2010 Summer Staff

	2010 Staff
	Virginia Anderson teaches for the Henderson County School system and will be back in the Program Office for her fifth summer at the Creek. Her son attends camp.
	Emi Arnold is from Jacksonville, Florida, where she majored in Art History & Secondary Education at the University of North Florida. She is now in graduate school at the University of Alabama. Emi will be working in the Arts & Crafts Program and Indian Lore. This is Emi’s fourth summer at Falling Creek.
	Mark Baden is a former camper and Eagle Scout from Raleigh, North Carolina, and is back for his first year on staff. He is a sophomore at Duke University studying Civil Engineering and involved in Navy ROTC, club basketball and Campus Crusade for Christ. Mark will be a part of our Mountaineering staff this summer. “I want to pour into my campers the same spirit and enthusiasm they poured into me when I was a camper.”
	Alli Baker is a junior at the University of Virginia majoring in Spanish and Elementary Education. Her experience with youth includes volunteering at a childrens’ museum, tutoring in the Dominican Republic, leading childrens’ church and working as a camp counselor. Alli grew up on a farm in Hartwood, VA, and will be teaching arts & crafts and horseback at camp this summer.
	From Fort Myers, FL, Betty Balsamo returns to the camp infirmary for her seventh summer. She and her husband Richard have a summer home nearby. Betty’s grandson attends Falling Creek.
	Taylor Barker is a former camper from Greensboro, NC, and is a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This Eagle Scout has taught lacrosse, kayaking and ballroom dance. As a camper, Taylor was always on the river. Taylor is back for his first summer on paddle staff.
	Lori Beese from Largo, FL, joins the Falling Creek infirmary team for her 17th summer. She and nurse Betty were childhood friends. They reunite each summer to be together at Falling Creek.
	PeterBishop (Bio) is from Reading, England. He returns for his third summer. He has been working in New Zealand managing a swimming pool facility. You can expect to see Peter down at the swim docks again this summer.
	Jez Blanchard returns for his fourth summer on paddle staff. He is World Cup Freestyle Champion, three time world cup event winner, Australian Rafting Team member, six time Australian National Champion, and Team Jackson Kayak member. He has co-produced films through Skippy Films and has instructed whitewater kayaking in both the USA and Australia for over a decade.
	Kemberly Campbell is from Wytheville, VA where she is a school nurse for the Wythe County School System. Kemberly will be working at the infirmary this summer during Main and August Camps.
	Long-time camper and counselor, Crom Carey (Bio) is a senior at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He returns to the mountain bike staff and will be the tribal leader for the Cherokee. We also look forward to his leadership at Morning Assembly and other areas of camp.
	Tommy Carroll is coming to Falling Creek from Maryland and will be one of our Blacksmiths this summer. He studies the art of bladesmithing (making knives, axes, etc.) and will share his knowledge and skills with campers this summer. Pick Tommy for your ultimate frisbee team during freetime - he started and coached a team all the way to victory in the Maryland State Championships.
	Amberley Cavenaugh will be joining our medical team for the first time this summer. She is from Wallace, NC, where she is the head nurse for the Dupin County School System. Amberley brings several years of camp nurse experience to Falling Creek from her time as the nurse at Camp Winnaukee in New Hampshire.
	Long-time camper Michael Chapman returns to Falling Creek for his second year on staff. Michael will be part of the horseback staff this summer. He is from Louisville, Kentucky.
	After ten summers as a camper and CIT, Alex Cipcic returns to Falling Creek for his first summer on staff. He attends North Georgia College and State University. Along with studying Engineering and Physics Alex is active in ROTC, tennis, volleyball and marching band. He brings his experience to our mountain biking staff this summer.
	Devon Coetzer is a sophomore at North Central Texas College in Denton, TX. He is majoring in Finance and Marketing. Devon likes bikes with and without motors, turning pro in offroad dirt bike racing and working with Riders for Christ. This will be his first summer at Falling Creek teaching mountain biking.
	Zack Cotton is a freshman at Appalachian State University studying technical photography. When not in the darkroom, you can find him playing soccer and frisbee on ASU’s club team. This will be Zack’s first summer at camp as the camp photographer. You will get to see all of his great pictures posted online each day. SMILE!
	Paul Danaj is a student at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, GA. He is studying International Economics and is involved on campus in student government, Baptist Collegiate Ministry and the Swing Dance Association. Paul aspires to become a US foreign ambassador. He is an Eagle Scout and will be working at the barn this summer.
	Kelly Danner is a graduate of William & Mary with a degree in Art History and Womens’ Studies. After spending the past year in New Delhi, she returns for a third summer working in the horseback riding program.
	Dusty Davis was a top staff member in the 1980’s. He and his wife Mary Lou, their two sons, Cole and Chase, and daughter Honey live in Birmingham, Alabama. Dusty serves as Chaplin to the University of Alabama Athletic Program throughout the year. Each summer Dusty returns to Falling Creek to assist with staff discipleship and help lead our BAM Father/Son Weekends.
	Long time camper and CIT, Rush Dickson, will be back as the Catawba tribal leader. Rush is a junior at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville studying journalism. Rush is a member of the UT Lacrosse team and will be sharing his talents teaching lacrosse this summer.
	Steve Drewry returns to camp for his 13th summer. Steve is a former camper from Raleigh who graduated from Western Carolina University in December. Steve will be a part of the paddling program this summer, weekly campfires and will manage our online photo service for camp parents. He is known for his ability to entertain us all in morning assembly and campfire skits.
	Keith Eckert is a freshman at Wake Forest University and a member of Reformed University Fellowship and the mens’ club soccer team. From Atlanta he brings his experience as a soccer player, youth coach and certified referee. Keith will teach soccer and riflery this summer.
	Robert Eshleman is a former camper from Metairie, LA. This will be his third year on staff. He will be a riflery counselor and the Iroquois tribal leader. Robert is a junior at the University of Virginia studying English and psychology.
	Chris Esteves is a rising senior at Georgia Tech studying Management with a concentration in Accounting. He aspires to be a CPA. Chris is the chaplain of Delta Sigma Phi and is Vice-President of Marketing and Secretary of Sea Kayaking for Outdoor Recreation Program at Georgia Tech. He is also an instructor-in-training for the Whitewater Kayaking Program who has studied under Falling Creek staff member Trey Knight.
	Wesley Farnam is a former FCC camper from Asheville, North Carolina. He is a sophomore at High Point University studying marketing and is involved in student government. Wesley will teach cross country and nature this summer. “I attended Falling Creek as a camper and loved it. My experience was so great and I want to be able to pass it on for other campers to enjoy.”
	Adam Feldbruegge comes to Falling Creek from Wisconsin. He is a senior at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and when not studying Physics he plays intramural sports and is a member of Volunteers for Christ. Adam will be part of our nature staff this summer.
	Originally from Pittsburgh, Kenny Goff is a junior at Indiana University and studies Entrepreneurship and Management. This will be Kenny’s first summer at Falling Creek. He brings his climbing experience as a trip leader with Indiana University Outdoor Adventures to our mountaineering staff.
	Former camper and now veteran climbing staff member, Will Gordon is back for his 13th year at Falling Creek. When Will is not rock climbing, you will find him in his boat paddling the exciting rivers of the Southeast. Will is an Environmental Engineering student at the University of Colorado at Boulder and is also a certified EMT.
	This is Katie Grove’s second summer at Falling Creek as a member of the climbing staff. Katie is both athletic and artistic. She is an accomplished artist with a concentration in fibers at the Tyler School of Art.
	Ray Hailey is from Nashville and is a psychology student at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He is a member of the UT cycling club and is a veteran member of our mountain biking staff. Ray is back for another summer at Falling Creek.
	Walker Hendry is an Outdoor Education major at Georgia College and State University. This will be Walker’s second summer at camp and first year on paddling staff.
	Bruce Hoefer, from New Orleans, returns to camp for his first year on staff. Bruce attends the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and will be a member of our sailing staff this summer. “I want to be part of the ‘behind the scenes’ that makes the magic happen, just like counselors did for me as a camper.”
	Allison Hogshead is from Rockford, Illinois. She studies linguistic anthropology at High Point University. Allison can be found all around campus from the orchestra to the newspaper, as a radio commentator and on the athletic field. She one day hopes to be a professor. Allison is going to teach soccer this summer and help out on the swim docks and the camp store.
	Corey Hopkins is returning for his third summer at camp and will be a member of this year’s paddling staff. Corey is a graduate of Furman University with a degree in Business.
	Anton Hughes is from Lizella, GA, just outside of Macon. Anton is a sophomore at Georgia Southern University majoring in music performance. This Eagle Scout is right at home with either a soccer ball or saxophone.
	Daniel Irazuzta is a first-year staff member from Jacksonville, FL, after working at Camp I Am Special and Camp Promise for four years. He is a pre-med student at Florida State. Daniel will be a member of the arts & crafts and soccer staffs.
	This will be Kyle Jeffries’ third summer at Falling Creek. Kyle is a student at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro majoring in Communications. You will find Kyle this summer on the field playing ultimate and at the blacksmith shop.
	Natasha Johnson is from Powder Springs, GA, and is a graduate of Mercer University with a degree in French. Natasha has settled in Western North Carolina, with her husband Ken, two dogs and a new horse. Natasha will be teaching horseback riding for her fourth summer at Falling Creek.
	Eagle Scout Max King (Bio) is a nine-year camper from Atlanta, GA. This will be his third year on staff. He attends Appalachian State, in Boone, NC. Max will share his talents and knowledge in the Indian Lore Program this summer. “My goal is to help campers receive the amazing experience that was given to me all of my past summers.”
	Robert Kirby (Bio) returns for his 21st summer on staff. He will be working at the barn and helping guide the Indian Lore Program. Robert provides leadership for the Iroquois tribe during Main Camp. Robert is a high school teacher-of-the-year in Hendersonville.
	Sean Kolk is heading to Falling Creek for his first year on our mountaineering staff. He is a Junior at Georgia Tech studying International Affairs. He is involved with Outdoor Recreation at Georgia Tech as a caving and climbing trip leader.
	Trey Knight is a graduate of Mercer University and earned a Masters Degree from Georgia State University. He served as the Graduate Assistant for the Outdoor Recreation Department at Georgia Tech. Trey returns to camp for his third summer as a member of the paddling, mountaineering and mountain biking programs.
	Jim Kurtts has been a staff member at Falling Creek for more than 40 years! You can find him at Indian Lore. Jim and his wife live nearby in Hendersonville, NC. Jim is a retired teacher and works as a social worker for the local hospital system.
	Matt Lamon returns to Falling Creek for his second summer on staff. He is an International Economics major at Texas Christian University where he also leads a worship group. Matt is bringing his talents to our music program this summer and as tribal leader for the Tuscarora tribe.
	Greg LeFever is a member of the ultimate frisbee team at the University of Maryland at Baltimore. He is a sophomore and studies Mechanical Engineering. This is Greg’s first year as part of the archery and ultimate frisbee staffs.
	Adam Lewis grew up in Missouri as the oldest of seven children. He is a senior at Berea College in Kentucky. Adam likes being active, playing intramural flag football, volleyball and basketball and captains the college swim and dive team. This will be his first summer on our swimming staff.
	James Lindberg is an Austrailian exchange student at Clemson University studying business. Coaching youth sports "down under" will help in his first summer at Falling Creek teaching basketball and music.
	Courtney Long is back for her third year on staff. She is a native of Hendersonville, NC. After years on our nature staff and working at the Fort Wayne, Indiana Zoo, this summer Courtney joins our backpacking staff, to share her nature knowledge on trips.
	Steve Longenecker has been involved with summer camping, rock climbing, and nature education for most of his life. He cares for the birds of prey year-round, and shares his knowledge with schools and scout groups. Steve’s life’s work revolves around providing campers the opportunity to experience and appreciate all that the natural world has to offer.
	Richard Mackintosh is no stranger to Falling Creek. For years, Richard dropped his son off at camp for our Main Session. Richard is an active member of the Greenville County Woodworking Guild. He is a graduate of Erskine College and also holds several other graduate degrees from Louisville Theological School, Princeton University and Rutgers University. Make sure you stop by the Woodshop and see what he can help you create.
	Timothy Magidson is a former camper and CIT from Clearwater, FL. He is currently attending Vassar College in New York and can be seen on stage in the school’s theatre program. This will be his eleventh summer at camp. Timothy works in horseback riding and helps out in Indian Lore.
	Andrew Markle is a junior at Georgia College and State University majoring in Outdoor Education. He is active in "Armed Farces", an improv group at school. Andrew is an Eagle Scout and has worked at Camp Thunder as the Trek Director for the Flint River Boy Scout Council. This will be his first year at FCC teaching nature.
	Jay Martin is a senior at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. His experience as an Eagle Scout, camp counselor and trip leader will be an asset as a first-year member of our paddling staff.
	Brad McKnight is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville studying nutrition. He is a member of the UT Cycling Team, but with hundreds of miles and many summits under his belt, Brad will spend his first summer at Falling Creek as a member of the mountaineering staff.
	Elan Mengleberg is a Junior at UT-Knoxville studying Business Management. Before transferring to UT from Purdue, Elan was a member of the Purdue Sailing Team. This summer Elan will be working at the sailing docks and sharing his knowledge with the campers in the wood shop.
	Watson Mulkey is back for his fourth summer at Falling Creek. He is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College with a Bachelors degree in English who served as the chairman of the school’s Honor Court. Watson is involved in many key areas of camp including our BAM Father/Son Weekends. He is currently living, working and traveling in Australia.
	We are excited to have Mimi Newell back at Falling Creek this summer. She attends Appalachain State University. Majoring in Art Education and working at an equestrian camp make her versatile this summer, as Mimi will work in arts and crafts and horseback.
	Worth Newman is a former camper from Chapel Hill, NC. This will be Worth’s first summer on staff teaching sailing and archery. Worth is a sophomore at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. “I understand the sense of brotherhood at camp and am ready to continue to impact Falling Creek as a counselor.”
	Drew Nickerson, from Chapel Hill, NC, is an Environmental Biology and Anthropology major at Tulane University. This will be Drew’s first summer on the sailing staff and taking pictures for the CampInTouch service for parents. After eight years as a camper and CIT, Drew says, "I know what makes a good counselor and what makes an amazing counselor. It’s the little things."
	Chuck Niemeyer is back this summer as a camp nurse. He orients all new nursing staff at the beginning of each session. Chuck is a former camper and lives in Gastonia with his wife Bridget and children. His sons both attend Falling Creek. Chuck is a graduate of NC State and Emory University and is a Physician’s Assistant at Carolina Orthopedics.
	Mike Nuckles (Bio) is a senior at High Point University where he is actively involved in student government. He plays club tennis and will be bringing his skills back to our tennis program. Mike is also active in his school newspaper as a sports writer and editor.
	Jim Parham (Bio)is back for his fourth summer on staff. He is an accomplished mountain biker and author who helps guide our Mountain Biking Program during the summer. Jim has written several books including Off The Beaten Track - a series of mountain bike guide books. His son attends Falling Creek.
	Kyle Pitts returns to Falling Creek from Columbia, TN. He studies Exercise Science at the University of Tennessee. Kyle is an avid cyclist and brings his mountain biking skills to MOAB again this summer.
	Dustin Portzline is a graduate of Penn State University. He returns to Falling Creek for his second summer on the Rock Climbing staff. He is familiar with the outdoors and camp atmospheres from his time at Wesley Forest Church Camp as a camper and counselor, seventy-five days in Alaska with National Outdoor Leadership School, and having completed the Sierra High Route in California.
	Joel Priest will be returning to camp as a member of the mountaineering staff. He was on the "Blackfeet" staff in the 80’s. After leaving camp, Joel has been living in New Lebanon, NY, with his family teaching math and science at The Darrow School. His son attends camp.
	Alex Rand will join us for his third summer on staff teaching mountain biking and lacrosse. His father was a camper and staff member at Falling Creek for many years. Alex was a camper for five years and a CIT in 2007. He attends the University of Tennessee and studies Civil Engineering.
	Melissa Ringler (Bio) lives in Traveler’s Rest, SC and is married to Scotty. Mel is going to bring her creative side to our Blacksmithing Program again this summer. Get ready, she has some new and exciting ideas for her fourth year at FCC! Her son attended Falling Creek. View her work at, Magic Metals, Ltd.
	Former camper Patrick Robinson is heading back to The Creek for his first summer on staff. Patrick has put in many a mile in a boat, bike and hiking, but will be a part of our basketball and cross country programs this summer. Patrick studies Philosophy and Dramatic Arts at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
	Wood Robinsonis from Greensboro, NC. He is a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and studies physics and music. His love for all things outdoors and desire to pass it on led him to his first summer as a member of our mountaineering staff.
	Will Rollins, from Durham, NC, is a sophomore at Auburn University majoring in business administration and serving in the Navy ROTC. As a former Falling Creek Camper, Will knows, "how much of an influence counselors have on all the campers at Falling Creek and their participation and enthusiasm is what separates Falling Creek from anything I’ve ever done." This will be his first summer on staff teaching basketball.
	Lee Royster is a former camper from Hickory, NC, and is a rising junior at Duke University. This is his second year on staff. Lee is an avid tennis player and has coached and taught lessons at the YMCA tennis camps in Hickory. Also at the YMCA, Lee was very active as a referee and coach for several little league sports. Lee is an all-around athlete and will be on the mountain biking staff this summer.
	Sarah Royster, a Keystone camper for nine years, was introduced to Falling Creek by big brother Lee. She is a freshman at Brevard College studying Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education. Sarah is involved with the Campus Activities Board and Outing Club. This will be her first summer at camp teaching horseback riding.
	After seven years as a camper, Todd Sandberg returns for his second-year on staff from Baltimore, MD. He continues the family tradition, as his father taught sailing at camp for several years. Todd attends the University of South Carolina and will be teaching basketball and tennis at camp this summer.
	William Scott, or Scotty, lives in Traveler’s Rest, SC, and is married to Mel. He is joining the FCC Staff for his fourth summer. Scotty oversees the Riflery Program and helps campers achieve their riflery goals. He also helps with camp maintenance projects and off-season programs. Scotty is a retired Colonel in the United States Marine Corps. His son attended Falling Creek for the past several summers.
	Steven Schrey is a friend of Falling Creek staff members Dustin Portzline and Katie Grove. Steven is from Harrisburg, PA, and has an extensive knowledge in construction and will be leading awesome building projects this summer in the wood shop.
	Sterett Seckman is a freshman at Auburn University where he is active in student government and Auburn Christian Fellowship. He studies Accounting and Economics. He is a first-year staff member at Falling Creek and brings his enthusiasm to our riflery staff this summer.
	Mark Sghiatti is a student at the University of Georgia majoring in Atmospheric Science. When not studying you will most likely find him playing a sport or lifeguarding at the University Athletic Center.
	Returning as a counselor from Valdosta State University, Andrew Smith (Bio) is a junior studying pre-med. Refining his skills in a boat this last year, he is excited to join the paddling staff. Andrew’s other interests include horseback endurance racing and tennis.
	Brad Smith comes to Falling Creek for his first year on staff. He is a freshman at Georgia College and State University and studies Outdoor Education. He is active in Campus Crusaders for Christ and YoungLife. Brad will be a part of our Riflery Program this summer.
	Sean Smith is a former camper and CIT from St. Mary’s, GA. He is a biology major at Georgia Southern University. As a camper, Sean was very active in the Indian Lore Program and achieved the highest level of Chosatonga. Sean will share his knowledge for his first year on staff teaching Indian Lore.
	Eight-year camper, Micah Spence returns for his first summer on staff. Micah is from Sandy Springs, Georgia. Micah is a Music Education major at East Tennessee State University where he participates in Chorale and the Old Time Pride Band. Micah will be a part of our music and lacrosse programs this summer.
	Tyler Vaughan returns to Falling Creek for his second summer. He is from Birmingham and studies Mechanical Engineering at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Tyler is a member of our ultimate frisbee and the HEAT programs. With all of Tyler’s energy, it’s a challenge for campers to keep up.
	Sid Vermilya is from Lynchburg, VA, and attends Hampden-Sydney University majoring in history. While spending many years as a camper and counselor at other camps, this will be his first summer at Falling Creek teaching lacrosse and riflery.
	Caroline Vitale is returning for her second summer. She is a talented teacher in arts & crafts and also lifeguards at the lake. She is from New York and attends the University of Redlands in California majoring in sociology and anthropology.
	Troy Walker is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in exercise and sports science. He is pursuing a career as a physical therapist. Being the oldest of several brothers serves him well as he heads into his first summer teaching the HEAT.
	Alex Ware is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Banking and Finance and was active in Baptist College Ministries. This is Alex’s second year on staff teaching soccer. Last summer, Alex and former staff member, Craig Semple, hiked the Grand Canyon.
	Michael Wellsis from Hermitage, TN, and is a rising junior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Michael is a Biology and Pre-Med major. He brings many years of a Boy Scout background to his first year on staff teaching swimming and archery.
	Former camper and fourth-year staff member from Louisville, KY, Clay Willett, returns to Main Camp to work with our CIT Program. Clay is a graduate of the University of Kentucky where he was President of his fraternity
	Ella Yates is from Atlanta, and is a sophomore at Emory University and a member of the sailing team. Growing up, Ella attended Camp Illahee for six years and has decided to follow her brother to FCC for a second year on the sailing staff.

Why Falling Creek?

Falling Creek Camp
Tuxedo, North Carolina
(828) 692-0262