Heartland Outdoor Environmental School

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions


1. HOW ARE CABIN LEADERS SELECTED?

The cabin leaders are selected by a school representative and all screening is done by the school.

2. HOW ARE CABINS ASSIGNED?

Cabins are assigned by the teachers and they typically make sure that your child is with at least one friend.

3. DO GIRLS AND BOYS STAY IN THE SAME AREA?

No. There are separate dorm area for each gender.

4. IS THERE SECURITY THAT PATROLS THE GROUNDS?

There are several staff that stay on call during both the day and nighttime hours and help maintain a secure campground.

5. WHAT KIND OF DOWN TIME DO THE CAMPERS HAVE?

We fill their day and allow for very little down time. After dinner the campers have a little time just to hang out in their cabins or play a game as a small group. The general rule is that if the camper is not with an adult, they are in the wrong place.

6. WHAT TYPES OF MEALS ARE SERVED?

Our meals are served with students in mind. The teachers have been given a list of sample meals served which they can share with you. There is cereal at every breakfast and a fruit and salad bar at lunch and dinner.

7. WHAT IF MY CHILD DOES NOT LIKE WHAT IS BEING SERVED OR IS A VEGETARIAN?

We do our best to accommodate special dietary needs and restrictions. Please make sure your child’s teacher is aware of any dietary needs at least 2 weeks prior to your child’s camp stay, in order that Heartland may be prepared with special meal-time options. In some cases, we may suggest that your child bring along a few food items depending on the situation.

8. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LABEL THEIR BELONGINGS?

The best thing to do is to write on the tag of clothing with a permanent marker. For other items, such as cameras and flashlights, please write your child’s name with a permanent marker on an area that is visible. If they pack their sleeping bag/blankets in a plastic garbage bag, make sure that it is clearly labeled and/or decorated so they can locate it easily. Pack an extra bag for them to store their sleeping bag/blankets for the trip home since the first one often tears on the first day.

9. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

The campers wake up about 6:45 a.m. and get ready for the day. They also have to clean their cabins before flag raising at 7:45 a.m. They eat breakfast and then go to two classes before lunch. After lunch at 12:00 p.m. they go to two more classes. After the second class in the afternoon, the campers have afternoon activity time where they pick from a variety of activities led by the staff. Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m., followed by an evening program which may include Campfire, Relays, Wacky Olympics, Skit Night, or Square Dance. Campers return to the cabins at 9:00 p.m. to get ready for bed; lights out is at 10:00 p.m. The Heartland staff will rove the cabin area around that time to make sure that everyone is quiet for the night.

10. WHAT TYPES OF CLASSES WILL THEY BE ATTENDING?

The classes are not typical school classes. Teachers select the classes from among a variety of science-based and team-building class options. Some of the most popular options include Reptiles and Amphibians, Aquatic Ecosystems, Team Challenge, Wilderness Survival, Archery, and Ohio Living History.