Discover the Heroes All Around Us
Our world is full of heroes, and most of them don't wear capes. Heroes and Helpers Day Camp is a week dedicated to the people who show up for their communities every day: firefighters, police officers, doctors, teachers, and volunteers. Campers will meet these community helpers in person, hear their stories, and discover what it really means to use your strengths to serve others.
Between the special guest visits, campers still get the full day camp experience: swimming, fishing, boating, crafts, games, songs, and the kind of outdoor fun that makes summer unforgettable. By the end of the week, campers won't just know what a hero looks like. They'll have started becoming one themselves.
Meet Real Heroes. Become One Yourself.
Special guests, hands-on service, classic camp fun, and a deeper look at what heroism really means.
Community Helper Visits
Firefighters, police officers, doctors, teachers, and volunteers visit camp throughout the week. Campers meet them, ask questions, and see firsthand what it looks like to serve your community every day.
Classic Day Camp Fun
Swimming, fishing, boating, nature walks, group games, crafts, and songs fill the day. The hero theme adds excitement, but the core camp experience is always at the center of every day.
Giving Back
Campers don't just learn about heroes. They practice being one. A service project gives campers the chance to give back to the Gretna Glen community and use their newfound "powers" for good.
Faith and Heroes
Bible discovery time weaves into the hero theme each day, exploring how Jesus is the ultimate hero and what it means to follow that example in your own life, at any age.
Built for Ages 5-8 and 9-13
Heroes and Helpers runs two tracks side by side. Younger campers (ages 5-8, code DCY2) and older campers (ages 9-13, code DCO2) share the same camp but experience age-appropriate programming. Each group has its own "family" groups to keep things small and personal.
Both age groups meet the same community helpers and participate in the same service project, but the conversations, activities, and group dynamics are tailored to fit. When registering, you can request one bunkmate in the same age category as your camper.
WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW
Day camp runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Lunch and one snack are included. Community helpers visit throughout the week for interactive, age-appropriate presentations.
Gretna Glen is ACA-accredited, meeting over 300 health, safety, and quality standards. Staff are trained specifically for the age groups they serve.
Extended Day Options
AM extended day: 7:30-9:00 AM (drop off any time). PM extended day: 3:30-5:30 PM (pick up 5:15-5:30). Both available for an additional fee and include an extra camp activity. Register online.
WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR
- Kids fascinated by firefighters, police officers, doctors, and other community helpers
- Campers ages 5-13 who want a themed week with real-world connections
- Families looking for a day camp that teaches service alongside fun
- First-time campers who need a welcoming, structured introduction to camp life
Sample Day
9:00 - Arrive & settle in.
9:15 - Bible Discovery & Worship.
9:45 - Open play.
10:30 - Morning activity rotations (fishing, boating, theme fun, games, nature).
11:15 - Lunch & singing.
12:30 - Pool/waterslide.
1:45 - Theme activities.
3:00 - Daily closing, singing & snack.
3:30 - Pick up.