the mission of Heartland
In response to the Good News of Jesus Christ, Heartland Presbyterian Center provides hospitality and programming in a natural setting for individuals, families, churches, and the community.
our purpose
At Heartland, we firmly believe that a week at summer camp can serve as one of the most powerful and life-changing experiences in a person’s life. Among our high energy activities is the foundation and passion to live out our mission of being a place where relationships are built and lives are impacted in a Christ-centered environment.
Affiliation
Founded in 1958, Heartland Presbyterian Center is a mission of the Heartland and Northern Kansas Presbyteries, the Synod of Mid-America, Presbyterian Church (USA), to nurture and provide spiritual fellowship for the children of God.
To learn more about Heartland Center as a whole, visit our Heartland Center site.
statement of faith
At Heartland Camps, our core beliefs and our curriculum are rooted in Holy Scripture and are outlined in the Presbyterian Brief Statement of Faith. While our background is reformed, we are an ecumenical ministry that focuses on the essentials of the faith that are common among all Christians. Our campers, volunteers, and staff come from a wide variety of denominational backgrounds, and all are welcome to join us as we strive to be one body in Jesus Christ together regardless of denomination or tradition. The complete Brief Statement of Faith of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) can be viewed here.
Statement of Welcome
Just as God’s love through Christ is extended to all people, Heartland Presbyterian Center warmly welcomes all people to its ministries regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation, and disabilities. Everyone is a child of God; therefore, all are welcome.
Our Heart
We all come from different paths and unite to serve one mission.
You will find these values at our core…
Love for God
Above everything, our Heartland Camp staff loves God. They work to build their relationship with God and pour out that love to their campers and fellow staff.
Love for Kids
Our summer camp staff wakes up each day eager to build relationships with campers while putting Christ at the center. Whether it’s cheering for them to go down the slip n’ slide or helping them remember to brush their teeth, Heartland Camp staff give their all for every camper.
Love for Joy
Joy is contagious, and our camp counselors, leadership, and activity staff strive to choose it each day. The simple act of walking to an activity becomes a joyful adventure because our staff chooses to scream songs and connect with campers. The joy and excitement never end at Heartland Camp.
Love for Service
Where we go, we go together. Our summer staff are selfless and put in hard work without seeking personal gain. Our mission is to serve and make God known above everything else.
Our Program
Goals
To build relationships and impact lives for Jesus Christ
To help lay the foundation for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
To ensure that every camper understands they are loved as they are as a child of God
To help campers treat others as children of God
To have fun in safe, exciting, and inclusive activities
Heartland provides experiences and activities you can’t get anywhere else. Whether it’s shooting all bulls-eyes on the archery range, riding horses through our beautiful trails and pastures, screaming as you fly down our 100 ft. long slip n’ slide or overcoming your fears on the challenge course, campers will be sure to encounter God and know they are loved every moment of the day.
Each morning campers will study the Bible with their counselor and family group. There are opportunities throughout the day to explore, develop and share their faith with peers and counselors. Our goal for these elements of their day is to enhance what they have studied and help them to further understand who they are as a child of God.
Heartland Camps is where relationships are built and we believe God changes lives through them. Youth have a chance to hang out with new people, connect with old friends, and grow stronger in their relationships with Jesus Christ. Heartland strives to be a safe place and an opportunity for campers to step away from the pressures of the world and grow closer in their relationship with God.
Our Staff
We believe our best quality is our exceptional summer college age staff. Their love for campers and dedication to helping them understand what living a life for Christ looks like never ceases to amaze us. Our hope is to create a strong foundation for a genuine Christ-centered life. Our counselors are positive Christian role models who encourage campers to make the most of their time at Heartland and hold onto the lessons they learned and the friends they made.