Heartland Newsletter
October 2024
Welcome to Heartland’s newsletter, highlighting all things Heartland!
Events - Recaps - Staff Updates - Future Plans - And More!
You Belong Here!
Our mission statement declares: “In response to the Good News of Jesus Christ, Heartland Camps and Retreat Center offers hospitality and programming in a natural environment for children, families, individuals, and the community.” In this newsletter, you’ll see how we lived out that mission this summer, providing a place of belonging for thousands of children and youth. You'll also discover our exciting plans for next summer and learn how you and others can help ensure that camp remains possible and affordable for everyone who wants to attend.
This fall, we’re excited to offer opportunities for you and your family to feel a sense of belonging at Heartland. We have two more weekends of our annual Autumn Adventures fall festival and are planning the disc golf tournament in November. There's something for everyone! Please join us! We also invite you to come explore our scenic trails, where you can hike through the colorful, wooded hills, find a quiet spot in nature, and draw near to the Creator in a place where you truly belong.
Dan Scheneman
Executive Director
Staffing Updates
Thank you, Emma!
In August, Emma Wehrly stepped down from her role as Communications Coordinator and Event Planner to welcome her second son into the world. Over the years, Emma played a key role in shaping Heartland’s consistent voice and brand across our communication platforms. We are grateful for her creativity, organization, encouragement, and patience. While we miss our exceptional colleague and friend, we send our heartfelt blessings to Emma and her growing family!
Welcome, Lisa!
Heartland extends a warm welcome to Lisa Megraw, our new Social Media and Communication Coordinator. Lisa grew up coming to camp in the summer. During her college years, Lisa was part of the summer camp staff, and now her own children are campers at Heartland. She and her husband, Michael, have three wonderful kids: Ellie, Emilia, and Ben. With a degree in education from William Jewell College, Lisa also brings valuable experience in managing social media for another local nonprofit.
Meet Our Newest Cornerstone Gap Year Participants!
Blanca Luna Charlyn Alvarez Danitza Aguilera Angel Luna Daniah Minor
Puebla Mexico Bogota, Colombia Bogota, Colombia Puebla Mexico St. Louis, Missouri
We have had international participants in our gap year intern program before, but this is the first time we’ve had four in the same class. Heartland’s Cornerstone Program is built for young adults excited about their relationship with God, longing for deep community, and desiring to find God’s call for their life.
In this year-long, faith immersion experience participants grow, serve, and gain skills in various ministries while preparing to use their gifts for The Kingdom.
From teaching kids about Jesus in the summer to working in the Heartland kitchen and helping maintain our facilities in the winter, participants live through each season in Heartland’s ministry while helping them determine their next step in life.
Summer Camp Recap!
Summer 2024 has been a remarkable success! We welcomed over 2,000 campers across all our programs, supported by 56 remarkable summer staff dedicated to ensuring that each camper experienced belonging and the love of Jesus Christ throughout their time at camp.
In our Parkville Day Camp program, we expanded our reach, serving around 816 campers. Our second year of All-Summer Adventure provided full-summer programming for thirteen campers, including ten exciting field trips from waterparks to dairy farms (the kids and staff particularly loved sampling the various Shatto Milk flavors). Looking ahead to next summer, we plan to further increase our Day Camp capacity and open a second family group for our All-Summer Adventure Program, expanding from K-3rd grade, to K-4th graders!
Our Overnight Camp program had its largest attendance since 2016! One senior high overnight camper shared their thoughts about the experience:
““My favorite part of camp was the people and the opportunity to read and discuss the Bible together. I learned this year that God is always trying to connect with you, no matter what, and I’m excited to return to Heartland because I grow every time I come here.” ”
Our Traveling Day Camp enjoyed a fantastic summer, serving 18 churches in the Midwest. Throughout the season, churches praised our TDC staff as some of the finest they’ve seen in years. We are currently registering new and returning churches for next summer!
The Road Ahead
As we look forward to Summer 2025, we have already filled half of our onsite camp spots and expanding a few of our popular camps. Say hello to Highlander Horse Camp! Additionally, we have hired 12% of our summer staff for next year. Recruiting summer staff is one of our key priorities, as they are vital to our success. We invite you to pray for God to bring the right staff in response to our recruitment efforts!
““The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.””
We are very pleased with our camping program this year and are particularly proud of our summer staff. They embodied Christ-centered unity, joy, and hard work, constantly seeking ways to share the Good News of Jesus in all their activities at camp. We are grateful for the prayers and support from our camper families, camp friends, prayer partners, and donors.
We look forward to continuing this ministry in 2025 and beyond!
Night Under the Stars
We had a remarkable evening on Thursday, September 12, as we celebrated the fourth annual Night Under the Stars event! The night was highlighted by the performance of Downriver Collective, a Nashville-based group that is known for their unique blend of traditional folk and progressive acoustic music.
Over 130 attendees enjoyed a night in the festive ambiance, delicious food, excellent company, and fantastic music. This event raised over $33,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and the silent auction. The money raised from this event will help subsidize costs for camper families so THANK YOU!
We extend our gratitude to our key sponsors:
Benefit Design Group
Central Presbyterian Church
Dennis and Susan Marker
Dr. Ron and Donna Patton
Jim and Marilyn Pearl
Ultimate Athletics
54th Street Restaurant
Technologystics Inc.
Ben E Keith
Upcoming Events
Looking for some fun fall activities this October? Grab your flannel and come on down to our annual Autumn Adventures festival! It’s not too late!
Family friendly games for all ages, pumpkins, a climbing wall, horse rides, hatchets & archery, and SO MUCH MORE!
Open weekends September 27- October 27
Come enjoy a game or two of disc golf while supporting our Christian Camping Program for children and youth! A casual 4-person scramble tournament style for all levels!
Tickets are $35 per person; all proceeds go to the camp scholarship fund. Trophies will be awarded to the winning team, and there will also be prizes for the “longest drive” and “closest to the hole.”
10 am Saturday, November 2nd.
Please save the date for our Day of Caring on November 21st! We are thrilled to announce that generous donors have pledged $17,500 towards our goal of $35,000.
Thursday, November 21st.
ALL DONATIONS UP TO $17,500 WILL BE MATCHED!
Throughout the day, we will be sharing stories of those who have benefited from our programs and the difference your contributions have made. You won't want to miss the heartwarming testimonials from the individuals and families whose lives have been touched by your generosity.
Our interview with Ozark the Horse promises to be a true highlight. Ozark and his friends have been a beloved part of our programs, bringing peace, comfort, and new opportunities to countless campers and guests.
Thank you in advance for participating in our Day of Caring. Together, we can reach our goal and continue to support those in need.
Mark your calendars, spread the word, and let's make November 21st a day to remember!
Your Donations Make a Difference!
Heartland Wish List
Heartland Camps and Retreat Center's ministry is supported in many ways, from cash donations to in-kind contributions. We're always looking for items that can help improve our facilities, programs, and maintenance needs.
Reliable Car or SUV*
Gator, Golf Cart, or Side by Side
Reliable small pickup truck*
Commercial Oven/Skillet
Couches/Sofas in New or Gently-Used Condition
Pool Vacuum (Robotic Cleaner)
Chainsaw*
Commercial Grade Cambro Food Storage Containers
Washing Machines (top loading) and Dryers
Table Lamps
Basketballs, Volleyballs, Frisbees, Gator Balls*
Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course
Western Equestrian Tack (in good working condition): Saddles, Bridles, and Horse Blankets*
Water Hoses
Extension Cords and Powerstrips
*These priority items would greatly support and enhance our ministry operations.
We gladly welcome contributions toward facility upgrades. This plan includes the renovation of the Aquatic Center for 2025, new doors for Nunemaker Lodges, and the renovation of the walkway roofs and deck on Nunemaker and Cray Lodges, along with other improvements to our facilities.
For further details, please check out www.heartlandcenter.org/donate.
Employment
Interested in joining the Heartland family? Check out some of our open positions!
Activities Facilitator, social media team, and more!
Did you know?
To help our friends of Heartland with estate planning, our website now features:
a gift intention form
a qualified charitable distribution tool
a will creator
tools for donating stocks
While including Heartland Camps and Retreat Center in your will is optional, legacy gifts to Heartland can leave a lasting impact on our mission and provide financial and tax benefits for you and your family.
