CedarS Camps
CedarS Camps is a private nonprofit Christian Science summer camp operating an 800-1,100 acre residential facility in the Missouri Ozarks. It serves Christian Science youth and families with multi-session summer camps, family programs, leadership pipelines, and year-round metaphysical content distribution.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersBallwin, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What CedarS Camps does
CedarS Camps (legally Cedars Camps, Inc.) is a private nonprofit Christian Science summer camp organization founded in 1993 and headquartered in Ballwin, Missouri. It operates an 800-1,100 acre residential camp facility near Lebanon, Missouri in the Ozarks, offering overnight summer camp sessions, family camps, family ski camp, a Counselor-in-Training leadership pipeline, retreats and conferences, and year-round CedarS 365 programming. The organization serves Christian Science youth and families seeking faith-based, screen-free residential experiences, with auxiliary services including on-site Christian Science Practitioner and nursing care, the CedarS Express transportation service, financial aid via camperships, and an Adult Helper program that lets parents and grandparents earn tuition credits ($415-$465 per week) while serving in operational roles.
The core technical and experiential assets include an 8-pole cable ski system at Crown Lake (one of roughly a dozen such systems in the US), a 6-lane Junior Olympic pool, zipline over a Bible Lands Park, 70+ horses and 8 riding arenas, aerial arts, rock climbing, ropes courses, and over two miles of shoreline. Programming is differentiated by a metaphysical layer: every activity opens with a "met" (metaphysical foundation), Journal-listed Christian Science Practitioners deliver daily inspirational talks, and a multi-language (English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese) weekly Metaphysical Newsletter extends the camp's content library year-round.
CedarS is accredited by the American Camp Association and operates as a direct-to-consumer nonprofit. Revenue is generated through camp tuition and registration fees across multiple sessions, donations and fundraising (monthly giving, camperships, endowment, adopt-the-herd, Giving Tree micro-donations from $1 up), off-season facility rentals for retreats/conferences/reunions, and the Adult Helper tuition-credit model. Enrollment is handled online via the Circuitree registration platform, with direct phone and email enrollment support through the Ballwin main office (open November-May) and the Lebanon camp office (open Memorial Day Weekend through October). The organization has 51-100 employees and is led by Executive Director Holly Huff Bruland, with Ruth E. Huff identified as founder.
CedarS Camps firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CedarS Camps
- Legal name
- Cedars Camps, Inc.
- Website
- https://cedarscamps.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- CedarS Camps is a private nonprofit Christian Science summer camp operating an 800-1,100 acre residential facility in the Missouri Ozarks. It serves Christian Science youth and families with multi-session summer camps, family programs, leadership pipelines, and year-round metaphysical content distribution.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CedarS Camps industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Residential Summer Camps
- NAICS
- Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214)
- SIC
- Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Group Camping & Scout Camps (THAGAOAI)
Keywords
Where CedarS Camps is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ballwin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
CedarS Camps business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Camp Tuition and Registration Fees: Revenue from summer camp session fees, family camp fees, and various program registrations including Counselor-in-Training programs. Multiple session options available (1st-4th sessions with one-week options).
- Donations and Fundraising: Camperships, monthly giving, unrestricted gifts, endowment contributions, and designated giving programs. The Giving Tree program offers specific item donations from $1 (s'more treats) to horse care for a year.
- Event Rentals and Retreats: Facility rentals for retreats, conferences, and reunions during fall and other off-season periods. Staff and Friends Retreat and various church/conference bookings.
- Adult Helper Program: Adult helpers pay to participate and earn tuition credits ($415-$465 per week) while supporting camp operations in roles including food service, housekeeping, maintenance, gardening, office, photography, crafts, horseback riding, or Sprouts care.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Weekly | Adult Helper Program - Service with tuition credits |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
CedarS Camps product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CedarS Camps operates a residential Christian Science summer camp on an 800-acre facility in the Missouri Ozarks, offering multi-week youth camp sessions, family camp programs, retreats and conferences, equestrian and watersports instruction (including a rare 8-pole cable ski system), and related faith-based enrichment services. Programming integrates metaphysical study and spiritual formation with traditional camp activities such as horseback riding, rock climbing, zipline, swimming, aerial arts, and Counselor-in-Training leadership tracks.
Product overview
CedarS Camps is a Christian Science summer camp organization offering transformational residential camp programs across multiple session formats. The core product portfolio includes Summer Youth Camp Sessions (with options for 1-week or full sessions), Family Camps (including Memorial Day Weekend and Family Ski Camp), CedarS 365 year-round programming, and Retreats/Conferences. Supporting services include CedarS Express transportation, Financial Aid/Camperships, and Metaphysical Newsletters in multiple languages. The 800-acre Missouri Ozarks facility features extensive amenities including Aquatic Center, Cable Ski Waterpark, Sports Center, Bible Lands Park, zipline course, and horseback riding operations with 70+ horses. The organization also offers staff development programs (Counselor-In-Training through Program Directors), Christian Science nursing and practitioner services, internship programs, and adult helper opportunities. Facility rentals are available for external groups.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Summer Youth Camp Sessions Residential multi-week Christian Science summer camp programs for children and teens on an 800+ acre Missouri Ozarks facility, offering activities including watersports, horseback riding, rock climbing, zipline, aerial arts, and spiritual programming with a 3:1 camper-to-counselor ratio.
- Family Camp Family-oriented camp sessions including Memorial Day Weekend Family Camp, allowing Christian Science families to experience camp together with wholesome outdoor activities and spiritual enrichment.
- Family Ski Camp Winter family camp program offering ski and related winter recreational activities for Christian Science families, typically held in August at CedarS facilities.
- CedarS 365 Programs Year-round programming including Hymn Sings, High School Offerings, and Staff Offerings that maintain community engagement, spiritual study, and camp connection outside the summer season.
- Retreats, Conferences & Reunions Conference, retreat, and reunion hosting for groups including the Embracing Youth & Sunday School Conference and the 20s/30s Ski Retreat, with use of camp facilities and spiritual programming.
- CedarS Express Transportation Transportation service providing complete pickup and drop-off transport packages for campers traveling to and from camp facilities, reducing barriers to attendance.
- Adult Helper Program Program allowing adults (typically parents and grandparents) to serve camp operations in roles such as food service, housekeeping, maintenance, gardening, office, photography, crafts, horseback riding, or Sprouts care, while earning tuition credits of $415-$465 per week.
- Christian Science Nursing Services Skilled care and practical support through Journal-Listed Christian Science nurses providing prayer-based health care in the camp's Care House facility for campers and staff.
- Christian Science Practitioner Services Prayer-based healing services through Journal-listed Christian Science Practitioners offering daily Bible Lesson study, inspirational talks, and spiritual support for campers and staff.
- Counselor & Leadership Programs Staff development programs including Junior Counselor, Counselor-In-Training (CIT), Senior Counselor-in-Training (SCIT), Senior Counselor, Assistant Director, and Program Director tracks for teens aged 16-18 and young adults seeking leadership development.
- Internship Programs Academic and professional internship opportunities across fields including Leadership, Education, Program Design, Theater Studies, Sports Management, Social Media, Videography, Hospitality, Tech Support, Property Management, HR Management, Natural Resource Management, and Equine Management.
- Event Rentals Rental of camp facilities including cabins, meeting spaces, dining halls, and outdoor venues for external groups, conferences, and reunions during off-season periods.
- CedarS Activities Program Comprehensive daily activity program including Aerial Arts, Archery, Cable Water Sports, Cave Trips, Rock Climbing, Climbing Wall, Horseback Riding, High/Low Ropes Courses, Zipline, Trampoline, Maker Activities, Float Trips, and Fish/Watersports trips.
Quantifiable outcome
- 3:1 camper-to-counselor ratio ensures high supervision and individualized attention
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use CedarS Camps
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
CedarS Camps technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
CedarS Camps partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- American Camp Association (ACA)coreCedarS Camps is accredited by the American Camp Association and follows ACA guidelines for camp operations, safety practices, and program standards. They reference following best practices provided by ACA including activity risk assessments and safety protocols.
- Big Surf WaterparkminorBig Surf is a family water park about an hour's drive from camp. CedarS organizes day trips to this waterpark for campers featuring wave pool, slides, and lazy river. The usual 3-to-1 camper to counselor ratio is fully enforced during trips away from camp.
- Silver Dollar CityminorJunior Leadership program includes a two-day trip to Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, MO, followed by overnight camping at a nearby public campground. The park features a mining cave, interpretive craft centers, shops, entertainment events, and rides.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves1 record
Expansion highlights6 records
CedarS Camps competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Kanakuk Kamps: Residential Christian summer camp operator in Branson, Missouri with multiple campuses, multi-activity programming, and a similarly family/faith-based community. Highly comparable in geography, mission, and business model to CedarS Camps.
- Pine Cove Camps: One of the largest Christian residential summer camp operators in the US, operating multiple sites with multi-activity programming, family camps, and year-round retreat offerings. Directly comparable as a faith-based multi-site camp operator.
- WinShape Foundation: Faith-based residential camp operator (founded by Chick-fil-A) running multi-activity summer camps, retreats, and family programs at scale. Comparable in mission-driven model, multi-activity structure, and event rental monetization.
- Sky Ranch: Faith-based residential camp operator with multiple sites, family camps, and year-round retreat/conference operations. Comparable multi-activity, multi-site residential camp model with strong retreat business.
- Camp Cedar: Christian residential summer camp offering multi-activity programming, family camps, and retreats. Closely comparable mission and product mix to CedarS Camps.
- Camp Champions: Long-established residential summer camp operating multi-activity programs for youth and families on a private campus. Comparable business model around overnight programming, premium amenities, and broad activity offerings.
- Young Life: Faith-based youth organization operating residential summer camps (e.g., Crooked Creek, Castaway Club) with year-round programming and a strong volunteer/staff development model. Comparable as a faith-anchored residential camp network.
- Kamp Kewanee: Independent, family-owned residential summer camp with multi-activity programming for youth and families. Comparable in scale, single-site overnight camp model, and multi-activity amenity set.
Broad incumbents
- YMCA Camping: Large national network of residential summer camps (e.g., Camp Thunderbird, YMCA of the Ozarks) serving youth and families across the US. Comparable in overnight camp programming and multi-activity model, but broader mission and geography.
Others
- American Camp Association: Industry accreditation body and trade association for US camps; CedarS is ACA-accredited. Relevant as an ecosystem participant that sets operating standards and benchmarks for safety and program quality.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
CedarS Camps social profiles
Digital presenceCedarS Camps financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CedarS Camps leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
CedarS Camps funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CedarS Camps M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CedarS Camps
What does CedarS Camps do?
CedarS Camps operates a residential Christian Science summer camp on an 800-acre facility in the Missouri Ozarks, offering multi-week youth camp sessions, family camp programs, retreats and conferences, equestrian and watersports instruction (including a rare 8-pole cable ski system), and related faith-based enrichment services. Programming integrates metaphysical study and spiritual formation with traditional camp activities such as horseback riding, rock climbing, zipline, swimming, aerial arts, and Counselor-in-Training leadership tracks.
Is CedarS Camps a public or private company?
CedarS Camps is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was CedarS Camps founded?
CedarS Camps was founded in 1993. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is CedarS Camps based?
CedarS Camps is headquartered in Ballwin, United States, in the North America region.
How does CedarS Camps make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Camp Tuition and Registration Fees are the primary driver. The others are donations and Fundraising, event Rentals and Retreats and adult Helper Program.
Who are CedarS Camps's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Kanakuk Kamps, Pine Cove Camps, WinShape Foundation, Sky Ranch, Camp Cedar, Camp Champions, Young Life and Kamp Kewanee. YMCA Camping is listed as a broad incumbent. American Camp Association is listed as an others.
Does CedarS Camps have an API?
No public API is recorded for CedarS Camps.
What industry is CedarS Camps in?
CedarS Camps's product category is Residential Summer Camps. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMALAA, Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports), with a secondary code of THAGAOAI, Group Camping & Scout Camps. Its NAICS code is 721214 and its SIC code is 7000.