25 Things We’ll Miss About This Summer

As summer draws to a close, it’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic about all the wonderful moments we’ve shared at camp. For those of us who believe in raising intentional kids, summer camp is more than just fun in the sun. It’s an opportunity for growth, learning, and forging lifelong memories. As the season winds down, it’s time to reflect on the 25 things we’ll miss most about this summer at Camp Kupugani (and how these moments contribute to your child’s personal development).

1. The Growth – We’ll miss the children and the other counselors. Witnessing the personal development at camp is amazing.
2. The Laughter – Whether they’re playing games or just being silly, the joy is contagious. Nothing beats the sound of kids laughing together, even when it’s the campers’ responses to Kevin’s same old dad jokes.
3. The Unplugged Life – At camp, screens don’t exist, and kids rediscover the joys of real-world connections. It’s refreshing, isn’t it?
4. Team Spirit – Watching campers come together to support one another, whether in sports or during team challenges, reminds us of the importance of community.
5. New Friendships – Seeing kids make friends from different backgrounds is heartwarming. These friendships often last well beyond summer, and sometimes a lifetime.
6. Overcoming Fears – From trying new activities to speaking up in front of a group, campers grow by stepping out of their comfort zones.
7. NUTS – We’ll miss campers’ excitement over what the movie would be for Night Under the Stars.
8. The Untalent Show – Watching kids shine as they showcase their talents and willingness to perform for the supportive community is always a highlight. Encouraging self-expression and confidence, these events let everyone shine.
9. Morning Circles – Starting the day with enthusiasm and camaraderie set a positive tone for everyone.
10. Conflict Resolution – We appreciate the honest, sometimes hard conversations had at camp.
11. Alive, Awake, Alert, Enthusiastic – Starting the day with a camp song or chant sets the tone for a day of fun and learning.
12. Cultural Exchange – Campers often come from diverse backgrounds, and the exchange of cultures is a beautiful aspect of camp life.
13. The Journey to the Final Campfire – Saying goodbye is always bittersweet. The ceremony brings closure and a sense of accomplishment and highlights the growth and friendships made.
14. The First Time Camper – Watching a child experience camp for the first time is magical. Their wonder and excitement are contagious.
15. The Last Friday – The final full day of camp is filled with mixed emotions—joy, pride, and a little sadness.
16. The Growth – Seeing how much each camper has grown physically, emotionally and socially, is incredibly rewarding.
17. The Safe Space – Camp is a place where kids feel safe to be themselves. It’s a judgment-free zone that encourages authenticity.
18. The Challenges – Whether it’s a team-building initiative or a nature scavenger hunt, the challenges at camp teach resilience and problem-solving.
19. Lake Days – Canoeing, kayaking, riverwalking and lake play offer fun and a chance to learn new skills.
20. Friendship Bracelets – Crafting these keepsakes symbolizes the lasting friendships formed at camp.
21. Camp Songs – Singing together fosters unity and joy.
22. Teambuilding Initiatives – Overcoming obstacles builds resilience and determination.
23. Cabin Skits and Songs – Working together fosters connections. Performing in front of peers boosts public speaking skills and creativity.
24. Leadership Roles – Opportunities to take charge build confidence and leadership skills. Seeing a camper be a team leader or help a friend is a testament to their growing confidence.
25. The Memories – Finally, what we’ll miss most are the memories. Camp Kupugani is where kids make memories that last a lifetime, and we’re honored to be part of that journey.

As we say goodbye to summer, it’s worth reflecting on how camp has helped our kids grow in ways we couldn’t have imagined. By engaging in diverse activities, children learn essential life skills that extend beyond the campgrounds. At Camp Kupugani, we’re committed to helping intentional parents nurture their child’s personal development–both at camp and beyond. What will you and your child miss the most about summer camp?