He studied at Oberlin Academy (a preparatory department of Oberlin College) 1880–1882 and 1883–1886 and at the Sargent Normal School for physical training (now the Boston University college of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences[2]) He graduated from the medical school of New York University in 1889.

[4] Gulick persuaded a young instructor named James Naismith, a teacher at the school, to create an indoor game that could be played during the off-season.

From 1903 to 1908, he headed physical training in the public schools of New York City, and from 1908 to 1913 directed the department of child hygiene at the Russell Sage Foundation.

[7] With his wife, Gulick founded the Camp Fire Girls to prepare women for work outside the home.

Gulick recommending the secretary of the Playground Association, James E. West to head the new Boy Scouts of America.

[5] Gulick, together with his wife Charlotte, are honored with a bronze medallion on the Extra Mile National Monument.