Times are changing but Heart O’ the Hills Summer Camp is the same today as it was in 1953. The prestigious history of excellence, traditions and values remain consistent. There are 7 aspects that continue to make The Heart great.and aid in upholding
Activities
Thanks to Katniss, archery’s popularity is back, but finding an archery range at home to practice your newly acquired hobby may be a little difficult. Heart O’ the Hills has a full archery range, bows of every size and level, and instructors that are trained through USA Archery’s SafeSport. During the term, campers are encouraged to work toward earning medals and pins of the Camp Archery Association.
Enthusiasm
Though some of our counselors may not have been campers themselves, they quickly learn the love of The Heart. Campers and counselors alike are comfortable being themselves at all times and experiencing touchstone moments filled with enthusiasm. Silliness to sing at the top of their lungs, courage to audition for a leadership position, and cheering loudly for their tribes all happen with the utmost enthusiasm.
Friendship
Once a Heart girl, always a Heart girl. Over the past 60+ years, Heart girl friendships have blossomed. The late nights, early mornings, outdoor playing and competing all reinforce friendships that will last forever. These are the kinds of friendships that are like the stickers in your socks. You know they’re always there and you just can’t shake them.
Nature
At Heart O’ the Hills, the sounds of nature abound. Only the noise of occasional passing cars disrupts the chirping of crickets, hooting of owls, and whispers of wind through the cypress trees. Field Sports happen in the big field, horseback rides trails among the hills, and swimming in the Guadalupe River every day. Late night tepee bonding is spent peering through the arms of the Milky Way for shooting stars.
No Technology
Read a book, contemplate cloud shapes, star gaze at camp, campers are not in front of a screen. Campers engage in conversation, learn social cues, and manage sharing personal space within a tepee, without the escape of looking down at their phone. Campers become familiarized with technology-free life and take on new adventures.
The Staff
If pictures speak a thousand words, this one speaks many more. The excitement
shown on Opening Day for a first-time counselor only sets the level of passion throughout the term.
Our staff is well-rounded, compassionate, skilled, intelligent young women who each bring their own touch
to Heart O’ the Hills. Some are former campers, somecome from around the globe. Together they mesh to fabricate a place for girls to call home.
Worship
Jane often says the greatest of cathedrals cannot compare to the beauty of God’s work along the Guadalupe River. Every Sunday as campers gather beneath the cypress bows, we are reminded through the camp prayer that we must stand for the hard right against the easy wrong and ask that God teach us to work as hard and play as fair in God’s sight alone, as if the whole world saw.
About the Author
Comments
It’s a little over a week after 2017 summer camp ended and as a mom, I’m sad to see my perky little “camper” contracted the “Summer Camp Blues”.
This was Emma’s favorite summer at HOH and it brought me great joy to see a million pictures of her smiling and enjoying such a wonderful camp experience.
While I never had the opportunity to attend a summer camp as a child, I’ve known from day 1 that this was the best decision as a mother! Having very few extended family members around us, it became clear that HOH and the beautiful staff and campers were “her family”.
She stays connected with so many campers throughout the year and they all mean the world to her. They have all been very motivating, inspirational, and especially LOVING. You simply can’t build that kind of bonding in today’s social environment.
After a few days of being home and during one of her emotional moments, Emma said “I want to go back to camp. They accept me, they love me and they don’t judge me. I miss my friends and I don’t want to go back to school”.
First of all, she goes to a good Christian based school but she is expecting this school year to be a lot different for a few good reasons. I have confidence she will make the best of it and I understand it’s hard for some teenagers to have too many changes at once. So if Jane wants to build an HOH High School, let me know…. I would like to go back to school…LOL!!!
Of course, all parents want the best for their kiddo’s and I’m blessed to see Emma blossom under the “Hearts Eye”. These special HOH moments and events in a young girls life can transcend beautifully into a young woman’s world.
For Emma, being apart of the Pawnee War Canoe Team was the highlight of her summer. Seeing these young girls turn self-doubt, uncertainty, and jitters into a fabulous display of teamwork, support and undeniably, sisterhood!
My personal favorite was when these budding lassie’s triumphed at the finish line and conquered their insecurities even as they unexpectantly fell out of their canoe.
I believe all family members of the Pawnees and Shawnees could agree it was especially a proud moment to have these strong and brave troopers cruised back down the river singing “Lean on Me”!! It was wonderful seeing this Pawnee team pull together right before their parents & grandparents eyes.
We have 1 child and we have 1 chance to get our beautiful sweet daughter set up for success in life. Every summer, the HOH experiences have proven these are life changing moments for Emma (and her parents).
We send a million thank you’s to Jane and to our wonderful HOH international counselors for all their efforts in making a difference in a young girls life!! Can’t wait till 2018 summer!!