If your question is not answered here, please write to us at summa@sewanee.edu.
APPLYING TO SUMMA
WHAT IS THE COST OF APPLYING TO SUMMA?
SUMMA Camp 2026 costs $1480. This fee includes all lodging, meals, and program materials. A non-refundable registration fee of $250 contributes to this total fee.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO APPLY TO SUMMA?
For the 2026 camp, SUMMA accepts students entering the 9th through 12th grades in Fall 2026.
WHERE DO I APPLY TO SUMMA?
You can submit your application for Camp 2025 here.
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY TO SUMMA?
Applications to SUMMA 2026 open on September 15, 2025, Eligible returners may apply on September 1, 2025.
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR APPLYING TO SUMMA?
We will read and consider applications through May 1, 2026.
WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY?
You will need 1) the name and contact information for one reference and 2) a copy of your high school transcripts (unofficial transcripts are fine). The application should take between 30-45 minutes to complete.
IF I AM ACCEPTED TO SUMMA, WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?
A non-refundable deposit of $250 is due approximately two weeks after your access to the registration link arrives. The deposit constitutes your registration for camp and reserves your spot in the program.
How do I register for SUMMA?
The registration link is available here!
ARE THERE TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?
Our sincere hope is that the cost of camp never deters someone from coming to SUMMA. Thanks to a generous gift from SUMMA's founder, the Rev. Dr. Christoph Keller III, tuition scholarships that cover all or part of camp (minus the non-refundable $250 registration fee) are available for this year's program. We consider a variety of factors in distributing scholarship funds, including the camper's application, recommendations, and financial need. Please visit our tuition scholarships page here to learn more and submit your application (which you can submit directly here). We encourage campers to apply early and to contact us with any questions.
Are there any required forms for summa?
Yes. Campers and parents are required to complete and submit five forms before arrival to camp. These are 1) Health & Safety Acknowledgement for Minors; 2) Camper Standards of Conduct; 3) Camper Media Consent and Release Agreement; 4) Camper Release and Indemnification Form; and 5) Camper Medical Form. All forms are available online on our Camper Forms page and you can submit all forms directly here. All camper forms are due by June 1, 2026.
WHAT IF THE PERSON SUBMITTING MY RECOMMENDATION CANNOT LOCATE THE RECOMMENDATION FORM?
Your recommenders will automatically receive a form to their email inbox when you apply. Be sure to enter the correct email address. First, your recommender should check the spam or junk folder. If it is not there, you can direct the recommender to the form here. Note: Be sure your recommender uses the exact name and email address for you that is listed on your application.
WHAT IF I AM ACCEPTED TO SUMMA BUT CANNOT ATTEND AND NEED TO CANCEL? CAN I GET A REFUND ON THE CAMP TUITION?
All tuition and fees, minus your non-refundable $250 registration fee, will be refunded up to 14 days before the program begins if a camper is unable to attend for any reason. Within 14 days of the camp's start date, no tuition refunds will be possible.
Is there a camp handbook i can consult to learn more about the code of conduct and expectations?
Yes! Please access our 2025 Camp Handbook here.
I am not a religious person and/or of the Episcopal Faith. Can i still apply to summa?
Certainly. SUMMA is, by definition and character, a “theological debate camp.” This means that our program–resolutions, lectures, seminars, readings, and debates–will focus on theological topics and controversies within the rich and inclusive context of the University of the South’s Episcopal identity. As stated in its 2024-2030 Strategic Plan, the University seeks “to reinforce the value of our Episcopal heritage and identity that is open, generous, and thoughtful; invested in supporting communities of spiritual practice; works to advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and strives to be a force for global justice.” Year after year, campers tell us that SUMMA marked a pivotal point in their lives by sparking their intellectual curiosity, preparing them for college, cultivating an appreciation for the art of rhetoric, and strengthening their appreciation for Christian faith traditions. While SUMMA participants need not be Episcopalian or identify as Christian to have a meaningful time, the program will investigate its subject matter from a Christian theological standpoint. This means that participants engaging in theological debate at SUMMA agree to research, appraise, and draw upon various sources of knowledge–both sacred and secular–to craft original, clear, and compelling arguments. The decision of how (and how best) to do so remains entirely within the purview of the participants; staff are here to guide and support them in that process.
I have no debate experience. Can i still apply to summa?
Yes, we hope you will! SUMMA is open to debaters at levels. Novice debaters will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of "theological debate" with award-winning professors and practitioners sensitive to the natural anxiety that comes with speaking in public. Seasoned debaters will benefit from the opportunity to consider anew how "debate" and "speaking truth in love" can co-exist when our contemporary models of public discourse often reflect a less nuanced and less loving approach to controversial topics.
I am non-binary/transgender. am i welcome at camp?
Indeed, yes! The camp application includes an area for you to indicate your gender identity and to supply your pronouns. The Program Director will work with you directly to ensure you are housed in a way that makes you feel safe and comfortable.
I would like to tour campus during my visit. Is that possible?
Yes! Campus tours are a planned free time activity at SUMMA, and you can indicate whether you would like to sign up for a tour, an Admissions interview, or both when you register! Learn more about Sewanee Admissions here.
is summa on social media?
Yes! Follow us on social media for the latest news, updates, SUMMA Stories, and more! Tag us in your posts for this year's camp with #summadebate2025. You can find us on Instagram @summadebate and on Twitter @summadebate.
Health and Medical Information
My child needs to take a medication. How is this handled?
First and foremost, please list all medications your child takes on the Camp Medication Form. Medications will be kept safe and locked in the room of the Camp Director and campers are responsible to ensure that they take their medications at the appropriate time and in the appropriate dose.
My child has a medication that needs to be refrigerated. Is there a refrigerator on site?
Yes. All campers stay in the same dormitory (Quintard Hall) and there is a refrigerator available in the dormitory where medication can be safely stored. There is also refrigeration available in Hamilton Hall, where most of the program will take place.
My child has an allergy. How is that handled?
Please include all allergy information on the Camp Medical Form so that we can be prepared to ensure your camper has access to any needed medications (e.g., epi-pen) at all times. We keep generic allergy medications (e.g., Benadryl) on site and you can indicate on the Camp Medical Form if we have permission to distribute that to your child if needed.
My child has a mobility issue. How will accessibility be handled?
All of the camp activities and events are within walking distance on our campus (i.e., lodging, dining, classrooms, library, etc.). However, we understand that campers may arrive to camp with mobility issues and it is our goal to ensure that all campers can move safely and accessibly through campus. We always have a golf cart on site for travel between buildings and a larger van available for outings, hikes, and more as needed.
My child will need an accomodATION WHILE IN THE PROGRAM. hOW IS THIS HANDLED?
SUMMA works closely with our ADA Office to ensure that we support students who participate in our program and need an accommodation. We handle requests by, first, collecting information via our intake forms for your camper upon their registration. Our University Americans with Disabilities Act webpage provides several resources, including the form to request specific accommodations as a "guest/visitor" to campus. Please stay in touch with us at summa@sewanee.edu with any questions, concerns, or requests.
