Camp can be an overwhelming time (especially for some of our first-time campers). However, here at Heartland, we hope your camper’s only concern is whether they over-toasted their marshmallows. To set your (& your camper’s) mind at ease this camping season, we are giving you the low-down on all things Heartland so you can truly crack the code to camp! Tag-a-long as we cover some of our most frequently asked questions from new camper parents!

Have additional questions? Send them our way! Call us at (816) 891-1078 or email us at marketing@heartlandcenter.org! We love to love you well, and we love hearing from you.

A New Parent FAQ

**What does the “culture” of Heartland Overnight Camp sound/look/feel like?**

We love small group camping! Small group camping creates a more physically, emotionally, and spiritually safe environment. Because of a lower ratio, counselors get to spend time building beautiful mentor relationships with each camper. The result? An environment where campers feel safe to let down their walls, be super silly, and be the child of God that their Creator made them to be. Also, how cool that they do this alongside all their new friends too!?

Studies show this current generation already has the propensity to be more anxious, especially now when this season of life has taken the familiarity away. We’re definitely not licensed counselors or trying to be, that’s not our place, but we are EXPERTS at building relationships, and caring for our campers. It's in the fabric of everything we do. We feel honored to get to meet your kids where they're at, name their gifts, and give them a safe place to practice these gifts while providing a safe space to build healthy and positive friendships.

What does my camper’s schedule look like?

Great question! We try to jam-pack our campers’ day with loads of fun and Jesus time. Of course, we do this without the expense of losing relationships. Activities vary in range and time depending on the camp type and your campers’ age, but you can check out a glimpse of what your camper’s schedule might look like here.

What do I need to send my camper with?

There are a few things your camper will want to bring to camp, but a limited-edition signed baseball card may not be one of them! Our campers love to bring things from home, and we encourage them to select a few items that bring them comfort. But to give you a little guidance on what you should (and should not) pack, check out the overnight packing list here!

You can find this same packing list in your CampInTouch account under the “Forms and Documents” section!

What does the drop-off/pick-up process look like?

For efficiency and comfort, we use a drive-through drop-off/ pick-up process. To get the full rundown on all you need to know to get your camper to and from camp, read the pick-up process here and the drop-off process here.

Can I send food with my camper?

We like to brag that our food is made by some of the finest chefs around. And, our summer staff would definitely agree! Heartland meals are truly kid-tested and kid-approved.

To create a fair environment for all our campers, we require that you do not send food with your kiddo. Your camper will be provided with PLENTY of healthy and wholesome food choices. Meals are provided for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and snacks are provided in the afternoon and evening. Make sure you prepare your camper for some of the best s'mores of your life!

What happens if my camper gets hurt?

Safety

Safety is #1 here at Heartland! We understand and value the trust that you bestow on us with the care of your child. We value that trust and take our responsibility seriously.

Our summer and full-time staff are carefully screened, trained, and dedicated to a high level of safety in all activities. Our facilities and outdoor equipment are tested, maintained, and certified. And, our program is American Camp Association accredited, which is the highest standard of safety accreditation in the camping industry. Gold star for us!

Medical Care

All staff are trained in First Aid and CPR and are on-site and available 24 hours per day. Each day, an RN visits to care for any ill children. Sick children are isolated from other campers, and parents will be called to bring sick campers home as necessary. However, we hope this does not become the case!

Home Sicknesses

Our staff is excellent in helping homesick campers deal with homesickness. Our history shows that it is very rare for one of our campers to leave camp early due to homesickness.

We found that the easiest way for a camper to become homesick is when you (as a parent/guardian) say you will come to get them. PLEASE do not promise your child that if they are homesick, you will come to pick them up. Campers who are homesick usually grow tremendously during their time at camp and are proud of themselves when the week is over. The camp environment creates an easy way for the camper to experience their growth first-handed. And, we love to see campers grow here!

If at any time you are worried about your camper being homesick, we invite you to call our office at (816) 891-1078 and speak with one of our Program Directors. For cases of persistent homesickness, you will be notified to discuss a homesick plan for your child.

Medication

Medications are distributed at breakfast, lunch, activities, dinner, and bedtime. All medications MUST include the prescription for the specified camper. Over-the-counter medications approved by parents/guardians are given at the discretion of the camp medical staff and are provided by our camp at no additional cost. The over-the-counter medications that are available are listed on the camper health form in your CampInTouch and approved by you prior to your camper's time at camp.

Emergencies

God willing an emergency occurs, Heartland Camp is served by 911 emergency services. You will be notified immediately any time a camper requires more than basic first aid treatment. Your signature on the health form gives emergency services permission to treat your child if you cannot be reached in advance.

How about in inclement weather?

We aren’t in Kansas, but we sure are close! And if the Wizard of Oz told us anything, the midwest can certainly give us some not-so-fun weather. If we need to take shelter because of inclement weather, we will always keep you in the loop. Our protocol is to send a text message to your phone number on file.

Can my camper request a roommate?

Yes! Your child can make one roommate request. Check with your friends or church to find out who else might be attending the same week as your child. Some churches keep a list of who’s attending so that families can coordinate schedules and carpool.

What does the Heartland Staff look like? Are they trained? Can I trust my kid with them?

Every year, God seems to bless us with a dedicated, hard-working, and outrageously caring summer staff to care for your campers. Our summer staff are truly the top of the top qualified Christians, selected from a wide pool of applicants each year.

Whether they are counselors or wranglers or anything in between, we perform national and local background checks on each applicant. Each applicant is also trained extensively before your camper arrives at camp. What does that training look like? Well, it depends on the position! But one thing is for sure, we make sure each staff member is equipped with the relational skills to create a belonging and Christ-centered environment for your camper.

Also, all our counselors are at least 18 years of age. And, all staff are CPR/First Aid trained should an emergency arise.

How can I communicate with my camper during the week?

Snail Mail

Receiving mail is one of the many highlights of the week for a camper. From our extensive experience, we found that any encouraging words to a child who is at camp for the first time can improve their experience! We encourage YOU to think about sending mail to your camper. Please address the mail in the following way:

Camper’s Name & Camp Name

16965 NW 45 Hwy

Parkville, MO 64152

Email

The faster snail mail! Emails can be purchased through your CampInTouch account after registration. Please follow the online instructions!

Cell Phone Policy

At Heartland, we pride ourselves on having one of the best natural environments around. From amazing trails and creeks to wide-open fields with wild flowers, our amazing Creator definitely spoiled us! With that, we love for our campers to enjoy our creation to the absolute fullest. To do that, we please ask that you do not send your camper with a cell phone (or any electronics, for that matter).

We find that cell phones act as a barrier between relationships and growth with our campers. Please be assured that we will care for your camper and notify you of any emergency. In the event of an emergency, we allow our campers to use office phones. In the meantime, all cell phones will be turned into the office for safekeeping and will be available to pick up at the end of the camper's stay.

If you need to be in contact with your camper, please call our office at (816) 891-1078!

My camper left their favorite stuffed animal, can I get that back?

For sure! All lost and found items will be kept for two weeks after August 31st before being donated to a local charity. We recommend that you check your belongings when you pick up your child!