Culver Summer Schools & Camps

My 12-​year old son will be attending his third year of Woodcraft Camp this summer. Campers come from all over the world and most of the US states. ALL of the counselors and staff we have met and spoken with are wonderful and supportive. The campus itself is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The camp’s over-​arching emphasis is on the development of leadership skills and self-​discipline. The camp puts a strong emphasis on all kinds of sports: sailing, lacrosse, tennis, Quidditch, soccer, water-​skiing, horsemanship, riflery, baseball, golf, etc. My son has grown tremendously as an individual and a leader during the summers he has spent at Culver.

A large amount of international students and problem children. This is not where you want to send your kid, if you love them. Bullying has been rampant for years. A military environment is an outdated way to shape youngsters.

Our son was a good kid that lacked motivation. After finding an ad in his Boy Scout magazine for the Culver Summer Schools and Camps, he thought he might want to try it. We supported his decision to go to summer camp nearly 2000 miles from home, not knowing a soul. It was the best decision he ever made. He came home from his first summer with friends from all over the world and a drive and purpose. He went back to school and his principal called me at home asking what we had done, as he was a completely different kid! He graduated the three year program (go Super II) and is determined to find a university with the type of structure Culver has. He has developed into a fine young man and considers Culver an important part of his development.

So far two of our three children have attended Culver Academies (AKA «Winter School») and have thoroughly enjoyed their high school experience. During the numerous times we visited the Culver campus over the years, we often heard numerous complements about the Culver Summer Camp School and Camp experience. For one reason or another, we were unable to schedule our first two children for the summer camp. However, when our third child begged us to send him, we knew we had to find a way to make it happen… and we did!
Check in went very smoothly — not only are you advised of 100% of the things you will need to bring with you before camp begins, but Culver also ensures the campers are outfitted on site with everything they will need that is in addition to the basics you brought with you. It’s an amazingly efficient process — and one that you will love to bring back to your home and/​or company once you experience it!
When our son arrived at his cabin to choose a bunk bed, he found you have two basic choices… top or bottom. He found the advantage to choosing the top bunk is that it will not be messed up by people sitting on it after you’ve made it, but that it’s too high to easily climb into. The bottom bunk will potentially get messed up when you’re not there, but it will be much easier to access. He chose the bottom bunk… and was happy he did!
A 12-​year old that goes away from home for a summer camp, can find landing in such a new and different environment quite challenging at first. Our son was no exception — but the conselors (many previous attendees) know how to help make the camp experience pleasant for those who find it challenging at first! The good news is that when our son’s summer camp experience was all over, he has told us he learned a «heck of alot», had tremendous fun, wonderful new experiences… and now wants to go back next year! I guess that says it all, doesn’t it?

Terrific place in the middle of NW Indiana. Kids from all over the world go there for both touch up on school and to enjoy summer camp experience. Byproduct is discipline that comes with military school DNA.