More Than a Camp: A Culture of Care, Safety, and Growth at YMCA Camp Cullen
At YMCA Camp Cullen, we understand that choosing an overnight camp is one of the biggest decisions a parent—especially a mother—can make for their child. You’re not just selecting a place for summer fun. You’re choosing a second home, a trusted community, and a team of mentors who will shape your child’s experience. That’s why everything we do is rooted in one essential commitment: keeping campers safe, supported, and empowered.
A New Standard in Staff Education
We’ve reimagined our approach to summer staff preparation. Gone are the days of generic “training”—at Camp Cullen, we hold Staff Education Weeks that go beyond rules and routines. We believe in educating our team not just on what to do, but why we do it.
Through interactive workshops, role-playing, and real-world scenarios, staff learn how to lead with empathy, assess risk with confidence, and model integrity at every turn. We invest deeply in building emotional intelligence, decision-making skills, and strong interpersonal communication—all of which are vital when guiding young campers through a summer of growth.
Leading with Kindness and Intentionality
From the very first day, we create a culture where kindness, patience, and encouragement are the norm. It starts with the words we choose. For instance, instead of “Swim Tests,” we do “Swim Assessments”—because we know words matter, and we want every camper to feel supported rather than judged. We choose “Education” over “Training” because we’re cultivating thoughtful leaders, not just enforcing a checklist.
Safety Is Our Foundation
We know that overnight camp, by nature, includes adventure—zip lines, horses, boating, campfires, and hundreds of acres to explore. That’s exactly why safety isn’t a buzzword at Camp Cullen—it’s a deeply ingrained practice.
All staff are certified in CPR and First Aid. Many also hold Lifeguard certifications, ensuring water activities are always supervised by highly trained professionals. On-site, we have two licensed nurses available around the clock to provide care and monitor health. But more than just reacting to incidents, we focus on preventing them through comprehensive risk assessment training and situational awareness.
Our staff are educated in the science of safety: understanding how and why incidents occur and being proactive in spotting and mitigating risk before it escalates. We teach our team to balance caution with confidence—so every camper can experience adventure in a way that feels exciting, never scary.
Character First, Always
Our staff lead with heart. We prioritize experienced role models who embody our values and serve as constant examples for campers. These leaders know that often, the most powerful moments are the smallest ones—a word of encouragement during a hike, a high-five after trying something new, or simply sitting beside a homesick camper and offering comfort.
These moments that matter are where character is built. And they’re made possible because we empower our staff not only to care for campers—but to help campers grow into leaders themselves. Every interaction is an opportunity to instill confidence, build resilience, and celebrate individuality.
Creating a Culture That Lasts Beyond Summer
YMCA Camp Cullen is more than a summer destination. It’s a community that holds itself to the highest standards of care, safety, and integrity. Our reimagined approach to staff development ensures that your child is surrounded by capable, compassionate mentors who treat them as the unique individual they are.
When you send your child to Camp Cullen, you’re not just signing them up for fun. You’re giving them a safe space to grow, thrive, and come home stronger, more confident, and deeply connected to a community that sees and supports them.
We’re ready to welcome your child into the Camp Cullen family. Because nothing matters more than knowing they’re safe, seen, and celebrated.