Falls Creek

This was supposed to publish on the 27th but didn’t!  Sorry it’s late.  Will tell you all about camp soon!

How many of you know about Falls Creek?  Probably not many unless you have grown up in North Texas or Oklahoma and attended a Baptist Church.  Falls Creek is a place in southern Oklahoma that holds a special place in many hearts.  A sacred place.  A blessed place!

What is Falls Creek?

Falls Creek is about young people! Nestled in the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains of southern Oklahoma, Falls Creek has become the largest religious youth encampment in the world. More than 45,000 young people will attend its seven weeks of encampment every summer.

As a kid I never got to go to Falls Creek.  There were just circumstances that prevented me from going.  My kids did go and they always came home with wonderful stories of new friends they met and life decisions they had made.  I always envied their experience.

WELL………I volunteered to go with our church this year as a cook but the Youth Minister asked me to serve as a counselor instead.  I am leaving on Sunday and won’t be home until the following Saturday (July 4th).  Now, there are are few things I need to tell you about Falls Creek lest you think I am going to spend the week playing in the lake, crafting, etc.

#1 – Falls Creek is located in an actual “bowl” down in the Arbuckle Mountains.  That means that there is not a lot of wind or air circulation in general in the camp ground.  The temps in Oklahoma are now running around 100 degrees plus.  That means it is going to be HOT and very humid.  The cabin IS air conditioned and that is GOOD!

#2 – We sleep in bunk beds in our cabin.  Now I don’t mind bunk beds but think about sleeping in one big room with about 40 girls age 13 – 18.  (Yes, they do separate the boys and girls).  Not a lot of sleeping going on.

#3 – There are only 4 toilets and 4 showers for all those 40 girls.  Everyone will be trying to get ready at the same time.  Not a good thing for someone used to having the whole bathroom to herself.  I foresee some cold showers.

#4 – It’s been a while since I was a teen – a LONG while.  What if they ask me something I can’t or prefer not to answer?  This is stressing me out.  I have teen granddaughters and I try to keep up with all the “teen scene” through them but let’s face it, things are very different today and these kids are  facing things I never dreamed about.

#5 – I am due my hormone shot and I have just not thought about it before today.  Will it have time to work before I get that urge to yank someones head off?  If not, will you guys visit me in jail?

#6 – Did I mention that it will be VERY HOT at Falls Creek?

Maybe they will think I am just returning from the swimming pool.

Anyhow,  all kidding aside – I think this will be a special week for me and hopefully for the 60+ kids going with us.  I covet your prayers and will probably have lots of blog fodder when I return.  Until then…………..