All Are Welcome

This summer Heartland Camps were able to serve over 2,500 campers at over 30 sites. Now that means a lot of things; we used an incredible amount of shaving cream, we found out the perfect way to make a s'more, we also found many other "creative" ways to make a s'more, we were blessed by seeing God move in our lives along with the lives of campers, and we were able to welcome a wide variety of children and youth into our camp family. Among these 2,500 campers none of them were the same, they came from different backgrounds, had different needs, showed us different gifts, and taught us different things about our Lord.

A Spectacular Summer Coming to a Close

This summer was filled with stories of first trips doing the ziplines, sharing testimonies in cabins, welcoming new friends, stepping out of your comfort zone during songs and praying for a friend. In all of these ways courageous faith was shown during the summer of 2016 and we are so blessed to have been a part of it.

God's Love Is 24/7

At Heartland, we understand that some kids love to stay up late and sleep in the next morning. The good news is, our Lord loves to be praised 24/7! And Night Owl Camp is the perfect place to do just that.

Family (Camp) Matters

Families want to be closer. Even if your family is close it requires work and maintenance to keep it that way. It doesn't matter if you are a single parent or a stay at home parent it doesn't matter if they are your child or your grandchild or nephew, to have close relationships with your family an effort must be made. This is especially true now as it is easier than ever to be separate from one another. Due to traveling sports teams, competitive dance, and the ability to watch a TV show on seemingly any electronic device we have a need for intentional time together. That is why vacations, going to amusement parks, or any number of escapes from the daily routine are so good for families. That is also why Heartland Camp provides Family Camp.

What Camp Songs Taught Me about God

There are many "sounds of camp," and one if the most special occurs Friday afternoon right before closing. Campers climb the hill singing loudly and proudly songs that they have come to love over their week at Heartland. As a former camper and current staff member, here are some my favorite camp songs and what they have taught me about our awesome God.

4 “Love Never Fails” moments from Summer 2015

The camp theme for summer 2015 was "love never fails". It was the perfect theme not only because it is a great message to hear, but at Heartland Camp we got to see it lived out every day. See how we saw God's love at Heartland Camp.

Our Mission in Media

At Heartland we are so blessed to be able to serve God. We are really passionate about how God is moving at camp, so much so we would love to spend 10,000 words on the subject. Instead of us talking we would rather you see our mission through photos, videos and camper quotes.

Purpose of Play

Is adults playing with children necessary? Sure it is a nice bonus, but is play something worth sacrificing for amongst activities, work, and so many other things that demand our attention. In my three years as a summer camp counselor the answer to that is a resounding yes. Through play at camp I was able to build trust with campers ages 6-17 and see it lead to deep conversations about life and faith.

5 Ways Camp Changed My Life

I am sorry, I lied to you a bit when I said camp changes lives. It is God who changes lives, camp is just the place I first experienced that change. Summer camp gives a unique opportunity for God to work, one that the Lord is more than willing to take. I have now spent ten summers at Heartland Camp as a camper and then as a staff member. I can honestly say that without my time at camp I would not know the love of my Savior the way I do today. As I begin to work full-time for this ministry, I am encouraged to know that my experience is not unique. Many campers, volunteers, and staff have a similar list of ways God has changed their life through camp. Here are the top 5 ways God has changed my life at Heartland:

Heartland Camp Year in Review

To start every summer the Heartland Summer Staff is commissioned by the Heartland Presbytery. The whole staff gathers at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church to be sent off for a summer of ministry. The whole purpose is to send out the staff as one body with the support of the church. Part of the service is a question and answer led by the pastor. He asks the staff questions. “Will you serve children with the love of God?” “Will you put campers and fellow staff before yourself?” And many more like that. Each time the staff answers, “I will with God’s help”. That answer stuck with me through the summer. Through the long weeks and sometimes chaotic days. The only way camp can be run is with God’s help. That is the theme of the summer. This infographic shows some of the highlights of the summer, none of which could have happened without the help of God.

Heartland Christmas Traditions

Heartland staff’s Christmas traditions are all over the map; including Norwegian food and hymns sung in Spanish. The one thing all traditions have in common is that they are a big part of what makes the Christmas season special. They help us grow closer to our friends and family as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Our Heartland staff family would love to share our favorite Christmas traditions with you.

#campSERVES

The Holiday times are a great time to get the family together and reminisce over the blessings of the past year. It is also a great time to serve as a family. What better way to show your child that service, gratitude, and hard work are important than by serving together as a family. There are plenty of service opportunities for all ages, who knows it might just become the next family tradition.

#campPRAYS

There can be many worries when it comes to praying; am I saying the right words, am I focused enough, am I even allowed to ask for that? I know I have felt those worries and others that seem to make prayer into a duty and stressor in my life instead of it being a conversation with Jesus. I know I must try to grow in prayer, the opportunity to talk to the living God is too good to be missed! What better way to begin praying that beginning with your children? Together you can grow in knowing what a life with Jesus is about.