Program Overview:
Each camper is cherished at CedarS. His or her spiritual nature is regularly identified and loved into fuller expression in small cabin and activity groups by our staff of active Christian Scientists. CedarS counselors are some of the most genuine, Christian, and fun-loving leaders you've ever met. With one of them for every three campers, they'll constantly accentuate the harmony of your inclusive cabin group and the special spiritual qualities to be admired and developed in each individual.
Brief metaphysicals each hour stretch the spiritual growth potential of all activities and anchor a higher sense of protection and family (see metaphysical web page). Daily Bible lesson study, practitioner talks, Wednesday Testimony meetings, Sunday School and Hymn Sings reinforce all the spiritual growth going on at Cedars.
Main Camp campers enjoy a wide range of camp activities (see list below the video)! During week one, you'll be assigned to a rotation of activities with your cabin. During week two, you'll get to choose from your favorite activities and enjoy an outdoor adventure trip. A majority of days, Main Camp campers will have an assigned swim lesson and horseback riding lesson, and they can expect to make good progress in these areas. Our brother-sister camps mix together for most meals and for many evening activities.
Overnight toilet needs: Our staff can wake up a camper at night to use the toilet, if this is a need. Campers can also bring pull-ups for overnight, as needed, and the staff are trained to support discreet disposal and self-cleaning in the morning. We have also seen progress and healing in these areas while at camp.
Rising 1st graders are eligible if the parents and CedarS feel they are ready, based on their ability to listen to their counselors, enjoy full days and evenings of camp activities, sleep independently, take care of daytime toilet needs, and get along with cabin mates. CedarS will set up an interview with the parents and rising 1st grade campers prior to finalizing enrollment.
Program Video:
Activities
Enjoy five activity periods each day, taught by expert counselors. When you’re not at your specialty camp, you’ll be scheduled to rotate through a variety of fun camp activities with your cabin (see list below). Across a two-week session, you will have the opportunity to experience some other nearby adventures, such as a canoe trip, an extended hike to a local cave, fishing and hiking at camp, a pack trip on horseback, and a possible overnight camp-out.
Christian Science Focus
Our goal is to apply Christian Science to each activity with joy! All programs include daily Bible Lesson study, “mets” before activities, Sunday School, Wednesday testimony meetings, hymn sings, and talks by the resident Christian Science Practitioner.
Here are some of the activities that you'll get to enjoy:
Horseback Riding
Ride nearly every day on one of Cedars' 70+ excellent horses (at no extra charge). Improve your riding skills in one of our seven arenas, including two that are covered. Enjoy our extensive camp trail network with over 800 acres and miles of riding trails. Interact with miniature horses and learn how to drive a mini horse cart (5th grade and up). Showcase your new skills in an end-of-session Horse Show. All riding classes are taught by a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) instructor.
Swimming
Swim daily at free swim and/or classes in our Aquatic Center with its Junior Olympic Lap Pool and Diving Pool. Red Cross Lifeguards and swimming instructors are eager to help you learn or improve your strokes and earn certificates. Other fun water activities at our Aquatic Center include diving, synchronized swimming, water polo, pool volleyball, and a swim meet.
Arts & Crafts
Learn to make creative nature art, tool leather work, weave thread bracelets and make jewelry, create with clay, paint pens, tie dye, make paper stationery, bead work, wood work, puppets, upcycling creations, and much more.
Cable Ski
Learn to kneeboard, wakeboard, and waterski on our 6-tower cable ski system on our very own onsite lake. Learn to navigate turns and try our optional ramp jump as you enjoy ½-mile laps. The cable ski system can accommodate six riders at once, so your whole cabin can be active at once. Cheer on your friends as they make their way around the lake, taking on new challenges. Will you be the one to set the new record for most cable ski laps? (Requirement: pass a basic swim and board navigation assessment. This activity is typically appropriate for rising 4th graders and up. During Family Camp, we often accommodate younger campers.)
Archery
"Aim for perfection," for archery awards or just for fun with the support of our trained archery instructors.
Canoeing, Kayaking, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Guide your canoe around our own lake or down a local river with confidence after you learn each paddle stroke. Learn the basics of sit-on-top kayaking at Kayak Cove, and then play a round of kayak polo. Test your balance as you paddleboard: learn basic strokes and graduate up to obstacle courses.
Log Rolling
Demonstrate grace and balance as you learn to stand, walk, and run atop a synthetic rolling log. Our instructors will teach you the basic skills, and you can advance to log rolling contests. The log is weighted to accommodate the beginner or more advanced camper. This activity takes place in our Junior Olympic lap pool or in Kayak Cove.
Nature & Fishing
Enjoy CedarS nature program while exploring our new trails and learning conservation practices. Hike over hills and streams to explore our CedarS cave. Go birding in the forest; catch crayfish and frogs in the creek; or go fishing for bass, sunfish and catfish in our stocked lakes.
Sports
Come experience the CedarS Sports Center, with its open-air garage doors and jumbo high-velocity fans. Improve your fundamental skills in soccer, basketball, and volleyball with the help of experienced players and coaches who are committed to helping you excel. Additional sports to enjoy include aerial arts (2nd session only), disc golf, ultimate frisbee, ga-ga, ping pong, foosball, and modified capture the flag.
Trampoline
Bounce safely and joyfully on our trampolines, which have 360 degree net enclosures.
Waterslide
Twist and turn your way down CedarS very own waterslide, which is one of the longest in the state of Missouri. Enjoy a refreshing splash at the bottom, then hike back up the winding ramp and do it again!
Trips
Enjoy a half day or full day outdoor adventure trip (float, fish, cave and rock climb, or pack). Your cabin may also choose to sleep out under the stars at the end of the day.
Evening Activities
Enjoy bonding with your cabin during evening activities such as s’mores over a campfire, sunset visits to the grazing horses, talent shows and skits, game nights, dance parties, extra rounds on the cable ski and waterslide, hymn sings, and testimony meetings.
Meal Choices:
We offer a variety of kid-friendly foods such as pizza, chicken nuggets, tacos, hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, and spaghetti. Breakfasts have a main entrée, plus selections of cereals, oatmeal, eggs, and fresh fruit. Lunches and dinners include a main and side entrée, plus daily salad and PB&J options. Each meal comes with vegetarian and vegan options.
