.
Just looking for the links?
- CampinTouch is where to find your Physicians Form, Online Health Form, Text Message Opt-In, Travel Form, and staff bio questions for the Meet Our Staff page on our site. Some of you have already uploaded a photo, but it may be too blurry or not meet our headshot photo guidelines.
- WorkBright is where you’ll fill out your Tax Form, Direct Deposit form, and upload any applicable certifications.
- Expert Online Training is where you’ll find the mandatory pre-orientation training videos.
Coin Toss Video Series
Watch it below! Continuing our video series, Imani flipped the coin to David Echeverria, our lead blacksmith and year-round maintenance manager.
Staff Call April 23rd
Don’t forget about our next All-Staff Call, coming up soon on Thursday, April 23rd at 8pm EST. Check your emails for the link to join via Google Meet!
Coin Toss Series
Filling Out Forms
Continuing our video series, Imani flipped the coin to David Echeverria, our lead blacksmith and year-round maintenance manager, who will share his tips for getting your forms done before camp.
7 Weeks To Go
Communication & Connection
This week we have tips for staying in touch with family, friends, and your faith while at Falling Creek. How can you manage to stay present at camp, while still staying connected to the people you care about back home?
In this blog, Staff Director Jeff shares 4 tips for staying connected to your faith this summer.
Meanwhile, this blog from last summer shares tips from some veteran camp staff, who have personal experience with staying connected to family and friends despite busy schedules and time zone differences.
Below you’ll find the next video in the coin toss series, our mailing and shipping addresses (they’re different!) as well as our contact information and links to camp’s social media accounts.
Coin Toss Series
Connection At Camp
Continuing our video series, Erik flipped the coin to Imani Brice, our head baker, who will share her tips for making connections at camp.
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 98
Tuxedo, North Carolina
28784
Shipping Address
816 Falling Creek Camp Rd.
Zirconia, North Carolina
28790
GPS Address
Only for entrance directions, not our physical office address.
2900 Green River Road
Zirconia, North Carolina
28790
You can also find directions to get to Falling Creek and learn more about travel to and from the camp.
8 Weeks To Go
Gearing Up
This week is all about camp gear and getting “adventure ready” for this summer.
- Check out the “What’s In My Backpack” video below
- See Erik’s packing tips in the next “coin toss” video below
- You can get the staff packing list here, which includes the necessary gear list for Cabin Overnights.
- See examples of the gear on the packing list below
- Want more details on what a Cabin Overnight is? Watch this video.
Coin Toss Series
Gearing Up
Continuing our video series, Harrison flipped the coin to Erik Figueroa, who will talk about the gear you don’t want to forget on cabin overnights and trips.
What’s In My Backpack?
Staff, not sure what to expect on your first Cabin Overnight, or overwhelmed by what to pack? Outdoor Adventure Director, Will Wilson, shares all the tips so you can be “adventure ready” in this video!.
Full Packing List
9 Weeks To Go
Expectations
This week is all about expectations for life at camp!
- Learn the Falling Creek Code, the four values that provide the framework for how we live and interact with each other at camp.
- Watch Harrison’s coin toss video about his favorite aspect of the FCC Code (shown below).
- See those values in action with alumni who “live by the Code” in this blog series.
- How does camp build character? Read this blog by Bob Ditter, child and adolescent therapist, to get a glimpse at the ways you’ll be making a difference in the lives of kids this summer!
- Read through the expectations we have for everyone in the camp community, including our Bullying and Harassment Policy, Social Media Policy, and statement on respect at camp.
- Finally, check out the daily bell schedule below, or download it here to see what the structure of each day will be at camp.
Coin Toss Series
Camp Expectations
Continuing our video series, Hannah flipped the coin to Harrison Keys, who will talk about his favorite aspects of the FCC Code.
10 Weeks To Go
Location & Tour
This week is all about the location of camp!
First-time camp counselor and wondering what there is to do around Falling Creek during your time off? Or maybe you’re returning but want some ideas for new places to go this summer. We made a time off guide for you!
- Check out the blog: The Camp Counselor’s Day Off Guide to explore food recommendations, outdoor recreation options, attractions, and activities in Flat Rock, Hendersonville, Asheville, and Greenville.
- Tour your summer home: see the video below or watch the cabin tour with Zach on our YouTube channel.
- Watch Hannah’s coin toss video about places to visit (shown below).
Coin Toss Series
Location & Tour
Continuing our video series, Jeff flipped the coin to Hannah Frazier, who will talk about some of her favorite places to go in the area. Hannah is Assistant Line Head for the Samara staff, and will be teaching climbing wall and arts & crafts.
Home Sweet Home
Wonder where you’ll live while working at camp? Zach is here to give you a cabin tour! Welcome to your summer home 😄
11 Weeks To Go
Introductions
This week we’re introducing the “Couch to Camp” countdown: 11 weeks of content to help prepare you for staff orientation and the 2026 summer. We invite you to join us in being “Present on Purpose” at camp!
Here you can find links to:
- Our Virtual Milk & Cookies Staff Q&A session on Tuesday, March 10th from 3-4pm EST
- Camp Lingo, a mini Falling Creek dictionary explaining the terms and phrases you’ll hear around camp.
- The video introduction of the FCC Full Time Team (shown below)
- Jeff’s introduction to the “Couch to Camp coin toss” video series (shown below)
- Fun Facts about Falling Creek (pictured below)
Meet The Team!
This week is all about introductions! Meet the Falling Creek year-round team, learn their roles, and their favorite parts about camp.
Coin Toss Series
In this video, Jeff introduces a series which will include videos from returning staff, each speaking on a weekly topic from their own experience and perspective. Throughout the videos, staff members will be flipping a challenge coin to one another.
We hope this will be a fun way to get connected and informed ahead of the summer!
