Why Choose the Culver Academies?
Culver Academies is an international boarding school in the Midwest, located in Culver, Indiana on the northern shore of Lake Maxinkuckee. Since 2012, I have had the privilege to work with families who send their kids here to tell their children’s story through photography. Our extended family also has an extensive history with the Culver Summer School & Camps, as well as Winter School. Over 100+ of our family have attended it and we find it to be a very special place.
Connections from All Over the World
When your child goes to the Culver Academies – Culver Military School, Culver Girls Academy or Culver Summer Schools & Camps, they will meet kids from all over the world. How amazing is it to have friends from Mexico, Spain, Jordan, Canada, Guatemala, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Ireland, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and more. During this past summer, there were campers from 41 countries at Culver. There are also students from all over the United States too. It is a truly diverse school which is extremely special to those who choose it. We often meet people through our other company, Sail22, who have graduated from Culver or when going through the airport traveling. Because Culver, Indiana is a very small town, the school and camp brings diversity and different cultures to the area.
Challenging Academics & Activities
Culver Academies students can take everything from the normal required course (math, science, languages, literature) to twenty-six AP courses. There are entrepreneur and leadership programs, as well as multiple courses in the arts (dance, ceramics, photography). With thirty sports teams for students to participate in, life at Culver is never boring. Regular high school sports – soccer, basketball, lacrosse, football, swimming, baseball/softball, volleyball, track & field, cheerleading are complimented by sports not found at a traditional high school. Your child has the option to participate in equestrian, fencing, rowing, sailing, rugby and more. Many of these sports and activities are also included in Culver Summer Camp as well, both Woodcraft and Upper Camp. There are also numerous clubs for students to be active in and student groups.
The horsemanship programs at the Culver Academies sets it apart from many schools in the country. The Culver Academies Black Horse Troop is a very special piece of Culver Academies history, taking part in eighteen presidential inaugural parades dating back to 1913. The Culver Military’s Black Horse Troop and Equestriennes (the horsemanship female group) also compete in polo, jumping and the drill team. Culver Academies summer Upper Camp has its own Troop and drill team as well.
If your child wants to learn to be a pilot, Culver has an aviation program and many earn their hours within it while at camp or school. The School of Aviation adds such a unique aspect to the offerings in camp and school.
As a photographer, sports and activities of each student are one of my favorite things to capture in our Legacy Sessions to add to a custom album. They really complete the story for the year!
An Amazing Campus
Situated on over 1800 acres in the midwest, the Culver Academies is a special spot in Indiana. Once you’ve come for a visit, you’ll understand just how special Culver really is and may come back often! Located on the northern shore of Lake Maxinkuckee, the campus has plenty of waterfront area that adds beauty. Classic brick buildings dating back to the early 1900s or designed to match give a majestic look overall. Newer buildings complement these and modern features bring more beauty to the overall school.
Because of Culver Summer Camp – Woodcraft and Upper Camps, there is also plenty of nature. Wooded areas surround Woodcraft with a bird sanctuary, ropes course, horse and walking trails. The property is beautiful, no matter what season!
Tradition
Culver Military Parades
One of the traditions I love the most and shows so much of the tradition that is truly Culver are the military parades. With their military uniforms, music, marching, canonsWatching these events, I’m always amazed how mature the young people are and respectful to these traditions. The regimental staff leads the companies for both Summer Camp and Culver Military School parades and their story is one of my favorites to tell! Each child who earns one of the regimental roles has worked very hard to be in their position. The Summer Naval Band, Drum & Bugle Corp and CMA Band all play the traditional parade tunes and march while performing. When one of the students I work with has a ranking role, it is something I encourage their families to have me photograph.
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I know many of the families I work with are from all over and travel often, so if you happen to be in Daytona Beach, Florida and looking for a great photographer Donna Tallerico is there with Seventh Wave Photo + Films. Check out her blog with an adorable family for some cute baby pictures at the beach!
About Always Images
Becky Furry, owner of Always Images is based in Culver, Indiana (about an hour from South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger areas). She specializes in capturing fine art family portraiture. Becky is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and also is a retired Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She is a preferred photographer for the Culver Academies and has been since 2011. Always Images gives back from every Culver Academies session to the Culver Educational Fund. We are also proud to support the Maxinkuckee Adventure Sailing program, HIS Small Wonders Betty A. Nolin Scholarship fund, Boys & Girls Club of Marshall County, Culver Indiana Chamber of Commerce and more.
The Always Images studio is located in Downtown Plymouth, Indiana in a historic building with a full studio to service our clients. We also have outdoor location in Culver with beautiful old barns, refined rustic modern spaces, sprawling green fields and is close to Lake Maxinkuckee and the gorgeous Culver Academies. To contact Becky, reach out at 574-598-0022 or Becky@Always-Images.com for a personal consultation for your portrait needs. Do you like Facebook? Follow Always Images on Facebook or is Instagram your thing? Find me at www.instagram.com/BeckyFurry
[…] you to check out my friend Becky’s post who was honored to capture some amazing portraits at Culver Academics. While you may find yourself choosing between cloth and disposable diapers at the moment, I can […]
There’s just something about seeing these kiddos in uniforms. Looks like a great place to be!
It’s an amazing place!
Culver Academy sounds like such a special place! I love how you’ve shared the history your family has with the Academy: you’re the perfect person to write this article and to photograph their students.
Such a gorgeous campus!
You have done a great job of photographing and showcasing all of the great opportunities available to students!
Beautiful shots. I loved the lens choices you made.
Thanks, Donna!
What an honor it must be to be able to capture their young men and women while attending Culiver! You have done an incredible job capturing these moments for their families back at home! I had never heard of Culiver before, little did I know they had such a great history! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you learned about Culver. Come for a visit!
Wow, I am always fascinated by American campuses and schools. The system here in the UK is so different. What great photography to show the campus lifestyle and ethos.
Culver Academies is one of those special places! I haven’t seen anything really like it. It’s very similar to a college campus and absolutely beautiful. Come visit!