May 7, 2024 – ST. LOUIS– Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is pleased to announce that their camping property, Camp Cedarledge, was listed as one of the top summer camps in the United States by Newsweek. The prestigious list presents the 500 best U.S. summer camps, split into 200 day camps and 300 overnight camps. The locations are ranked based on a survey of 30,000 parents conducted in 2023 and 2024 and nearly 700,000 social media reviews on Google and Facebook. Camps were rated on criteria like selection of offered activities, accessibility, staff-to-children ratio, and camp safety.
Camp Cedarledge received a 4.5-star rating (out of a 5-star rating system) and was one of four camps honored from the state of Missouri in the overnight camp category and the only in the St. Louis region.
Located in Pevely, Mo., Camp Cedarledge rolls across almost 700 acres of wooded hills. All Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri equestrian camps occur at Camp Cedarledge, with 30 horses, a covered riding arena and shaded horse trails. The property is also home to 9 miles of scenic hiking trails, a newly renovated archery range used for a variety of target sports programing, and Lake Atwood where campers participate in boating and fishing.
“Camp Cedarledge is a beloved Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Camp that offers a wide variety of year-round outdoor programing and nature activities for our Girl Scouts,” said Melissa Niedermann, GSEM Director of Camping Services. “We are proud to be nationally recognized as one of the top properties for youth camping.”
“We are honored to receive recognition from Newsweek noting our commitment to fostering engaging and holistic camp environments for all Girl Scouts across eastern Missouri,” said Dr. Natissia Small, GSEM CEO. “The staff works tirelessly to create a learning experience for girls to develop essential skills in a supportive and safe environment while also presenting an opportunity for girls to forge new friendships and make memories that will last a lifetime. Girl Scout camp is truly a unique and immersive experience that changes the perspective of every girl for the rest of their lives.”
To view the full list of America’s Best Summer Camps, visit https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/americas-best-summer-camps-2024
To learn more about Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s camps, visit girlscoutsem.org/camp.