The Closure of One Heartland Camp

For over three decades, One Heartland camp in Willow River, Minnesota, has been a haven for children affected by HIV/AIDS. As the camp goes up for sale, former campers reflect on a bittersweet history marked by a remarkable public health achievement: a dramatic decline in the infection rates of newborns with the virus.

The Legacy of One Heartland

The camp, located just 40 minutes southwest of Duluth on an expansive 80-acre site, has provided joy and camaraderie to countless children whose lives were profoundly impacted by the challenges of living with a stigmatized illness. Neil Willenson, the camp’s founder, was inspired to establish One Heartland in 1993 after learning about a 5-year-old boy facing stigma at school due to his HIV status. Initially, Willenson envisioned this as a temporary project, but the positive transformation it sparked in campers' lives led to its lasting legacy.

Public Health Progress

Remarkably, today the perinatal HIV transmission rate in the United States has plummeted to less than 1% thanks to the advent of effective antiretroviral medications, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The World Health Organization also reports a global decline in new HIV infections among children by 38% since 2015, and a significant reduction in AIDS-related deaths. This success is a testament to the advances in medical science and social acceptance.

Challenges Overcome

In its inception, One Heartland faced numerous challenges, including discrimination that made it difficult to find venues willing to host campers with HIV. Willenson eventually purchased the Willow River property in 1997, aided by donations from notable figures, including former Minnesota Twins player Paul Molitor. This location became a true sanctuary for affected children, fostering an environment of unconditional love and acceptance.

Personal Stories

Campers like Nile Sandeen, now a 38-year-old pastor and doctoral student, speak of the lasting impact One Heartland had on their lives. Sandeen recalled the isolation he felt growing up—his mother, a nurse, attempted to combat the stigma surrounding HIV, but the world was often unkind. His experiences at the camp allowed him to connect with peers who shared similar struggles, creating a community built on understanding and support.

Evolving Mission

With the decline of new HIV infections, the camp has transformed over the years, adapting its mission to include various groups, such as children with chronic illnesses and LGBTQ youth. Last summer, the facility primarily served these latter campers, demonstrating its evolving purpose in a changing world.

A Bittersweet Farewell

As the camp closes its doors, Willenson expresses his astonishment at how far we’ve come—realizing that the diminished need for a camp initially founded to address urgent health crises is perhaps the greatest success story. The door may be closing on One Heartland, but its legacy of hope, support, and resilience will surely continue, as thousands of campers move forward with their lives, forever shaped by their time in Willow River.

A Symbol of Triumph

One Heartland is not just a camp; it is a symbol of triumph over adversity and a reminder of the power of community and love in the face of stigmatization. As efforts to sell the property commence, many hope it will become a space that continues to nurture and support future generations.