Staff Testimonials

No single experience has ever contributed towards growing me into the man I am more than my years at Falling Creek. What a wonderful experience to look back on. My stories come up in casual conversation constantly. I learned discipline, brotherly love, problem solving, and numerous other life long lessons. The bonds I formed, the lessons I learned, and the memories I shared from those years of Main Camp will be something I cherish my entire life. Thank you guys so much for everything.

Sam Chambers, Montgomery, AL (camper ‘14-’16, ‘18)

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. This community pushed me to further my relationship with the Lord and being surrounded by likeminded Christians helped me to succeed in that.

Etta Pierce (Staff ’23-’24), Delaware, OH

I further developed leadership, communication and organizational skills this summer. I think I became a better public speaker and developed my ability to solve problems and lead a team effectively. I’ve made my best friendships in life through camp, its been such an incredibly special place to me. Working at Falling Creek has been the best thing I’ve ever done by far.

Jack Goodridge (Staff ’22-’24) Devon, UK

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 Norton (Camper ’14-’18, Staff ’24), Charlotte NC

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 a newfound ability to focus on others. 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. My spirituality has seen the heaviest growth. I feel that lots of loose ends in my spiritual life have been sorted out. I have 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 Stone (Staff ’24), Boone NC

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 their parents. 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 Foster, Wake Forest, NC

As a counselor at FCC, I gained valuable leadership and communication skills while fostering strong connections with both campers and fellow counselors. This experience allowed me to develop a deep sense of responsibility and accountability, which has positively influenced my personal and professional growth. Through being a fly fishing guide at camp specifically, I learned to have better patience and the importance of positive reinforcement. The memories and lessons from my time at FCC continue to shape my life in a profoundly positive way.

Jack T., Camper (‘11-’17), Counselor (‘22-’23)

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. However, I 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, and 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 Smyth (Staff ’23-’24), Cave Spring, GA

I really made some awesome friendships throughout the summer that Im 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 Graf von Westarp Arellano (Staff ’24), Puebla, Mexico

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 welcome. 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 Garnett (Staff ’24), Winter Park, FL

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 Sloan (Staff ’24-’25), Asheville NC

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 Donohue (Staff ’23-’24), Spartanburg, SC

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 Lada (Staff ’24), Fountain Inn, SC

Being a Computer Science major, a lot of people think that the careers they want to go into are just working a desk job, typing away at a computer all the time. But personally what I found out through working at Falling Creek, is that human interaction is really important for me, and so that has opened my eyes for future career paths and future roles that I’d want to take on. This is a great place to kind of figure out what you want to do with your life. It’s a place for everyone. Something I’d tell future staff or someone considering working at Falling Creek is, honestly, just do it.

Matthew G., Counselor (‘22)

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. This summer I also had the chance to grow relationships with people that outside of camp I would be too intimidated to talk too and I am only better for it. 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 Moffat (Staff ‘23-’25), Mars Hill, NC

Originally, I just wanted an easy job for the summer. I never expected to find a second home in falling creek. Every day was a new adventure I looked forward to. From the staff to the campers everything was super exciting and I really enjoyed it. I came in as a shy and somewhat introverted person but I left more confident than I could’ve ever expected. From public speaking to volunteering and doing hard things I really grew in those short 2 and half months. The people I met in that short time some have became 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 Williams (staff ‘24-’25), Birmingham AL

I feel like I became more outgoing and more comfortable leading people throughout the summer. Including both campers and other counselors.

Drew Walther (Staff ‘24), Cary NC