FAQs
What does Falling Creek look for in hiring counselors?
As directors, we view hiring the best counselors as our most important priority. In addition to a four page application, and background and reference checks, we take great care in personally interviewing all of our new applicants. Each year over 50% of our staff return from the previous summer and many are former campers. Our new staff members come from strong referrals from within our camp family.
We have the highest expectations for our staff. Some of the qualities we are looking for are maturity, great role models, and a good sense of humor. Above all, we are looking for counselors that have a sincere interest in giving to others and making a positive difference in the lives of our campers.
We provide extensive training for our staff including a week long orientation preceeded by specific activity trainings as well as Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
You can read through the Staff section of our web site to learn more about what we look for in our counselors.
What if my son gets homesick at camp?
Most campers experience some “homesickness” as they adjust to living in a new community. This is normal and our counselors are trained how to support campers as they make this transition. Feelings of homesickness are generally brief and occur during quiet times the first few days of camp. After this, camp begins to feel like a “second home”, friendships are formed and it’s full steam ahead.
Will I be contacted if my son gets sick at camp?
Our health center is well equipped and staffed by one or more nurses throughout the summer. Our nurses will take good care of your son if he needs medical attention while at camp. For minor scrapes and bruises, you will generally not be notified. If your son needs a doctor’s attention or to stay in the infirmary overnight, we will contact you. If you ever have any questions or concerns, you are welcome to call anytime.
What if my son needs to take medication at camp?
If your child has prescription drugs that need to be taken while at camp, they will be given to the camp nurses on opening day, and your child will receive his dose as prescribed. ALL medication (with the exception of inhalers for asthmatics) including aspirin and vitamins, are kept in the health center. Medications brought to camp must be in original bottles with name of camper, dosage, and prescribing physician.
How many campers can attend Falling Creek?
Falling Creek is a friendly community where everyone quickly feels like family. We limit our enrollment to 238 campers each session; large enough to allow a broad range of activity choices, yet small enough for individual attention in activities and small cabin groups.
How many campers and counselors live in a cabin?
Six or seven campers live in a cabin with one or two counselors.
What is a typical day like at camp?
No two days at camp are the same. With optional trips, special events, and theme days, there’s always something new and exciting to enjoy. Visit the Camp Program page to see a daily schedule.
How will my son sign up for activities?
Falling Creek is a traditional summer camp in that we have a balanced program with structured instructional activities and two free periods daily. On opening day, campers individually choose their top six activities to make up their daily schedule. Our program director is eager to make sure each boy has a good balance of activities and is able to accommodate changes as needed throughout the session.
One of the hallmarks of the Falling Creek program is our extensive tripping program. Campers are able to choose from a variety of out of camp wilderness trip ranging in skill level from introduction to advanced, and from single day trips to five-day trips.
