How Heartland Camp Thrived Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic
Throughout the pandemic, summer camp at Heartland has shifted around in order to provide fun in the healthiest way possible. Because we love hugs, high-fives, and everything to do with being a caring community, the past year and a half has handed us our fair share of challenges; nonetheless, God has provided.
How God Provided During The Pandemic
Jared Briscoe, Heartland Camp’s Overnight Program Director, says that God has been present in this season and provided in so many ways.
“As you can imagine this was a challenging season for our retreat department. They help support our entire ministry, including summer camps. In response, we saw our donors be more generous than ever.. Our donors, along with help from the PPP program for small businesses, have helped us stay open during this unsteady season,” Briscoe said.
Not only was God apparent to him through finances, but also through the summer camp staff.
“Our summer staff members are the key to our ministry. They are incredible, giving a summer to loving kids, God, and each other. Finding people who want to serve in that way is never easy, and this year was more challenging than most! Many camps (and other industries) are having a hard time hiring people. In the midst of that, we are almost fully staffed, with only three positions open.”
It is such a blessing to witness the ways in which God has held Heartland Camps near during this season of uncertainty.
How Camp Improved During The Pandemic
While Heartland faced several challenges, there was an opportunity to get creative in navigating each situation. Some temporary fixes even ended up being permanent. These changes include: drive-through check in for both overnight and day camp, activities that can be done at a distance like laser tag and inflatable water slides, small group swims, and online training for summer staff and volunteers.
“I feel like each of those things has made our program much stronger!” he said.
How Camp Is Handling The Pandemic
Thanks to an awesome leadership team, Heartland has figured out the best way to have a super fun and super safe camp season!
First, campers and counselors will be in small, independent groups consisting of 2 counselors and 14 campers. Having these cohorts will allow the group to relax some Covid-19 policies, such as mask-wearing, as they will not be exposed to larger groups. The only time campers will be required to wear a mask will be in the dining hall when they are around other small groups.
Second, campers will be spending as much time outside as possible.
“Not only does it help keep us healthy, but it allows us to enjoy God's creation! All of our camp groups will spend as much time as possible outside or in buildings with the windows open and fans on,” said Jared.
Also, day camp groups will be eating their lunches outdoors, and overnight camp groups will do all activities outside.
Third, campers and staff are highly encouraged to, you guessed it, wash their hands! Short and sweet- there will be several extra handwashing stations around the camp.
Lastly, the summer camp staff was also highly encouraged, but not required, to be vaccinated before coming to serve this summer.
Thriving Amidst The Storm
Overall, Heartland ended up just where it needed to be. This crazy world often demands change, quickly, and we couldn’t have been any more blessed than we are to still be standing today.
Philippians 4:19 (NLT) says, “and this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Amidst the storm, God has provided. We are so thankful and so full of love for Him