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Programs & Services |
Education & HIV/AIDS Awareness Programs
Service Learning
Raising the bar from volunteer work or community service, Service Learning opportunities create direct connections between classroom or community instruction and the organizations and clients being served in that topic area. The integration of meaningful service and the school curriculum enriches learning and strengthens the role of the young person as a community resource and asset.
National Youth Leadership Council, a national non-profit organization whose mission is to build vital, just communities with young people through Service Learning, has conducted studies that demonstrate that "lessons learned from hands-on service heighten interest and enhance academic achievement, citizenship, and character development."
If your classroom is currently studying the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the United States or globally, forming a Service Learning experience with Camp Heartland or other local AIDS Service Organizations can introduce a unique and personal voice to your students or colleagues. There are a number of different service models that have been explored at Camp Heartland. Consider these experiences:
- Students from St. Norbert's College in DePere, WI, contacted Camp Heartland looking for an opportunity to
 serve the HIV and AIDS community after deciding their focus for a winter break volunteer program would be HIV and AIDS. We created a program for St. Nobert's that featured HIV prevention education, teambuilding and communication activities, volunteer service to the Camp Heartland Center, and connections to other AIDS Service Organizations in the Twin Cities area for additional service opportunities. Inspired by their new knowledge and experiences, St. Norbert's welcomed the Camp Heartland Journey of Hope AIDS Awareness Program to DePere, WI two months later, bringing their new understanding of people with HIV/AIDS back to their home community.
- The University of Wisconsin - Madison Humorology Executive Board had a unique opportunity when they contacted Camp Heartland to offer their services for an annual fundraiser that benefits Camp Heartland. Wanting to have a greater understanding of the children for which they were hosting an annual variety show fundraiser, the Humorology Executive Board traveled to the Camp Heartland Center to take part in HIV prevention, counseling, and conflict resolution training before meeting more than 50 campers that were on hand for the Journey of Hope Ambassador Training mini-session. Upon leaving their experience as counselors, the group was more inspired than ever to help others increase compassion and understanding for those living with HIV, as well as urging more prevention back home throughout the fraternity and sorority populations at UW-Madison. In turn, the JOH speakers visited Madison during the Humorology performance in April, one of the stops along the 2005 JOH AIDS Awareness Tour.
- Beverly Hills Unified School District students learn about HIV and AIDS through their Health coursework, but have gone above and beyond for many years in welcoming the Journey of Hope Program to Beverly Hills High School. Beverly's Community Service Committee works to educate within their own community by providing our program each spring to eighth-graders looking forward to starting high school in the fall. In addition to exploring HIV and AIDS in the classroom environment, BHHS students are actively engaged in producing community fundraisers to help with the costs of bringing JOH to Beverly Hills and are also involved with service at local AIDS Service Organizations. This kind of sustained effort helps carry the HIV prevention education that JOH offers beyond the presentation and into the community at large.
- Minneapolis-based, Fallon Worldwide has been a generous supporter of Camp Heartland's programs for years, but is also dedicated to creating an educated and tolerant workplace. Through outstanding, regular service at the Camp Heartland Center, Fallon professionals have contributed greatly to the experience that thousands of youth have enjoyed during our camping programs. Projects completed through the "Build A Camp" initiative and visits to Camp Heartland in session have introduced hundreds of Fallon volunteers to Camp Heartland and the inspirational children that they have served.
For more information on how you or your school or community organization can start implementing a Service Learning philosophy as part of your curriculum, we recommend contacting NYLC for some great free resources and ideas. If you would like to start exploring how to make service to Camp Heartland or other AIDS Service Organizations a component of your Service Learning program, we can't wait to hear from you! Please contact Lena Elliott or call 888-216-2028 for more information.
Are you looking for a way to get yourself, your community or faith organization, classroom, or family involved with helping prevent HIV transmission or support the programs Camp Heartland offers? Consider a few of these approaches:
Internship Opportunities
If you are interested in exploring opportunities to receive valuable course credit or work experience through a volunteer internship with Camp Heartland, we may have the perfect fit for you. Our Milwaukee and Minneapolis offices are currently looking for interns in a variety of fields to help with semester and year-long initiatives. We are excited to hear your ideas, provide you with hands-on opportunities for learning new skills and enhance your understanding of working in a leading, national non-profit organization. Talk with your advisors, professors or career counselors today about options that may be open to you through your university/school program for course credit! We are currently exploring project areas that include:
Other areas of concentration that have had successful experiences through internship or volunteer programs with Camp Heartland or our summer camping programs include: Family Medicine, Pediatric Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Public Health and more! We look forward to hearing from you.
Volunteer Opportunities
Camp Heartland has offices in Milwaukee and Minneapolis that may have volunteer needs that fit your schedule and talents. In addition, there are often opportunities to help out with special events and community fundraising initiatives, perhaps in your hometown! For more information about volunteering for special events and fundraising, click here. If you are interested in volunteering in one of our offices, contact Jess in Minneapolis or Hilary in Milwaukee.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a summer camp or mini session volunteer, click here
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