"Great achievements are not born from a single vision but from the combination of many distinctive viewpoints. Diversity challenges assumptions, opens minds and unlocks our potential to solve any problem we may face." - unknown
Nestled within 120 acres of lush forests, limestone bluffs, and a stunning valley, Camp Kupugani multicultural summer camp resides at beautiful Camp White Eagle alongside the Leaf River in northwestern Illinois. Less than a two-hour drive from Chicago, this intimate setting makes for an ideal environment to develop life-skills, meet new friends and enjoy an active outdoor environment. Since 1951, Camp White Eagle has provided for children a secure summer camp environment that encourages the discovery of self and a sense of wonder in the natural world.
The Camp Kupugani Mission
“Kupugani” is a Zulu concept meaning “to raise oneself up.” The fundamental point of Camp Kupugani is—in a residential camp setting—to expose girls of varied backgrounds and ethnicities to each other. Living, playing, and working together are the best teachers of instilling bonds of friendship and trust. They represent an important step towards breaking down societal barriers that prevent positive interaction. Camp Kupugani provides a safe atmosphere where children are individually empowered via enhancing their communication skills and engaging in community building. By way of carefully selected program activities, we bestow upon them the tools to maximize their potential, free of the sometimes-limiting restrictions of school and predisposed social patterns. At Camp Kupugani, girls have fun while changing their world.
About Camp
Camp White Eagle, Camp Kupugani’s home just two hours west of Chicago, Illinois, has an almost 60-year
tradition of safely nurturing and developing campers. Located in the rolling hills and woods of Northwestern
Illinois, it comprises beautiful woods, trails, a swimming pool, two all natural limestone rock climbing walls,
game fields, and a 5-acre lake for swimming, water games, and almost a mile of canoeing through the
property. With 120 acres of forests, wildlife, and wildflowers galore, it offers fresh air, natural
water, the robust smell of pure woods and a twinkling night sky. Camp White Eagle and Camp Kupugani are each certified by the
American Camp Association.
Camp White Eagle offers a variety of programs. Camp Kupugani offers two-week sessions for girls only. Campers range in age from 7 to 15 and come from diverse backgrounds. For our Team Building Program, our staff members—by guiding and facilitating a group’s movement through an engaging course of structured activities—help organizations of all kinds form solid bonds. Through our Rental Camp program, our staff teams with an incoming group’s director to plan different activities to assure that the campers have a safe, enjoyable, and productive stay at camp. Camp White Eagle facilities are ideal for: retreats, outdoor education activities, meetings, team building and training, adventure challenges, weddings, and receptions. Rental groups are welcome to use the conference center located in our main lodge.
For almost sixty years, experiences at Camp White Eagle have changed lives. The tradition of camping and respect for self and others infuses the culture at Camp White Eagle. Join us, and discover why children and adults love spending time here surrounded by the natural beauty that is camp.