UPPER CAMP IN A NUTSHELL

Culver Upper Camp is a six-week all-activity camp for young men and women, ages 13 to 17. Boys choose among the Aviation, Horsemanship and Naval Schools. Girls are organized into Decks and participate in the Schools’ of their choice. Upper Campers participate in daily electives, afternoon recreation or intramural competitions and evening social activities.  Check out the Culver Upper Camp facilities and activities in our new Virtual Tour!

Upper Camp Schools

• Aviation
• Girls
• Horsemanship
• Naval

SCHEDULE

Morning and Afternoon: Formal instruction is offered during six daily class periods, each 45 minutes in duration. There are four periods before lunch and two after. Classes meet five days each week.

Recreation Period: This is mainly devoted to the Intramural Sports pro­gram. Other activities during free time include vis­its to the snack bar, visits with friends in the dorm lounges or use of Culver’s many wonderful facilities, including the nine-hole golf course, 15 tennis courts, ice rink, swim piers, and sailboats. Theater rehearsals are also held during this time.

Evening: Evening activities are a time for relaxation, reflection and getting to know new friends. Campers will enjoy seminars on topics of interest presented by staff, movies, dances, Sunday evening socials, picnics, use of facilities (snack Bar, ice rink, recreation building).

Tues/Thurs - Retreat Parade
Friday - Crew Competitions
Saturday - Classes, Permits, Dance
Sunday - Religious Services, Permits, Garrison Parade, Evening Social

A Day in the Life of a Culver Upper Camper

ORGANIZATION

BOYS: Boys select an activity major: aviation, naval or horsemanship. This choice determines which uniform a boy will wear and in which required activity he will participate. The required activity is most often for two periods of the class day. Boys may select from all the other activity electives to fill the four remaining activity periods.

GIRLS: Girls are called Cadets and are housed in living units called decks. They compete among themselves in a variety of athletic and Naval competitions. Girls may choose from any activities they wish, including sailing and horsemanship. The selected activitiesmust total five or six periods daily.

THE TUXIS SYSTEM

A progressive achievement

Campers must earn a certain number of Tuxis credits in every phase of the camp – athletic, academic, aquatic, social and military. These are gained through specific tests. Campers need not to excel in any one area, but must reach a certain standard in all. The system provides the means for reaching set goals as well as the incentive.

Progressive achievement is emphasized and recognized in the Tuxis system. The requirements for each medal are increasingly difficult. The Gold Tuxis, carrying with it graduation and admittance into the Culver Summer Schools Alumni Association (CSSAA), represents three summers of achievement.  Learn more by watching our video.