Cedar Four is back in Minnesota, this time working for another camp organization called One Heartland. The organization started in 1993 when Neil Willenson read about how a local 8-year-old boy could not participate in his youth soccer league because he was infected with AIDS. Willenson created a camp where the child and others who have been affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS can enjoy summer in an environment where they feel welcome.  One Heartland’s mission is to provide a camp where everyone feels safe and included.
 
The team is spending time preparing the camp for summer time.  Cedar Four is helping with maintenance work around the camp.  They are assembling new bunk beds, tables, couches and an air hockey table. The team is painting new bathrooms as well as weeding and wood-chipping the One Heartland stage and gaga pit.  Some members are mowing the fields and weed-whacking.  The team is also facilitating a service learning project with Battle Creek Middle School of Saint Paul, Minn., where students are clearing and wood-chipping trails and recreational areas such as the climbing wall.
 
The team is also training with new staff members on becoming camp counselors.  The training is a mix of hard work and fun.  The training consists of long days jam-packed with activities so the counselors will be in the summer spirit when the campers arrive.  Some activities include playing games that the campers will play when they arrive.  Other days, the team sits through policy training. The team had an opportunity to put all their knowledge that they are learning to work when they served in Minneapolis with the organization People Serving People, a temporary shelter.  The team facilitated games for children who will attend camp at One Heartland.  Cedar Four is excited to be a part of giving children a wonderful summer camp experience.
 
 
Below, Cedar 4 member Zach is filling up the barrel with woodchips to fill the gaga pit.