September 2023 Our Promise

Supporter Spotlight: Three Girl Scout partners bring more PLAY to camp!

Girl Scouts participate in a wide range of impactful activities at GSEM’s three camp properties, but the free play that happens in their down time may be the most important of all! The American Academy of Pediatrics tells us that free play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Children who participate in free play develop healthy independence and grow into curious and creative adults. Thanks to the support of the Her Future is Our Future Comprehensive Campaign by three longtime Girl Scout partners—Edward Jones, Dana Brown Charitable Trust and Trio Foundation of St. Louis— more girls will have the opportunity to participate in inclusive free play at GSEM’s three camp properties. Pictured to the right, a wide variety of free play structures are being installed throughout 2023 to enhance girls’ outdoor experience. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is so grateful to our community partners, who are shaping lives and providing formative play experiences for thousands of girls at camp each year. Thank you, Edward Jones, Dana Brown Charitable Trust and Trio Foundation of St. Louis!

A Level X play structure was installed at Camp Fiddlecreek in February with support from Trio Foundation of St. Louis. This free play climbing structure allows girls to experience climbing, sensory and tactile play.

Dana Brown Charitable Trust made possible a new boulder climbing structure and Akadinda at Camp Cedarledge, installed in July. The Akadinda is a large musical instrument that provides a unique percussion play experience.

Coming soon, the Edward Jones Outdoor Adventure Center will bring a network of play structures at Camp Tuckaho. With paved paths and a wide variety of adventure elements, this new space will create limitless opportunities for girls to have fun together and learn from one another.