General Information

The campers and staff reside in Cresswell Residence Hall. The Summer Scholars administration and planning team select an experienced and dedicated staff to provide lessons and care for our campers.

Staff members are camp veterans, theatre professionals, and music enthusiasts who are avid about providing the most impactful experience for each camper. Campers and staff function as a large extended family. There is no judgement in our camp environment. We expect everyone to treat each other with respect and to act courteously toward one another.

It is possible we will not be the only camp living in Cresswell. Maintenance workers, janitorial staff, and dormitory staff will also be entering and exiting the building at various times during the day. Please note: Individuals from other camps will not have access to our assigned parts of the building.

Check-in & Security

• All campers and staff receive residence hall access.
• Only senior staff may access the entire building.
• All students and staff will be issued and required to wear a camp nametag. These must be worn at all times.
• Campers will be given a dorm key and wristband at check-in that will allow them access into Cresswell and through their designated hallways.
• Two separate deposits will be required for these keys in the amounts of $150 and $36. If you would like to use a card, we can keep that information on a USB locked in the office until check-out. You may also use two different checks written to MSU Summer Scholars. These deposits are only used if your camper loses a dorm key or wristband.

Daily Schedule & Free Time

• A full schedule for the camp will be provided to the staff, parents, and students prior to camp. This will include all activities, times, locations, etc.
• A break period will be added to the schedule which allows for rest, laundry, and activities.
• Supervised entertainment is provided.
• Parents may drop off items or pick up laundry during these break periods.

Meals & Dining

• Campers should bring breakfast items for their dorm rooms. Students should store breakfast/snack items in their dorm room or prepare to pay for those meals out-of-pocket.
• Lunch and dinner are provided at the Union or Fresh Foods Market.
• Campers are encouraged to bring snacks, water, and other various items to make their rooms feel like home.
• Students will have a wristband they will use to “pay” for their meal. This functions like a debit card across campus.
• Water in a re-sealable container is the only beverage allowed in McComas Hall theatre spaces.

Dorm Rooms

• There is a shower room and bathrooms on every floor.
• Campers are required to have a roommate during camp and will be assigned one if there’s no preference. Please contact Leah Wright at 662-312-4167 if you have any concerns about lodging.
• Dorm rooms have a fridge, microwave, and sink unit along with two dorm beds, desks, and closets.
• The dorm mattress requires Twin XL sheets and campers will need to bring their own bedding along with towels and shower supplies.
• Shower shoes are highly recommended!
• Each resident hallway has a designated access door that campers will open with their own key card.

Communication & Emergency Contacts

• Please contact Leah Wright with inquiries about schedules and appointments when possible. We will have visiting hours on Sunday afternoons and strongly encourage parents to limit any visitations to that time of the week. We will be very busy otherwise!
• Campers can have mail sent to Stephen Cunetto’s address and he will happily deliver:
  (Camper Name) c/o Stephen Cunetto
  863 Valley Hills Circle
  Starkville, MS 39759
• Campers may bring cell phones but cannot use them during classes, blocking/rehearsal, or during the production.
• Parents needing immediate contact should call senior staff:
  • Stephen Cunetto (Camp Director): 662-418-3870
  • Leah Wright (Program Director): 662-312-4167
  • Joe Evans (Production Coordinator): 662-418-5633

Laundry

• Laundry machines cost approximately $2 per wash/dry (quarters or debit cards).
• Detergent is not provided.

Dismissal Policy

Violations of camp policies may result in dismissal without tuition refund.

Reminder: What to Pack

• Twin XL sheets
• Towels
• Shower shoes
• Toiletries
• Black pants, shirt, shoes
• Snacks/breakfast foods
• Laundry detergent
• Money for laundry
• Dressy-casual attire for the camp dance/talent show
• Comfortable clothing suitable for dance class
• Tennis shoes
• Water bottle
• Small bag/backpack
• Instruments that could be played in the pit

Camp Policies & Procedures

Behavioral Expectations

• Campers must adhere to all rules, policies, and directions provided by camp staff members.
• Campers and staff must adhere to a strict no-tobacco, no-vape, and no-alcohol or drug policy.
• Campers must not engage in any sexual activity, sexual comments, or sharing of sexual material.
• Campers and staff are expected to treat each other with courtesy and respect.
• Any behavior involving displays of affection, profanity, or disrespect may result in dismissal.

Social Media & Online Safety

• Campers must use social media responsibly.
• Inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or presence on dating apps may result in dismissal from camp.

Camp Representation

• Campers and staff always represent Summer Scholars and must respect MSU’s campus, facilities, staff, and policies.

Health & Safety

• Campers will have access to the MSU Student Health Center. Families are responsible for any medical costs incurred.
• Campers are prohibited from wandering campus alone; all campers must be accompanied by at least one fellow camper or staff member.
• Suspicious behavior should be reported to staff immediately.

Dorm Rules

• Campers must stay on their designated hallways and follow curfew guidelines.
• Campers must sign out with designated senior staff to travel off campus and should indicate when they have arrived back to the dorm.

Clothing Guidelines

• Daily attire should be appropriate for physical activity and remain adequately covered.
• Campers must wear closed-toe shoes on stage and during dance class.
• Campers must bring an all-black outfit (including shoes) for performances.
• Girls should wear sports bras for dance classes. No midriff-baring clothing is permitted.
• Staff may request a camper to change if attire is deemed inappropriate.

Miscellaneous

• Eating and drinking anything but water in costume is expressly prohibited.
• Violation of any of these policies may result in dismissal from camp without a refund.