Heart LITe Program

Heart O' The Hills

LITe Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that come up frequently among campers and parents, especially among first-timers.

Do you offer camperships?

Some limited camperships are awarded at The Heart, thanks to the GTS Family and Friends foundation, a 501©3. Contact Jane for details.

Is there a cancellation policy?

Deposits are 80% refundable until March 1 of the year registered to attend. Deposits are not refundable after that date although a one-year courtesy carry-forward will be offered. Deposits are not transferable other than to immediate family. Fees are fully refundable until 30 days prior to the first day of the registered-for term. After that time, fees are not refundable except for medical reasons per written doctor's orders. Should the camp physician recommend withdrawal because of an injury or illness occurring during camp, one-half of the remaining pro-rated fees will be refunded. In the event of a dismissal or withdrawal for homesickness, misconduct, inability to adjust to camp life, or any other reason, there is no refund. There are no fee reductions for late arrival or early departure. All fees are due and payable the first week of May of the year attending. Early pay options during the year offer discounts for fees paid in full.

Are there fees in addition to tuition?

Tuition is priced to cover laundry, linen service (if desired), yearbook, video memento, special art supplies, lessons, ammo, and all other activity expenses. Camper families are requested to keep a credit card on file (with prescribed spending limit) for stamps and other personal purchases. Soft drinks and snacks are not sold. Rather, a treat is given to campers each day at the end of siesta as a part of the regular camp fee. Transportation to and from camp, and clothing are additional expenses.

What are my payment options?

Deposits and payments may be made with any major credit card, cash, or check. Monthly payment plans are available. To arrange this, call Monique or Jane at our office, at 1-830-238-4650.

Why should I apply early?

Applying to camp early has its advantages! They include: -- We limit the number of campers in each session so we can give all of our campers personal attention. Applying early ensures that the session you want is still available. -- All campers that register before Christmas will receive a limited edition silver charm as our gift. -- Camp is important enough that the rest of your summer should be planned around it!

Why Choose the Heart LITe Program?

WHO THE PROGRAM IS FOR

The Heart LITe Program is for young women who are ready to:

grow in confidence and independence
develop leadership and communication skills
learn responsibility within a supportive structure
contribute meaningfully to a community they love
prepare thoughtfully for future leadership roles

For many, it becomes one of the most impactful and formative experiences at Heart O’ the Hills, not because it is glamorous, but because it is intentional, challenging, and deeply rewarding.

PROGRAM TUITION AND INVESTMENT

The Heart LITe Program is a 4-week program offered at 1/2 the tuition rate of a four-week camper.

Heart LITes are minors participating in a structured, supervised developmental program. While they take on increased responsibility and leadership practice, they remain campers enrolled in a guided experience — not staff members or volunteers. Tuition reflects the intentional design of the program, which includes:

Full participation in camp life, lodging, meals, and activities
Dedicated mentorship and supervision from counselors and Head Staff
Structured leadership training, evaluations, and goal-setting
Thoughtfully designed responsibilities that serve as learning experiences
A safe, supportive environment focused on personal growth and development

The Heart LITe Program is intentionally resourced to ensure that participants receive meaningful instruction, guidance, and support while developing leadership skills at an age-appropriate pace. Tuition helps sustain the quality, staffing, supervision, and programming required to make this a safe, impactful, and growth-centered experience.

Families often find that the Heart LITe Program offers exceptional value, combining the traditions and community of the camp with intentional leadership development during a pivotal stage of growth.

How to apply

STEP 1:

CAMPER APPLICATION

Families begin by completing the standard camper application and selecting the Heart LITe Program during enrollment.

STEP 2:

HEART LITe INTERVIEW PROCESS

In addition to the camper application, Heart LITe applicants participate in a formal interview process similar to that of counselor applicants.

This interview is not for employment, but it is intentionally designed as a learning experience. It provides Heart LITes with the opportunity to:

Practice professional communication and interview skills
Reflect on personal strengths, goals, and readiness for leadership
Learn what a formal application and interview process looks like
Receive guidance and feedback in a supportive environment

Interviews are conducted by members of the Heart O’ the Hills leadership team (via Zoom) and are age-appropriate, encouraging, and growth-focused.

WHY AN INTERVIEW?

The interview process helps ensure that each Heart LITe is ready for the responsibilities and expectations of the program while also serving as an important life skill. Learning how to prepare for, participate in, and reflect on an interview is a valuable part of leadership development — whether for future camp roles, academic opportunities, or careers beyond camp.

FINAL PLACEMENT

Heart LITe placement is based on program availability, readiness for the role, and alignment with program values. Participation in the interview process does not guarantee acceptance into the Heart LITe Program.

Families will be notified once the application and interview process is complete.

Leaders in Training

A GUIDED STEP INTO LEADERSHIP

The Heart LITe (Leader in Training) Program is a meaningful next step for campers who are ready for increased responsibility, leadership development, and personal growth, but are not yet eligible to serve as counselors.

Designed as a structured developmental experience, the Heart LITe Program supports young women during a pivotal stage of growth. Heart LITes remain campers enrolled in a guided program while practicing leadership skills in a supervised, age-appropriate environment. They take on real responsibility, learn how camp operates as a community, and begin developing the confidence, communication skills, and self-awareness that strong leaders carry with them long after camp.

This is not a “senior camper” role, nor is it a counselor position. Instead, the Heart LITe Program serves as a thoughtful transition; offering mentorship, coaching, reflection, and hands-on experience while honoring that learning comes first.

Heart LITes are challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow. They learn through service, teamwork, and daily interactions with campers and staff, developing a deeper understanding of leadership rooted in empathy, responsibility, and integrity.

WHAT DOES A HEART LITe DO?

Heart LITe responsibilities are intentionally designed as learning experiences, not labor for labor’s sake. Each role supports leadership development while contributing meaningfully to camp life, always under the guidance of counselors and Head Staff.

Responsibilities may include:

Cabin Support

Assisting a cabin counselor with daily routines such as mornings, rest periods, and evenings, helping campers feel supported, settled, and cared for.

Activity Support

Assisting counselors during classes and activities by helping campers stay engaged, supporting instruction, and learning effective teaching and group-management skills.

Community Responsibilities

Supporting shared camp responsibilities such as the dining hall, snack distribution, mail, or event preparation — learning how individual effort supports a larger community.

Leadership Practice & Reflection

Participating in mentorship, evaluations, and reflection to better understand strengths, areas for growth, and readiness for future leadership opportunities.

Throughout the term, Heart LITes are guided, coached, and supported. Mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, questions are encouraged, and growth is valued over perfection.