Guidebook

Please note that additional summer registration information will be sent by email leading up to camp.

Registration for returning campers will take place on Friday, June 16 from 9:00 AM Eastern Time (the same time as New York) until 3:00 PM Eastern Time in Culver's Multi-Purpose Building. After 3:00 PM we will only be registering those campers who arrive to Culver by bus. 

Registration for new campers will take place on Saturday, June 17 from 10:00 AM Eastern Time until 3:00 PM Eastern Time. We encourage families to arrive before 12:00 PM on Saturday so that campers can participate in the afternoon programming. 

*Families will sign up for a registration arrival time slot prior to arriving on campus. More information will be sent by email with these registration sign-up details. 

* Please note that your registration process will go more quickly if you have already submitted all required forms and tuition payments prior to arriving. Log in to your parent account and finish the enrollment forms. 

Luggage Drop Off &Parking

If you and your camper are arriving by car, enter the campus at Culver Academies' main entrance gate off of State Road 10. Campus Security personnel will direct you to a parking space behind the Culver Chapel and adjacent to the Multi-Purpose Building. After parking proceed to the Multi-Purpose Building to complete registration.

Parking in the Henderson Ice Rink Parking lot is restricted to private vehicles displaying handicapped parking tags and authorized Culver vehicles.

• Woodcraft: Woodcraft campers and parents can drop off luggage at one of two large tents before heading to the Woodcraft Camp for cabin and unit assignments. 

• Upper School: Upper School campers and parents will have the option to take the luggage to units/decks or drop it off at the tent.

All luggage will be tagged with your camper's name and unit. Culver staff will deliver luggage to your child's dorm, barracks, or Woodcraft cabin. 

After Dropping Off Your Luggage

• Woodcraft: Woodcraft Campers and their parents can proceed to Woodcraft Camp located on State Road 10, 0.5 miles east of the Culver main gate.

• Upper School: Upper School students and their parents can proceed to their dorms and barracks on the main campus.  Check where your unit is located before leaving the Multi-Purpose Building and look for signage on the dorms and barracks.

Arriving By Bus

If your camper is arriving by bus, the bus will bring your camper to the Multi-Purpose Building for registration. After completing the process, the bus will take Woodcraft Campers and their luggage to Woodcraft Camp. Upper School students will be directed to their dorm or barracks.

Your camper will have access to their cell phone when they arrive on campus long enough for them to contact you to let you know they have made it safely.

Please read through the following transportation information very carefully.  In order to serve our families better, we have adopted several long-requested changes to make it easier (and often less expensive) to get your camper and his or her luggage to and from Culver. After you have thoroughly read the arrival and departure information AND you know precisely how your camper is getting to and from Culver, you are ready to fill out our arrival and departure information page. You can log in to your parent account here.

Unaccompanied Minors

If your child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor to camp this summer, it is critical that you contact the Transportation Officer by email at USTRANS@culver.org or by phone at 574-842-8486. The Transportation Officer will be able to give you the name of the staff member that will be receiving your child at the airport.

Submit Travel Information - REQUIRED

All parents will be required to submit arrival and departure forms. You will receive an email soon with further information.

Sick Call
If the camper arrives at a time that the treatment company is not on site and is found to be positive, they will have an enzyme oil applied to their hair/head that will start the process. Once this oil is applied, the child can return to their cabin for the night. The camper will then report to the Health Center the next day to complete the treatment. 

Those campers who arrive at registration without a parent/guardian will have arrangements coordinated at some point during the day or evening, but not during the time of registration. This may mean if treatment is needed, your child will stay at the Health Center until arrangements can be made. Your child will not be permitted into the cabin/dorm area without completion of the lice treatment. Due to high volumes at registration, the priority of the nurses is to get the campers processed through registration. 

To be proactive, it is a good idea to have your child's head checked by a local health care provider or a qualified person (such as a school nurse, lice company, primary care doctors office) prior to arriving at camp. This is especially important if you feel that your child may be at risk for head lice (attended a prior camp, was with a relative/friend who has had head lice, had an outbreak in school, etc.) The cycle of lice can take up to two weeks with an at-home treatment, the treatment provided at Culver is a one-time treatment, however, the appropriate education for home and parents and checks will be provided. Although frequent head checks prior to camp may help in detecting an early outbreak before arrival at camp, it does not eliminate the possibility of lice being found at registration.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Health Center at (574) 842-7800.

Required Forms

1. Physical Examination Form: The Physical Examination Form must be printed and filled out by a physician and returned to Culver's Health Center. This form may not be filled out by a family member of the camper.
    
2. Medical Insurance Form: All campers must be covered by a comprehensive injury and sickness plan, one that meets the high cost of medical services and is accepted by local providers and practitioners. The insurance form must be provided to Culver by the start of camp. If a camper does not have medical insurance, a temporary policy must be purchased for the time that the camper is at Culver. The medical insurance will be used in the event that a camper requires a prescription and/or medical treatment that cannot be provided by the on-campus Health Center. This would include appointments with specialists (Pediatrician, Orthopedist, etc.) as well as any lab work or x-rays. If your health insurance carrier changes during camp, please supply the Health Center with the updated information. Please note that there may be additional charges on the tuition account for supplies, over the counter medications and prescriptions administered by the Health Center that may not be covered by insurance.
    
3. Copy of the Insurance Card: Please provide a copy of the front and back of the card. 

International campers are required to purchase the international insurance through Culver and will be charged accordingly. Benefits will be paid for 100% of covered medical expenses (except for above usual and customary charges) up to $500,000 for each Injury or Sickness. Please note that there may be additional charges to the Tuition Account for supplies, over the counter medications, and prescriptions administered by the Health Center that may not be covered by the international insurance. We encourage you to read the insurance policy brochure below.

The insurance information must be provided to Culver by the start of camp. Further details will be included on your camper's Pre-Enrollment Checklist. 

• International Insurance Plan Summary
• International Insurance Brochure

SMART Tuition Account

Culver Academies has partnered with SMART Tuition to present statements, process your payments, and provide easy access to your account information.

We will make it easy for you to

• Select a payment method that works best for you
• Choose to receive a monthly invoice, or
• Set up recurring automatic payments from your bank account or credit card
• Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express are accepted

Access your account online

• Review account history, transaction details, and print invoices
• Edit your contact information, password, and payment method
• Make a payment or set up recurring payments. Tuition needs to be paid in full and is due April 1st.

Receive payment and follow up reminders

• For recurring payments, a reminder is emailed 7-10 days before the due date
• For missed payments and outstanding balances, you will receive an email and phone call

Speak with a customer service representative

• Live agents are available Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
• Spanish speaking representatives are available
• Call toll-free to make payments at (888) 868-8828
• International families can contact (925) 316-4286 to speak with a representative

Business Office FAQs

What spending money options are available for my child?

• Sign up for a reloadable debit card
• Anyone with a US bank account: Greenlight
  • Mexico residents: CI Banco for campers from Mexico
• Culver Eagle Outfitters gift card (details coming soon!)
• Bring your own Debit or Credit card
• Bring your own prepaid gift card (Visa/Mastercard, available at most grocery stores or pharmacies)

Where can money be spent while at Culver?

• Students can visit our on-campus restaurant, The Shack, for hamburgers, pizza, shakes/smoothies, and salads, in addition to grab-and-go items like fruit and sandwiches.
• Our Campus Store stocks everything your student will need this summer, from fans to toiletries and clothing.
• The Culver Uniform Shop
• Woodcraft campers have a store at Woodcraft Camp for basics.

How does the Greenlight reloadable gift card work?

Greenlight is a debit card for kids that is managed by parents. With the tap of a button, send money to your kids — anytime, anywhere. No trips to the ATM, no cash, no hassle. Set flexible parental controls that are right for your family and get real-time notifications every time your kids spend money. Kids get real-life lessons in earning, spending, and saving. There is no minimum age. 

Check out the Greenlight FAQ.

How will my child’s identity be verified when they make a purchase at Culver?

Your child's identity will be verified prior to making a purchase on campus by checking their photo ID card. If your child brings a pre-paid gift card to campus their name should be written on it with a permanent marker prior to arrival.

What happens if my child’s card gets lost?

If a card is lost, your child is responsible for letting their counselor know as soon as possible. From there, they will notify parents/guardians so that it can be reported as lost, and a new card can be issued.  We recommend parents purchase cards in small denominations.

Often, if a card is lost, there is a website where you can input the gift card information and have it reissued. We recommend that you take a picture of the front and back of gift cards in case you have to utilize this feature.

How will the cards be kept secure while at camp?

Woodcrafters’ cards will be kept by each cabin counselor in a security lockbox when not in use.

Upper School students should keep their cards in their lock drawer in their room when not in use.

Are there parental controls available for the gift cards?

Not all cards offer parental controls. We recommend finding a gift card/debit card that you feel comfortable with. Greenlight offers a debit card that can be reloaded with funds.

Gift cards purchased at major retailers or on campus will not have parental controls.

Can I send cash with my child?

We recommend that students do not arrive to camp with cash.

Can my child get cash while on campus?

An automated teller machine (ATM) from 1st Source Bank is located on campus in the lower level of the Lay Dining Center, next to the Campus Store. Any student with a major bank card or a 1st Source Bank Resource Plus Card may use the ATM, but he or she must have a PIN number. Students with a 1st Source Bank-issued card may enjoy the convenience of using the ATM without incurring any fees. All other cards may be subject to a foreign ATM fee.

However, we do not recommend that students pull out cash, since a debit card or Visa gift card can be used at all locations on campus. 

What if I have another question about spending money at camp?

Please contact the Culver Summer Schools & Camps Office at summer@culver.org for inquiries.

During the 6-week session of camp, your child is required to attend a spiritual reflection or religious service. Culver offers the five options listed below. In your pre-camp registration checklist, you will select which service that you would like for your child to attend. 

Roman Catholic Mass – 9:00 AM Sundays
Mass is the Roman Catholic community coming together to worship and honor God. There are many opportunities for students to be involved in the Mass: helping the priest at the altar, proclaiming the word of the Lord, distributing the Eucharist, leading the congregation in song, or providing music for the Mass.

Protestant Worship Services – 10:30 AM Sundays
The Protestant traditions represented by Culver students are as diverse as those of the culture at large. This service is all-inclusive and Christ-centered- offering with readings from scripture, a sermon, and time for prayer at every Sunday service.

Islamic Studies – 6:30 PM Fridays
Each Friday Muslim students gather for the opportunity to learn about Muslim life and practice. Topics include the importance of charity and the significance of religious pilgrimage. Students explore the relevance of the Qur’an and the Prophet’s life to their lives at Culver.

Jewish Prayer – 6:30 PM Fridays
Shabbat, Hebrew for day of rest, is the most important day in the Jewish calendar. Conducted in Hebrew and English, this service includes the lighting of the Sabbath candles, the recital of Kiddush, and prayers over wine and bread and the Sabbath day itself. Discussions concerning Jewish life, practice, and world affairs will also take place as a part of this service option.

Mindfulness Service – 9:00 AM Sundays
Woodcrafter campers will participate in mindfulness activities and short, guided practices. They will learn and practice research-based self-calming techniques. Upper Campers will be introduced to basic mindfulness concepts and practices. Through activities and short, guided practices, they will learn research-based self-calming techniques. Upper School students will also be introduced to mindful decision-making. Both services will be led by Kristen Counts, OT/L, Certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens Instructor.

Travel Documents
If your child was picked up at Chicago O'Hare airport, his or her counselor will ask for their travel documents, such as passports, visas, and return airline tickets upon their arrival on campus. These documents will be sealed in an envelope and stored for safekeeping in the Transportation Office. 

Please note: if you are picking up your child at the end of camp, please be sure to ask your child's counselor for these documents. The Transportation Office will return all travel documents for campers flying home as they board the bus to the airport.

Left Over Medications
The Woodcraft Dispensing Center is located in the back of the Orthwein Dining Hall with its entrance facing the parking lot. On Thursday, July 27, the dispensing nurse will give most Woodcrafters any remaining medications to take home. Please check with your child to ensure medications are packed. Woodcraft campers who have medication stored at the Health Center will need to have their medications picked up by their parent or guardian by July 29. 

The Upper School Health Center is located directly southeast from the Memorial Chapel and is open 24 hours a day. Upper School parents may pick up medication at any time. Upper School students may pick up medications on Thursday or Friday, July 27 or 28.

Lost & Found
Parents who are picking up their children from camp are encouraged to visit the Lost & Found areas of their respective camps. Woodcraft Camp Lost & Found is located at Woodcraft Headquarters. Upper School Lost & Found is located at Sally Port until July 29 when it is moved to the first floor of the Naval Building.

2023 Permit Schedule

Saturday, July 1 –12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
(D&B, Troop and Deck 7 return from permit at 4:30 PM)

Sunday, July 2 – 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Saturday, July 15 – 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
(D&B, Troop and Deck 7 return from permit at 4:30 PM)

Sunday, July 16 – 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Campers are allowed to leave campus with parent-authorized supervision during the pre-established permit times. All times are listed in Eastern Daylight Savings time (remember that Culver is one hour ahead of Chicago). Culver respectfully asks that parents understand and abide by the no-permit restriction during the first two weeks of camp.

How do I sign my child out?

If a camper is going on permit, he/she must be signed out at his/her Unit Headquarters (Woodcraft) or Senior Counselor's office (Upper School).

You also have the option of taking your child's friends on permit, if they have proper authorization from their parent or guardian and the parents names are listed as Trusted Contacts in CampDocs.  

Can my child go on permit with another family?
With proper authorization, your child may leave campus with another family or you have the option of taking your child’s friend on permit.

Authorized adults must be added as "Trusted Contacts" in the Campdocs system prior to permit day. The “Trusted Contacts” link is on the parent’s dashboard in Campdocs, which you can access by logging into your account on the Summer Parent Portal here. Any person dropping off a camper or picking up a camper, at the start, during, or end of camp, must be added as a “Trusted Contact” in order for them to go on permit with that person.

If you know your child will be going on permit with another family, please take a moment to update your account. Families will not be able to add authorized adults during permit weekend checkout.

Permit Guidelines
It is imperative that our campers are well fed and properly hydrated during permit time. Please refrain from greasy foods and soft drinks.

Campers may swim, sail, or participate in any boating or water activity only when under the immediate supervision of their own parents/guardians.

Campers must leave and return in their full dress uniform. Campers are expected to remain in uniform while they are on permit. They must be supervised the entire time while on permit and must be returned to their units promptly at the end of permit time.

What to Do on Permits

While off-campus with your child, you may consider some of the options below. A few days before each Permit weekend, you will receive an email with specific activities happening at Culver with times and locations.

• Enjoy the town of Culver's Lake Fest festivities
• Explore the Culver Museum in town
• Dine at one of the great restaurants in the town of Culver
• Visit Plymouth – about 15 miles north of Culver – for movies, bowling, restaurants, Wal-Mart, and other stores.
• Visit South Bend/Mishawaka – about 40 miles north of Culver – for a larger selection of stores and restaurants. 

To view the map of Culver's campus, click here.

Please select the school your child is enrolled in to view the uniform and packing list:

• Woodcraft Boys
• Woodcraft Girls

Items with prices listed  may either be purchased on campus at the Campus Store, Uniform Department or be brought from home.  Approximate prices are listed and are subject to change. New Woodcrafters are required to pay a Uniform Deposit, which is an estimate of the expenses each new camper will encounter for uniforms.  All campers, new or returning will need the following items. Uniforms are purchased on registration day.

Shipping Luggage before Camp

To make traveling easier for your child, you may consider shipping luggage to Culver at the address above prior to camp. This may be done via UPS or other private carriers, but must be received by Culver after June 15. Campers may ship or carry their luggage home at the end of camp. Culver will not be responsible for shipping luggage home for campers.

Any additional luggage fees will be charged to the camper's tuition account.

Please print your camper's complete name and Culver's address on all pieces of luggage as follows:

Camper's Name
Woodcraft Camp <or> Upper Schools
1300 Academy Road
Culver, IN 46511
USA

Sheets and pillowcases are included in your campers’ boarding experience at no cost to you.

Please do not send your camper with sheets or pillowcases this summer. During the registration process, campers will receive four sheets and two pillowcases.  At the end of camp, campers must return all sheets and pillowcases to their counselor.  Campers who do not turn in these items may be charged.

Camp Preparation Labeling

1. Item Marking

• It is important that each item brought from home have your child’s name clearly written in permanent ink (think Sharpie or laundry pen (Rub-a-Dub) – not ballpoint pen).
• The best places for markings are on the inside of the collar or waistband.
• Campers should include their camper ID number along with their name.
•  Items you receive at registration will be marked by Culver for your child before the item leaves the Uniform Department. Exceptions include belts and shoes.

Parents and campers must understand that all garments sent to the Culver laundry will be marked by Culver using a 400-degree heat seal label. Culver’s uniforms accept this label without damage; however, non-uniform items can (and often do) melt.  For this reason, Culver does not accept any responsibility damage to non-uniform items sent to the laundry for cleaning. Please do not mark clothing items from home with iron on labels.  These labels are not commercial grade, and they will come off during our laundry operations – resulting in your child’s clothing being unidentifiable and non-returnable to your camper.

2. Items brought from home and labeled with another person’s name (sibling, friend, other)

• New and returning campers bringing previously owned uniform items may bring them to Registration for relabeling. There will be a specific table at Registration to drop off items for relabeling.  Please ensure the items are clean when you drop them off and bring a list of items with quantities that you will be dropping off.
• Relabeling previously-used uniforms is a time-consuming process, and on Registration Day the Uniform Department is set up to issue and label new uniforms under a very specific process.  The quantity of accepted items to be relabeled is limited to the number of required items for camp. See uniform packing list for the number of items.

 New and returning campers should report to the Culver Multi-Purpose Building on the day of Registration and follow the directions provided.

Campers will receive two uniform bags: an “immediate bag” and an “ASAP bag.”

Immediate bag: this bag will contain the exact items and quantities that each camper needs for the first day or two. The purpose behind the “immediate bag” is to get every camper doing what they came to Culver to do (CAMP!) as quickly as possible. Items for the “immediate” bag will be marked immediately, and campers will walk out of the Uniform Department with their “immediate bag” in hand.

ASAP bag: this bag contains everything else that did not go into the “immediate bag” and will be delivered to campers at their cabin or dorm.

When notified, parents/campers may proceed to the Uniform Department, check over their order, make payments as necessary, and receive “immediate bag” items.

How to Pay the Uniform Deposit

Please log in to your Culver Summer Camp Parent Portal at https://culver.myschoolapp.com. From there you will navigate to the Parent Resource Board and click on the Smart Tuition tile. That will redirect to your Smart Tuition Account.

1. Log in to your Smart Tuition account.   
2. Select the Purchase Optional Items tab. 
3. Select the appropriate camper, then click on the uniform deposit based on camp and gender.
4. Review the totals.
5. Click on Pay Now to select your payment method using a Credit/Debit card or checking, or savings account.

Watch an instructional video on how to pay the uniform deposit.

E-mail

Culver communicates with parents primarily by e-mail. If you have any questions prior to the start of camp, you may send an email to summer@culver.org and a staff member will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within one business day. During camp, any e-mail with questions or concerns regarding your child will be sent directly to his/her senior counselor. The counselor e-mail addresses will not be activated until the start of camp and will be available to you at registration.

Bunk 1

Stay in touch with your child all summer by viewing daily photos and writing one-way e-mails. You will need a credit card to pay the registration fee. For more information about Bunk1, please call 800-216-9472 and/or visit our Photo Services page.

Mail

If you would like to send your Woodcraft Camper mail or a care package while he/she is at camp, you are welcome to do so. Culver recommends sending letters, books, pictures, magazines, or other non-food items. The address to send items to your camper is as follows:

Woodcraft Camper's Name
Culver Woodcraft Camp
Woodcraft Division/Wing #
1300 Academy Rd
Culver, IN 46511

Phone

Woodcraft cabins are not equipped with telephones. You may reach your child via telephone by calling his/her respective Division or Wing Headquarters between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM EDT. Only emergency calls should be made outside these hours. Division and Wing Headquarters' phones operate 24 hours/day. In the case of an emergency, when the senior counselor cannot be reached, call the Woodcraft Headquarters at 574-842-8400 or the Officer In Charge at 574-842-8324.

You may also contact the Parent Liaison who will be able to answer questions regarding your child’s overall adjustment and progress. The Parent Liaison may be reached at 574-842-8401 or wcpl@culver.org. 

Until the first permit on July 1, 2023, to help your child adjust to camp, campers will not be able to receive phone calls. You may contact your child’s Commander or Parent Liaison to check on their status.  Please encourage your child to write instead of telephoning. Campers are not permitted to use cell phones.

Please keep in mind...

While the counselors/commanders are expected to spend the majority of their time with the campers, they do have an office email and phone should you need to reach them.

Please understand, though, that they may not always be immediately available as commanders and counselors have campers under their supervision to attend to at all times.

All counselor contact information will be provided both at registration and by email on registration day.

Rooted in our military leadership system, all Woodcrafters follow the following guidelines for personal appearance:

• Hair must be a natural color.
• All Male students must meet these haircut standards:
  • Hair on the top of the head will be neatly groomed
  • Length and bulk of the hair will not be excessive, ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance
  • When combed straight down, hair will not fall over the ears or eyebrows or touch the collar
  • Lines or designs will not be cut into the hair, scalp, or eyebrows
  • In all cases, the hair will not interfere with the normal wear of military headgear
  • Sideburns will be neatly trimmed.
  • Click here to view the Haircut Inspection Standards.
• All Female students must follow these hair guidelines:
  • Hair needs to be pulled back and up, neatly, during all formations
  • Simple black, brown, or blonde hair ties and bobby pins may be use.
• Barbers will be available at summer registration to give haircuts to those who are interested and also to those not meeting the above regulations. Woodcrafters are also welcome to get their haircut at home prior to arriving.
• Makeup, perfume/cologne, and nail polish are not to be worn during camp.
• Jewelry is not to be worn at camp with the following exceptions during authorized times:
  • One pair of small earrings (no larger than a size of a pencil eraser)
  • Religious necklace
  • Crafts made at camp

Culver's Electronic Policy

Culver Summer Schools and Camp's electronics policy is simple to understand: NO CELL PHONES OR ANYTHING THAT CONNECTS TO THE INTERNET/WIFI.

We ask that our parents please help us enforce this policy. If you are personally dropping your children at Culver, PLEASE take their cell phone(s) with you. A camper caught in possession of a cell phone has committed an honor code violation. Consequences for not adhering to our cellphone/any device that connects to the internet include: losing rank and/or privileges – this would be particularly true for upperclassmen.

For those campers arriving by air, we understand and fully expect parents to insist that their children carry a cell phone while they are traveling by themselves. We simply ask that you remind your children to surrender their cell phones to their counselors once you have received the phone call that they have arrived safely. 

Other electronic devices:
Music players, tablets, smartwatches, computers, and cameras are among a list of electronic devices that campers tend to bring. As many of these devices have multiple functions, the rules tend to get a little fuzzy - and the last thing we want to do is build a lengthy list of various devices by brand and model numbers.

The best guideline that we can offer is this:

Any electronic device that has the ability to communicate, either through the Internet or Cellular data plans, is prohibited. Laptops and tablet computers are not allowed. Digital cameras are fine, as are many music players. Keep in mind, however, there are a number of music players, like the iPod Touch, and smartwatches that have Wi-Fi capability and can connect to the Internet - this type of device is not permitted. We encourage campers to bring traditional watches with them to keep time. 

Please select the school your child is enrolled in to view the uniform and packing list:

• Aviation School
• Horsemanship School
• Naval School
• Girls School

Items with prices listed  may either be purchased on campus at the Campus Store, Uniform Department or be brought from home.  Approximate prices are listed and are subject to change. New Woodcrafters are required to pay a Uniform Deposit, which is an estimate of the expenses each new camper will encounter for uniforms.  All campers, new or returning will need the following items. Uniforms are purchased on registration day.

Shipping Luggage before Camp

To make traveling easier for your child, you may consider shipping luggage to Culver at the address above prior to camp. This may be done via UPS or other private carriers, but must be received by Culver after June 15. Campers may ship or carry their luggage home at the end of camp. Culver will not be responsible for shipping luggage home for campers.

Any additional luggage fees will be charged to the camper's tuition account.

Please print your camper's complete name and Culver's address on all pieces of luggage as follows:

Camper's Name
Woodcraft Camp <or> Upper Schools
1300 Academy Road
Culver, IN 46511
USA

Sheets and pillowcases are included in your campers’ boarding experience at no cost to you.

Please do not send your camper with sheets or pillowcases this summer. During the registration process, campers will receive four sheets and two pillowcases.  At the end of camp, campers must return all sheets and pillowcases to their counselor.  Campers who do not turn in these items may be charged.

Camp Preparation Labeling

1. Item Marking

• It is important that each item brought from home have your child’s name clearly written in permanent ink (think Sharpie or laundry pen (Rub-a-Dub) – not ballpoint pen).
• The best places for markings are on the inside of the collar or waistband.
• Campers should include their camper ID number along with their name.
•  Items you receive at registration will be marked by Culver for your child before the item leaves the Uniform Department. Exceptions include belts and shoes.

Parents and campers must understand that all garments sent to the Culver laundry will be marked by Culver using a 400-degree heat seal label. Culver’s uniforms accept this label without damage; however, non-uniform items can (and often do) melt.  For this reason, Culver does not accept any responsibility damage to non-uniform items sent to the laundry for cleaning. Please do not mark clothing items from home with iron on labels.  These labels are not commercial grade, and they will come off during our laundry operations – resulting in your child’s clothing being unidentifiable and non-returnable to your camper.

2. Items brought from home and labeled with another person’s name (sibling, friend, other)

• New and returning campers bringing previously owned uniform items may bring them to Registration for relabeling. There will be a specific table at Registration to drop off items for relabeling.  Please ensure the items are clean when you drop them off and bring a list of items with quantities that you will be dropping off.
• Relabeling previously-used uniforms is a time-consuming process, and on Registration Day the Uniform Department is set up to issue and label new uniforms under a very specific process.  The quantity of accepted items to be relabeled is limited to the number of required items for camp. See uniform packing list for the number of items.

 New and returning campers should report to the Culver Multi-Purpose Building on the day of Registration and follow the directions provided.

Campers will receive two uniform bags: an “immediate bag” and an “ASAP bag.”

Immediate bag: this bag will contain the exact items and quantities that each camper needs for the first day or two. The purpose behind the “immediate bag” is to get every camper doing what they came to Culver to do (CAMP!) as quickly as possible. Items for the “immediate” bag will be marked immediately, and campers will walk out of the Uniform Department with their “immediate bag” in hand.

ASAP bag: this bag contains everything else that did not go into the “immediate bag” and will be delivered to campers at their cabin or dorm.

When notified, parents/campers may proceed to the Uniform Department, check over their order, make payments as necessary, and receive “immediate bag” items.

How to Pay the Uniform Deposit

Please log in to your Culver Summer Camp Parent Portal at https://culver.myschoolapp.com. From there you will navigate to the Parent Resource Board and click on the Smart Tuition tile. That will redirect to your Smart Tuition Account.

1. Log in to your Smart Tuition account.   
2. Select the Purchase Optional Items tab. 
3. Select the appropriate camper, then click on the uniform deposit based on camp and gender.
4. Review the totals.
5. Click on Pay Now to select your payment method using a Credit/Debit card or checking, or savings account.

Watch an instructional video on how to pay the uniform deposit.

As a leadership-based program, one of the valuable lessons we foster throughout the summer is self-confidence. Living in a dorm/barracks setting provides students with the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone and learn the necessary skills of independent living.

In order to best support your child as he/she gets acclimated to our residential summer camp program, students will not be able to make or receive phone calls for the first two weeks. This is crucial for establishing routines and being fully immersed in all that Culver has to offer here on campus. 

Below you will find options available to communicate with your Upper School student:

BUNK 1 (Optional Service)

Culver has partnered with Bunk 1 again this summer. Bunk1 offers families a simple way of staying connected with their campers. With Bunk1, you can access secure online photo galleries with facial recognition and send printed notes to your camper(s) from a desktop browser and their easy-to-use mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

Bunk 1 currently offers:

• Photo Gallery- Bunk 1 photographers take and post photos every day while camp is in session. Please keep in mind that we have over 600 students in Upper School, and we try our best to capture as many photos of all students and activities as often as possible!
• Bunk Notes- are the fastest and easiest way to deliver one-way communication to your camper. Families can send their camper letters, customized with photos, borders, puzzles, and more from the Family Portal. These letters are printed at camp, sorted, and delivered once daily (Monday through Friday) right to each unit’s mailboxes and delivered to campers along with the traditional mail. Please note that Bunk Notes can be sent on Saturday and Sunday, however, they will not be received by campers until Monday. It is important to note that Bunk Notes sent prior to week 3 will be collected but not delivered until Monday of week 3. This allows time for the students to adjust to being away from home.

For more information about Bunk1, please call 800-216-9472 and/or visit our Photo Services page. 

SENDING MAIL

If you would like to send your Upper School student mail or a care package while he/she is at camp, you are welcome to do so. Culver recommends sending letters, books, pictures, magazines, or other non-food items. The mailing address is as follows:

Upper School Student’s Name
Culver Upper School
Unit Name and # if applicable (I.e., Naval 1, Deck 2, etc.)
1300 Academy Rd
Culver, IN 46511
United States

Your child's unit assignment will be provided at registration. Returning Upper School students are placed in the same unit as previous summers.

Note: Boys Units are Naval (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Band), Troop or Aviation, Girls are in Decks (1 through 7)

PHONE

Landline phones are available for students to use in the hallways and common area lounges of their dorm/barrack. Students can make outgoing calls during their free time. Calls within the United States and Canada are free; however, calling cards are available for purchase in the Campus Bookstore for calls to other countries. 

Again, please note that to best support your child as he/she gets acclimated to our residential summer camp program, students will not be able to make or receive phone calls for the first two weeks. This is crucial for establishing routines and acclimating to the Culver lifestyle.

Please keep in mind...

There are specific office email accounts and phone numbers should you need to reach your son/daughter's counselors directly. Contact information for each unit’s counseling staff will be provided both at registration and by email on registration day. Please keep in mind that they may not always be immediately available as counselors are always supervising their students at formations, activities, intramurals, and all other events that comprise the Culver summer lifestyle.

BEST PRACTICES for communicating with your child while they are at Culver: 

• Discuss the communication avenues available during the summer with your child prior to leaving and provide some convenient times (after the first two weeks) when they might reach you.
  • From a student schedule standpoint, this is usually on Saturday or Sunday afternoons when they have free time.
  • Evenings just before TAPS (lights out) is generally not a good time as counselors are making announcements and ensuring their needs are met before lights out.
• Out of consideration to others attempting to use the phones available and to combat possible homesickness, please limit all calls to five to ten minutes.
• Consider using Bunk1 to send family updates and communications. While this is a one-way communication from you to them, it allows them to maintain some connection to home when they have time to read the message. Bunk 1 messages are typically distributed within 24-48 hours to the student (not delivered on Saturdays and Sundays). Therefore, any urgent or sensitive information should not be conveyed via Bunk 1. To share urgent or sensitive information please contact the unit counselor directly via their email address or telephone number provided on registration day.

Culver first offered flight instruction in 1920 with the use of surplus World War I floatplanes that operated on Lake Maxinkuckee.  In 1972 Culver became the first High School in the United States to own and operate its own airport.  Having outgrown the small campus airfield, Culver now operates from its new facility located at the Plymouth Municipal Airport in Plymouth, Indiana, approximately 18 miles northeast of the Culver campus.

To ensure the highest quality instruction, Culver has contracted with a full-service Flight School, AlphaFlight, to provide aircraft and instructors.The Certified Flight Instructors will provide classroom ground school lectures, flight training, and flight simulator instruction.

Aviation Ground School Class (3 Trimesters--Double Period)

Aviation coursework is required for all Aviation unit students and is an available elective for any female student, or male students in Naval units or Troop. Students who sign up for the aviation course will select a training package of simulator and flight instruction offered by Culver’s affiliate flight school, AlphaFlight. Parents must purchase flight instruction directly from Culver's affiliate flight school. Any student who purchases 12 or more flights will be required to take two double-period classes of Aviation Ground School per day.

Program Costs 

Ground School

All Upper School students who are enrolled in the Aviation course are required to pay the minimum Ground School fee of $250.   All First-Year students are also required to purchase a student pilot kit for $250, (a total of $500 for mandatory aviation fees). This kit includes a logbook, essential tools for flight planning, study guides, required reference publications, and test preparation tools to help prepare the students to pass the FAA written exam.   All 2022 Returning Students are required to pay $60 for supplementary study materials, (a total of $310 mandatory aviation fees).

Flight & Simulator  Training

AlphaFlight, Culver’s affiliate flight school, offers a package or a la carte pricing for flight instruction.  All instruction is provided by Certificated Flight Instructors and all flight instruction can be logged and used towards earning a Private Pilot's License.  As Culver's aviation program is all about learning how to fly, it is anticipated that students enrolled in the aviation course will sign up for some combination of simulator and flight instruction.  The amount of instruction your student takes is based on his or her age, enthusiasm for flying, the aviation goals or milestones he or she is interested in achieving and, of course, your budget.  Learning to fly is not inexpensive under any circumstances, but we believe the combination of a proven syllabus, the training efficiency realized by state-of-the-art flight simulators, and a professional corps of Certified Flight Instructors provides a very cost-effective means for learning to fly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paying for Training

As our affiliate flight school, AlphaFlight will collect all fees associated with aviation instruction, including the required Ground School fee explained above. Once your student has been accepted to Culver Upper School, you will be contacted by the Director of Aviation to start this process.

Culver will NOT accept aviation-related payments. For this reason, parents MUST contact AlphaFlight directly as soon as possible to coordinate payment and to provide the necessary documentation that will allow your camper to be enrolled in an FAA-certified flight training program.  

For Woodcraft Campers taking the Basic Aviation Course: Optional Discovery Flight

Available to any Woodcraft camper who enrolls in the Basic Aviation course and wishes to take the controls of an airplane.  The camper will take a Culver bus to Culver's aviation facility at Plymouth Municipal Airport where he or she will receive a short brief on the basics of flight, then take controls of the aircraft - under the direct supervision of a Certificated Flight Instructor, of course. This is a perfect opportunity to see if your camper would like to pursue the thrill of learning to fly. For international students, there is no TSA clearance required to take advantage of this opportunity. Campers may sign up for the Discovery Flight one time only.

Questions?

To sign up for a Discovery Flight or for any other questions, please contact the Aviation Program Director, at flyculver@culver.org. 

To be enrolled in the Upper School Aviation curriculum, your camper MUST have proof of U.S. Citizenship, or proof of dual U.S. Citizenship, or clearance for flight training from TSA (Transportation Security Administration). Getting TSA clearance can take up to 4 weeks and should be started as soon as possible to ensure your camper is eligible for flight instruction.

Questions? 

Please contact flyculver@culver.org with questions on Culver's Aviation program.  

Rooted in our military leadership system, all Upper Schools students model and uphold excellent personal appearance. The following guidelines are expected:

• Facial piercings and visible tattoos are not permitted.
• Nail polish is never acceptable.
• Hair must be a natural color.
• In addition, all Male students must:
  • Be clean-shaven at all times.
  • Meet the haircut standard:
    • Hair on the top of the head will be neatly groomed
    • Length and bulk of the hair will not be excessive, ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance
    • When combed straight down, hair will not fall over the ears or eyebrows or touch the collar
    • Lines or designs will not be cut into the hair, scalp, or eyebrows
    • In all cases, the hair will not interfere with the normal wear of military headgear
    • Click here to view the Haircut Inspection Standards.
•  Sideburns will be neatly trimmed.  The base will not be flared and will be a clean-shaven, horizontal line. Sideburns will not extend downward below the bottom of the ear.
• Barbers will be available at summer registration to give haircuts to those who are interested and also to those not meeting the above regulations. Students are also welcome to get their haircut at home prior to arriving.
• The following guidelines are specific to cadets enrolled in the Summer School for Girls:
  • Female students may wear one pair of small earrings (no larger than a size of a pencil eraser) and/or a religious necklace during authorized times.
  • Simple black, brown, or blonde hair ties and bobby pins may be used. Hair needs to be pulled back and up, neatly, during all formations.

*All Upper School students will receive a full student handbook upon arrival from their counselor with further details and guidance/policies. 

Culver's Cell Phone Policy

Culver Summer Schools and Camp's electronics policy is simple to understand: NO CELL PHONES OR ANYTHING THAT CONNECTS TO THE INTERNET/WIFI.

We ask that our parents please help us enforce this policy. If you are personally dropping your children at Culver, PLEASE take their cell phone(s) with you. A summer student caught in possession of a cell phone has committed an honor code violation. Consequences for not adhering to our cellphone/any device that connects to the internet include: capping or losing rank and/or privileges – this would be particularly true for upperclassmen, honor organization dismissal, additional TUXIS requirements.

For those campers arriving by air, we understand and fully expect parents to insist that their children carry a cell phone while they are traveling by themselves. We simply ask that you remind your children to surrender their cell phones to their counselors once you have received the phone call that they have arrived safely. Asking students for their cell phone/any device that connects to the internet is part of the student check-in process when they arrive to their assigned dorm/barracks. 

Other electronic devices:
Music players, tablets, smartwatches, computers, and cameras are among a list of electronic devices that campers tend to bring. As many of these devices have multiple functions, the rules tend to get a little fuzzy - and the last thing we want to do is build a lengthy list of various devices by brand and model numbers.

The best guideline that we can offer is this:

Any electronic device that has the ability to communicate, either through the Internet or Cellular data plans, is prohibited. Laptops and tablet computers are not allowed. Digital cameras are fine, as are many music players. Keep in mind, however, there are a number of music players, like the iPod Touch, and smartwatches that have Wi-Fi capability and can connect to the Internet - this type of device is not permitted. We encourage students to bring traditional watches with them to keep time.