Addressing a Very Real Concern: Is Overnight Camp Safe?

We understand that sending your child away overnight requires trust. At Heartland Camps, we take that responsibility seriously — your child’s safety and well-being are our highest priority.

Here’s how we create a safe, caring environment for every camper:

Carefully Selected and Trained Staff

Heartland interviews and selects exceptional, qualified Christian young adults to serve as camp directors, counselors, and staff.

• All staff undergo national and local background checks

• Counselors are at least 18 years old

• Every staff member completes two full weeks of training, including role-specific preparation

• All staff are CPR and First Aid certified

Our counselors are trained not only in safety procedures, but in caring for kids emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

ACA Accreditation & Industry-Leading Standards

Heartland is proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) — the highest standard of safety accreditation in the camping industry.

This means:

• Facilities and equipment are regularly tested and maintained

• Programs follow strict safety and supervision guidelines

• Staff-to-camper ratios are intentionally small (1:6)

• Adults are never alone with a camper and always remain within sight or sound of another adult

Medical Care You Can Trust

• First Aid and CPR-trained staff are on site 24/7

• A registered nurse visits daily

• Camper health forms are required and kept confidential

• Medications are carefully managed and distributed by trained staff

• Parents are notified anytime a camper needs more than basic first aid (i.e. a band-aid)

We work closely with families to support food allergies, medical needs, and health concerns so each camper can fully enjoy their week.

Prepared for Weather, Emergencies, and Homesickness

From monitoring severe weather to managing heat, hydration, and outdoor safety, Heartland has clear and well-practiced protocols in place. Our team monitors conditions 24 hours a day, and in the event of severe weather or a tornado warning, campers are moved to designated shelters immediately while parents are notified by text. In the rare case of a flash flood warning, parents can be assured that Heartland is not located in a floodplain and has no nearby lakes or rivers that pose a risk. During periods of excessive heat, we provide extra water stations, additional breaks, shaded or water-based activities, and planned pool time and rest periods.

Homesickness is also handled with compassion and experience. Our staff is trained to walk campers through those feelings in healthy ways (which includes keeping parents updated), helping them grow through the experience. It’s very rare for campers to leave early due to homesickness — and many who struggle at first finish the week incredibly proud of themselves.

At Heartland Camps, safety is rooted in our care for each child as a beloved creation of God. We are committed to creating an environment where campers are protected, supported, and free to grow with confidence and joy. We believe parents can send their children to camp with peace of mind, trusting that their child is being cared for with excellence, wisdom, and compassion. We are honored to partner with you in caring for your child.