2026 Summer Schools and Camps Staff

Culver Summer School & Camps OverviewFounded in 1902 the Culver Summer Schools & Camps (CSSC) program is unique. It is a fun-filled naturally beautiful 1800-acre setting on the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee Indianas second-largest natural lake. Each summer nearly 1400 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 childrens programs include:JUNIOR WOODCRAFT CAMP (Ages 7-9): June 10 - 13 2026This 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 CAMP (Ages 9-14) June 19 - August 2 2026Culver 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 SCHOOL (Ages 14-17) June 19 - August 2 2026Upper 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 betweenNaval School theSchool of Horsemanshipor theAviation 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 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 Employment RequirementsWhether 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/ honesty self-discipline consideration cooperation and strong leadership skills at all be an efficient communicator and positive role a positive and respectful attitude towards coworkers campers/students and and enforce the Rules and Regulations in addition to all Safety protocols and professional boundaries with all campers/students and report to work on time and in proper attire including proper grooming to perform assigned to accept supervision and guidance in the form of evaluations and in good health vitality and physical 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 (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 - 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 Drivers License and US Sailing certification(s) 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 Drivers license. Training is provided on-site at no cost to participants. Indianas Boaters license is 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 : 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 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 of Working at Culver Summer Schools & CampsAt 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 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 summer some of our summer staff utilize their work experience here at Culver to complete school-required internships. This primarily depends on the staff members 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 and provide their full name college or university area of internship they are interested in pursuing and any pertinent information can be found at questions or general inquiries please feel free to