"Sewanee is just how I imagined it."
– Olivia from Houston, Texas
Camp Location
The School of Theology hosts SUMMA Camp each summer, and most of our programming (lectures, seminars, and team meetings) occur in Hamilton Hall. Originally constructed in 1968, Hamilton Hall has recently completed a top-to-bottom renovation. This beautiful and accessible space includes an elevator and gender-inclusive restrooms for campers, families, and SUMMA guests.
Lodging
All campers stay on the campus of The University of the South in a dormitory with SUMMA staff. This year, SUMMA will occupy Quintard Hall. Quintard has suites with attached bathrooms, a common room, a kitchen, and on-site laundry facilities that campers can use free of charge (please bring your own laundry detergent).
Meals
All camp meals at McClurg Dining Hall are covered in the tuition fee. Campers enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at "Clurg" and also have access to other campus eateries while at SUMMA, including the popular Stirling's Coffee House. Dining at Sewanee includes access to fresh, locally made food, as well as options for vegetarian and vegan program participants. Allergen-free options are available as well. If you have specific dietary needs, please list those on the Camp Medical Form.
what do i need to bring to camp?
Please carefully consult our Packing List and plan accordingly! We especially want to highlight our suggestion that campers bring a personal laptop, if they have one, for working on debates.
how much money do i need to bring?
All camp fees, room and board, meals, and materials are covered in your camp tuition fee. You may wish to bring some extra spending money for coffee and snacks at Stirling's or souvenirs at the University bookstore.
What do campers do for fun at summa?
SUMMA is not just work! Campers have an abundance of options for fun and relaxation on our beautiful domain. Free time activities include touring campus, taking a hike, stopping by Stirling's Coffee Shop, perusing the University bookstore, working out at the Fowler Center, visiting the University farm, and much more. SUMMA annual traditions for evening activities include a movie night, SUMMA's Got Talent, a digital scavenger hunt, and more.
Sample Daily Schedule
| 7:00 a.m. | Wake up |
| 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast and sign up for free time activities |
| 8:30 a.m. | Morning prayer |
| 8:45 a.m. | Morning announcements |
| 9:00 a.m. | Theology plenary lecture |
| 10:00 a.m. | Small group seminars led by university professors, research librarians, and guest lecturers |
| 11:00 a.m. | Free time activities |
| 12:15 p.m. | Lunch in McClurg Dining Hall |
| 1:30 p.m. | Debate plenary lecture |
| 2:30 p.m. | Time to work on debates |
| 4:15 P.M | Free time activities |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner in McClurg Dining Hall |
| 7:00 p.m. | Evening Activity (or additional time for debate preparation and practice) |
| 9:30 p.m. | Compline and Evening Prayer |
| 10:30 p.m. | Lights out! |
sample free time activities
- Take a campus tour of Sewanee and learn more about our programs of study
- Relax and check out a book at duPont Library
- Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at Stirling's Coffee House with your SUMMA friends or a university professor
- Visit the Fowler Center to work out or play basketball, ping pong, pickleball, tennis, racquetball, volleyball, and more
- Walk to the university farm to visit the baby goats and horses
- Stroll down to the University Bookstore to browse books by local authors and pick up Sewanee swag
- Hike one of the many beautiful trails on the university domain
- Visit our friends at St. Mary's to explore the convent and pick lavender
- Get to know your creative side at arts and crafts
- Tap into your competitive side over a board game with your fellow campers and counselors
Sample Evening Activities
- Board games and card games
- Digital Scavenger Hunt
- Kickball and ice cream social
- SUMMA's Got Talent show
- The annual end-of-camp hike to the Sewanee Memorial Cross for reflection, prayer, and singing
