2026 Summer Schools and Camps Staff

Culver Academies • Culver, IN

55d • Onsite

About The Position

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.
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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Counselors demonstrate a firm knowledge of our shared values, rules, and regulations, and hold others accountable.
• Instructors must enjoy working with children/teens.
• Naval Staff must have a valid US Driver's License
• Waterski staff must be 21 years of age or older with a valid US Driver's license.
• Administrators must have several years of camp staff experience, strong leadership skills, and exceptional communication ability.

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year of college is highly preferred.
• Some instructor positions may require professional certification, license, or related experience (i.e. lifeguard certification, Indiana Boating License, US Sailing, etc.).
• US Sailing certification(s) preferred for Naval staff.
• Indiana's Boaters license is preferred for Waterski staff.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safety and well-being of our campers/students.
• Counselors are on call 24/7 and are the primary caretakers of a group of campers/students.
• Naval staff teach a total of 3 double period classes (90-minute) Monday through Friday.
• Waterski staff instruct children of all ages and abilities in waterskiing Monday - Friday from approximately 8:30 am - 4 pm.
• Horsemanship staff instructs student groups or individuals, from basic to advanced, English riding techniques and horsemanship.
• Administrators are responsible for all aspects of our programs including the training and supervision of staff.
• Organize and schedule classes and activities, establish and deliver program goals, and plan and implement programs while monitoring progress.

Benefits

• 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
• Discount at the campus store and Uniform Shop
• A strong Tuition Remission Program for your eligible children attending CSSC is also available.
• Access to our on-site Fitness Center, impressive campus, and world-class facilities with endless opportunities to support excellence in your craft.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: High school or GED