About The Heart
About The Heart
Why Heart O' the Hills?
Heart O’ the Hills has been a cornerstone of growth and adventure since 1953. Our mission is to offer girls a supportive environment where they can explore their potential, build lifelong friendships, and develop confidence. Since our first camp session over 70 years ago, we have been dedicated to our core values of leadership, resilience, and community.
We are proud of the positive impact we have had on generations of girls. Parents often tell us their daughters return from camp more confident, focused, and compassionate. Studies support what we’ve known all along: summer camp is a valuable investment in a child’s future.
But, why Heart O’ the Hills?
Here are the things that we think, all together, make up the H-E-A-R-T-S experience:
Healthy Atmosphere: In an age where children spend 6 to 8 hours daily in front of screens, our camp offers a refreshing break. We prioritize active, outdoor play with healthy eating, encouraging a vibrant, active lifestyle.
Engage All Senses: Camp is all about immersive learning. We believe the best learning happens through hands-on experiences. At The Heart, campers actively engage in activities that stimulate all their senses and foster holistic growth.
Authentic Role Models: Our counselors are real-life heroes, offering guidance and inspiration. They provide support, encouragement, and leadership, serving as positive role models for campers to emulate.
Relationship Building: Without the distraction of technology, campers enhance their face-to-face communication skills. They learn to read social cues, make eye contact, and build lasting friendships through shared experiences.
Trying New Things: Camp is a safe space to explore new activities and challenges. We support campers in overcoming fear and developing resilience, helping them gain confidence in their abilities.
Self-Reliance: Being away from home fosters independence. Campers learn to manage their daily routines and personal interactions, preparing them for future challenges with increased self-reliance.
Our team
Our directors and key staff members bring a wealth of experience and a deep passion for creating a supportive and enriching camp environment.
Jane Ragsdale
Camp Director
Jane Ragsdale is the heart and soul of Heart O’ the Hills. She started as a camper and a counselor, served as Program Director from 1978 to 1987, and became the Camp Director in 1988. She has been a co-owner of the camp since 1976. Jane's day-to-day involvement in the camp's programs and her dedication to creating a nurturing environment are critical to The Heart's continuing legacy and impact.
Cristi Ahern
Assistant Director
Cristi Ahern has a diverse background in education. Her role involves supporting the Camp Director in overseeing daily operations and ensuring the smooth execution of camp activities. Cristi’s enthusiasm for camp life and her organizational skills help make every camp session a success.
Monique Cikota
Administrative Director
Monique Cikota manages the administrative aspects of Heart O’ the Hills, including camper registrations, staff coordination, and camp logistics. With her strong attention to detail and commitment to excellence, Monique ensures that the administrative side of camp runs efficiently, allowing the team to focus on delivering a memorable camp experience.
Bailey McEachern
Program Director
Bailey McEachern oversees the development and implementation of camp programs, from adventure activities to arts and crafts. With a background in program design and a love for creative education, Bailey ensures that each program is engaging, educational, and enjoyable for all campers.
Heart O’ the Hills is licensed by the Texas State Department of Health & Safety Services, and is proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).
About ACA
The American Camp Association (ACA) is the only national accrediting body for camps of all types. ACA’s nationally recognized accreditation standards focus on health, safety, and risk management, and are used as benchmarks by government entities. ACA accreditation provides public evidence of a camp’s commitment to the well-being of campers and staff.
Broad areas of concern are administration, facilities, health and wellness, staff and supervision, program and aquatics. We strive for perfect rankings, and are consistently ranked in the A+ category!
Each year, we invest in our staff. Year-round staff attend national conferences, and often, regional or local training, too. Summer staff members arrive two weeks before camp begins for specific skills training or certification in American Red Cross lifeguarding or water safety instruction, horseback instructor training, archery or riflery instructor training, first aid, CPR and more—not to mention Heart O’ the Hills-specific how-to’s!
Here are the things we value
There are a lot of summer camps available, and each one has its own character. You want to choose one that values what you value. Here's what we consider important.
Our rich tradition
With over 70 years of history, our camp is steeped in tradition and values. From time-honored sisterhoods to cherished camp activities, we provide a sense of continuity and belonging.
Our people
Our diverse team of compassionate, skilled counselors brings a unique touch to camp. With a mix of former campers and global talent, our counselors create a welcoming and supportive camp community.
Diverse activities
From thrilling adventure activities like archery and riflery to creative arts and performing arts, our wide range of programs ensures there’s something for everyone. Campers spend their days doing the things they love, and trying new activities that will broaden their horizons, instill confidence, and introduce them to new-found passions.
Enthusiasm
Our entire staff — counselors to chefs to directors to maintenance staff — quickly embrace the camp spirit. They bring boundless enthusiasm and energy, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for all.
A strong community
Heart O’ the Hills has been nurturing enduring friendships for over 70 years, creating bonds that last a lifetime. Our supportive and inclusive environment fosters a strong sense of community among campers and staff alike.
Our beautiful location
Set alongside the scenic Guadalupe River and nestled in the Texas Hill Country, our camp offers a picturesque environment perfect for outdoor adventures and fun.
Traditional camp life, but with modern comforts
Enjoy the unique blend of classic camp charm with modern amenities, including air-conditioned cabins, ensuring a comfortable stay in all weather conditions.
Escape from technology
Our campers disconnect from screens and engage with the world around them. This technology-free environment promotes meaningful interactions and personal growth.
Worship
Each Sunday, campers gather by the Guadalupe River for a spiritual reflection, reminding us of the values of integrity and fairness. This time of worship enriches our camp experience, fostering a sense of community and purpose.
Our History
IT ALL BEGAN WITH JO JONES
Born in 1934, Jo was the daughter of Kenneth and Velma Jones, owners and innkeepers of Heart O’ the Hills Inn. Built in 1928 by E.J. “Doc” Stewart, the inn was a local landmark, serving as a lodging spot for families visiting nearby camps.
After Stewart’s death in 1929, the inn was sold to Lake Robertson, who operated it until World War II. During the war, the property was leased to the U.S. Army, putting the inn’s caretaker — Kenneth Jones — out of a job. But Jones persuaded Col. Harold Byrd to buy the inn, and let him manage it.
In 1947, disaster hit and a fire destroyed the inn. Byrd decided not to rebuild and offered to sell it to Jones. Despite the financial burden, the Joneses rebuilt it, transforming it into a premier destination in the Texas Hill Country, complete with cutting-edge amenities like air conditioning - a rarity at the time. The Heart O’ the Hills became a haven for high society.
In 1948, tragedy struck again when Jo Jones was killed in an automobile accident. In her memory, Kenneth and Velma Jones wanted to turn The Heart into a camp for girls. That dream came to fruition in 1953.
Kitty Magee had worlds of camping experience, so the Joneses asked her to serve as their first camp director. She was initially hesitant to take on the role, but with encouragement from the community and support from her friends, including Di Martin (later Mrs. William Baker) and Mary “Butter” Butterworth, she accepted the challenge. Di and Butter brought their experience from other camps, and together with Kitty, they laid the foundation for what would become Heart O’ the Hills camp for girls.
After The Heart was well established as a camp, former camper and counselor Jane Ragsdale took the helm as program director and later director. Ragsdale ownership began in 1976.
While many things have changed over the decades, the core traditions of Heart O’ the Hills remain as vibrant as ever. The camp has evolved from its early days, but the essence of friendly competition, skill-building activities, and a supportive atmosphere continues to define our camp experience.
Location
We're located on the beautiful Guadalupe River, not too far from Kerrville. Here's our address:
2430 Highway 39
Hunt, Texas 78024
