John Bates has been involved with Falling Creek for 19 summers; ten as a camper starting in 1992 and nine as a staff member working primarily as an adventure paddling instructor. He has been a part of many of our Father/Son Weekends and returned in the summer of 2017 to manage the woodshop program. We are happy that this fall he joined our full-time staff as a director.

John attended the University of the South at Sewanee, TN, graduating in 2006 with a BA in History. From there, he went on to pursue graduate studies in Youth Development Leadership at Clemson University. His diverse work history combines experiential education, independent living skills, recreational instruction, leadership development and team-building.

Previously John has served as a teacher’s aide at a school in Mobile, AL, for students with intellectual disabilities, worked in a residential transitions program in Hendersonville, NC, and served as program director and staff trainer at a nearby special needs program. John is certified as a lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, Wilderness First Responder, and First-Aid/CPR instructor.

In his free time John and his wife, Alexandria, enjoy hiking, gardening and spending time with their daughter, Hala Ann.

This is a great addition to the Camp's full-time staff. I look forward to working with John in 2018. sfl
By sfl on December 23rd, 2017
This is wonderful news for the camp! John will be a great addition to their full-time staff! sfl
By sfl on December 19th, 2017
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