quarter 3 newsletter
october 2023
upcoming at heartland
Day of caring
Rich Swartwood
On Thursday, November 2nd, Heartland will begin a new tradition – a Day of Caring to support our ministry. Our goal is to raise $30,000 which will support our summer camp programs and purchase Bibles for every first-time Heartland camper.
Heartland is committed to offering top-quality summer camp programs that every family can afford. That's why the cost of each overnight camp is subsidized by 50% through YOUR support.
Heartland is also committed to sending every first-time camper home with their very own Bible. A group of staff alumni, called The Giving Circle, started pooling together their funds to purchase Bibles for our campers years ago. They are customized with a photo of Heartland and some songs campers will remember from their time at camp. The cost of the Bibles has tripled since our last order, and we need additional funds to keep this tradition alive.
Several generous donors have pledged matching gifts up to $15,000 for this event! We pray you’ll join them as we strive to impact our campers' lives and purchase the next set of Bibles for first-time campers.
We can only hit our target of $30,000 with your help! Every dollar counts… Will you help us get there?
autumn adventures
Looking for an unforgettable way to experience fall with your family? Look no further than Autumn Adventures! Join us for a Giant Slide, Corn Pit, Rock Wall, Hatchets & Archery, Horse Rides, Hayrides, Pumpkins, and SO much more!
Open Fridays- Sundays all October
Located on 45 Hwy, just west of the Creekside Baseball complex
disc golf charity tournament
Come enjoy a game or two of disc golf while supporting our Christian Camping Program for children and youth! This is a family-friendly, all levels tournament. See you on November 4th!
winter camp
If your camper is missing camp as much as we are, we’d love to see them at Winter Camp! For (currently in) 2nd through 9th grades. It’ll be all things camp, but winter-style! Can’t wait to see our Camp Fam for one overnight, December 16th-17th.
host your holiday party at heartland!
Whether a family get-together, a gathering of friends, or a company party, Heartland would love to host your winter party. We’ll provide a cozy decorated space and a delicious meal catered by our talented chef, you provide the friends and fun. Available December 1st-14th. Contact Lindsay for more information or to book your gathering today. 816-891-1078 or hospitality@heartlandcenter.org.
“Every member of our group expressed much appreciation for the excellent accommodations, the food service, the beauty of the campus, and especially the graciousness and helpfulness of the staff.”
summer recap
camp store
Plus, each of our campers received money to spend on Heartland merchandise at the end of the week. We love to see our campers repping Heartland Camps back at home and we can't wait to see what next summer has in store!
Heartland Camps added something new and exciting this summer… a Camp Store! It was open for the very first time to summer campers and their families during our 2023 summer season. Packed with trendy tees, cozy sweatshirts, stickers, and more, our store was a total hit!
“What did you learn about God this week?
”He always provides, he’s always ready to listen, he’s always there for you and never leaves you. And he sometimes works in ways you don’t expect.””
We’ll miss you debbie!
A heartfelt farewell to the one-and-only Debbie Raines. After many years of being the Camp Registrar at Heartland, Debbie is ready to retire. Debbie has been an impactful member of our team, but she’s so much more than that, she’s family! So pop some confetti and toss the streamers because Debbie deserves to be celebrated!
Debbie, you are a joy to be around, a champion for camp and the people you love, a welcomed encouragement and hug on a tough day, and a BLAST to work with. And let’s not forget the paradise of snacks on snacks on snacks you generously provided in the Snack Shack! We love you, we miss you already, and wish you all the best in this next chapter of life.
welcome to our new staff members
Christelle Porter
Welcome, Christelle Porter, our new Camp Registrar and Activities Coordinator! Christelle has a rich history with Heartland, where she started as a camper at 9 years old. Christelle continued spending her summers at Heartland as a Camp Counselor, and then served as the Hospitality Coordinator in 2001, Program Director from 2002-2004, and as Challenge Course Manager from 2008-2014. Christelle’s come full circle now and we are so happy to have her!
RJ Wheeler
Welcome, RJ Wheeler, our new Hospitality Associate! RJ first came to know Heartland when a friend invited him to Senior High Amazing Race Camp. He loved that week of camp so much that he worked for two summers as a Heartland Camp Counselor. RJ couldn’t get enough of camp, so between summers, he also completed a year in Heartland’s Cornerstone Program where he found amazing growth and opportunities, and a future in camp ministry. We are thrilled to have RJ on board full-time at Heartland Center!
staff anniversaries
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staff anniversaries -
yun yang tovar
1 Year
emma wehrly
7 Years
anna mitchell
3 Years
Interested in joining the Heartland family year-round? Check out some of our year-round, open positions below!
PART-TIME HOUSEKEEPER
KITCHEN LEAD
KITCHEN HELPER
“The time I have spent at heartland has felt more like home than anywhere else has before, and the intention and goals of its ministry is exactly where I feel called to serve. I don’t know if it is too early to ask about next summer at all, but I truly want to come back again. I want to, because, yeah. This is home.”
heartland wish list
Your donations make a difference!
Heartland newsletter team
Contributors: Sue Ann Seel, Karolyn Scheneman, Rich Swartwood
Design and Format: Bonnie Spann
Coordinator: Emma Wehrly