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Culver Summer School & Camps Overview

Founded in 1902, the Culver Summer Schools & Camps (CSSC) program is unique. It is a fun-filled, naturally beautiful 1,800-acre setting on the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee, Indiana's second-largest natural lake. Each summer, nearly 1,400 young people from around the world, ages 7-17, develop positive self-esteem through accomplishment and self-discipline. It is a high-challenge, high-support environment for learning leadership skills that improve personal confidence.

Culver Summer School & Camps employs 450 dedicated professionals from all over the world each summer with an annual staff retention rate of 65%. CSSC staff experience meaningful connections while making a positive and lasting difference in children’s lives.

Our programs include:

JUNIOR WOODCRAFT CAMP (Ages 7-9): June 10 - 13, 2026

This four-day camp is designed to give approximately 180 boys and girls, ages 7-9, a taste of the six-week Woodcraft Camp, following a similar structure complete with activity rotations, cabin/unit games, evening activities, and leadership opportunities. Our 5-to-1 staff-to-camper ratio provides the safety, leadership, and supervision younger campers deserve from a world-class camp program.

WOODCRAFT CAMP (Ages 9-14) June 19 - August 2, 2026

Culver Woodcraft Camp is a six-week, all-activity camp designed for 732 children, ages 9 to 14. Daniel Carter Beard, the founder of the Boy Scouts of America in 1911, was the first Director of the Woodcraft Camp in 1912. Over 80 electives provide an unparalleled opportunity to participate in unique activities, learn new skills, and compete in athletics and military activities, all while improving self-confidence and leadership skills. Woodcrafters also develop an understanding of and appreciation for nature and other cultures.

UPPER SCHOOL (Ages 14-17) June 19 - August 2, 2026

Upper School is a six-week leadership development program for youth ages 14 to 17. The Upper Schools' military organizational structure is designed to instill followership, then leadership, over the course of three summers. Boys choose between Naval School, the School of Horsemanship, or the Aviation School. Girls are organized into Decks and may take the same sailing, horsemanship, or aviation classes as the boys. All students follow a schedule that provides a healthy mix of classes, activities, and free time. Additional information regarding the Upper School can be found here.

• Please note that there is a mandatory one-week summer staff orientation before Woodcraft Camp and Upper School that runs June 13 - 19, 2026. Keep in mind that some jobs require more than 1 week of staff orientation training – specifically, naval staff, lifeguards requiring certification, and other staff as assigned.

Summer Employment Requirements

Whether in Junior Woodcraft (ages 7-9), Woodcraft Camp (ages 9-14), or Upper School (ages 14-17) staff are responsible for the safety and well-being of our campers/students. Culver considers a variety of factors when reviewing staff applications including education and experience to determine the right placement for the many different staff positions available. Minimum expectations may include the following:

• Graduate of High School or equivalent, at least 18 years of age (at least 1 year of college is highly preferred).
• Desire and ability to work with children/teenagers.
• Demonstrate honesty, self-discipline, consideration, cooperation, and strong leadership skills at all times.
• Must be an efficient communicator and positive role model.
• Maintain a positive and respectful attitude towards coworkers, campers/students, and parents.
• Know and enforce the Rules and Regulations, in addition to all Safety protocols and procedures.
• Maintain professional boundaries with all campers/students and staff.
• Consistently report to work on time and in proper attire, including proper grooming, to perform assigned duties.
• Ability to accept supervision and guidance in the form of evaluations and feedback.
• Be in good health, vitality, and physical stamina.

Specific Positions:

COUNSELOR: Counseling is a job that demands great patience. A counselor is one who works closely with the campers/students, who establishes rapport, and who administers discipline with respect and care. Counselors are who set the proper example and are always positive role models. Counselors are on call 24/7 and are the primary caretakers of a group of campers/students. It is imperative that they act as a role model within and outside Culver Summer Schools. As well as demonstrate a firm knowledge of our shared values, rules, and regulations, and hold others accountable.

INSTRUCTOR (ACADEMIC OR ATHLETIC): Instructors at Culver Summer Schools & Camps provide instruction to participants for the indicated activity or subject. The staff member teaches the associated knowledge and skills and assists campers/students in achieving activity or lesson goals. Minimum expectations may include either prior teaching or coaching experience as well as specific experience in a specific skill (i.e. coding, archery, golf, etc.). Successful applicants must enjoy working with children/teens. Some instructor positions may require professional certification, license, or related experience (i.e. lifeguard certification, Indiana Boating License, US Sailing, etc.). Instructors will have duties assigned in addition to teaching responsibilities. CSSC runs 2-week trimesters, with 45-minute class periods. Some classes are double periods (90 minutes) in length. Classes run Monday - Friday.

NAVAL STAFF: Must consistently demonstrate solid sailing knowledge and skills. Their primary responsibility is the safe, enjoyable, and effective implementation of the Naval School Curriculum and the Naval duties assigned. Naval staff teach a total of 3 double period classes (90-minute) Monday through Friday. They coach and assess the performance of individual students in each of the sailing skills being taught. Naval staff effectively and fairly supervise and officiate assigned naval competition(s). Naval Staff must have a valid US Driver’s License, and US Sailing certification(s) preferred.

WATERSKI STAFF: Under the direction of the Waterfront Director, the Waterski Staff will supervise and implement water ski instruction. All Waterski staff will maintain the safety of campers/students and staff to ensure the program is run safely and efficiently through detailed supervision and quality instruction. Waterski staff instruct children of all ages and abilities in waterskiing Monday - Friday from approximately 8:30 am - 4 pm. Must be 21 years of age or older with a valid US Driver’s license. Training is provided on-site at no cost to participants. Indiana’s Boaters license is preferred.

HORSEMANSHIP STAFF: Responsible for Balanced Seat English Equitation, Mounted Drill, and Horsemanship skills instruction for approximately 25-30 students per day. The Horsemanship Instructor has the primary responsibility for safe, enjoyable, and effective implementation of the Culver Summer School of Horsemanship/Cavalry Curriculum, and is assigned duties for 7 weeks. Horsemanship staff instructs student groups or individuals, from basic to advanced, English riding techniques and horsemanship. Equitation skills appropriate to the level assigned are required.

ADMINISTRATION: The administration at Culver Summer Schools & Camps provides the day-to-day leadership of the program and operations to the staff and campers/students. Administrators are responsible for all aspects of our programs including the training and supervision of staff. They organize and schedule classes and activities, establish and deliver program goals, and plan and implement programs while monitoring progress. Minimum expectations may include several years of camp staff experience, strong leadership skills, and exceptional communication ability.

Culver Summer Schools and Camps are a culturally diverse community. 30% of our camper/student population hail from outside of the United States. We partner with IENA for J-1 visas for qualifying International Staff members. Please note, our International Staff are subject to the terms laid out in their agreement with their placement agency. Culver does not guarantee J-1 visas.

Benefits of Working at Culver Summer Schools & Camps

At Culver, we seek to support your whole self - mind, spirit, and body which is why you have access to our on-site Fitness Center, impressive campus, and world-class facilities with endless opportunities to support excellence in your craft.

Culver offers FREE meals in the dining halls, boarding (please note: Upper School staff live in dorms or barracks and Woodcraft staff lives in cabins), limited laundry and dry-cleaning services, and a discount at the campus store and Uniform Shop. A strong Tuition Remission Program for your eligible children attending CSSC is also available. 

Internships

Every summer some of our summer staff utilize their work experience here at Culver to complete school-required internships. This primarily depends on the staff member's college/university requirements for internship credit. If a summer staff member is interested in pursuing an internship while being part of our summer staff, they should contact summerjobs@culver.org and provide their full name, college or university, area of internship they are interested in pursuing, and any pertinent information.

Additional information can be found at https://www.culver.org/about/careers-at-culver/summer-positions

For questions or general inquiries please feel free to contact summerjobs@culver.org.