Camp Kupugani Blog
How Intentional Parents Can Help Kids (and Themselves) Beat Regret
Regret is a powerful emotion. Whether it’s wishing you’d spent more time with your kids or made a different parenting decision, regret can weigh us down. It shows up when you least expect it and lingers way longer than you’d like. But what if there were research-backed ways to beat regret? Turns out, there are. Eric Barker’s excellent blog post, This Is How To Overcome Regret: 5 Secrets From Research, lays out practical steps to help us move forward. And here’s the best part: we can teach these strategies to […]
Almost Two Decades of Growth: Camp Kupugani’s Journey from 2006 to Now
Hey there, intentional parents! Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and explore the growth of Camp Kupugani since its inception in 2006. Buckle up for some fascinating changes! Humble Beginnings It all started with a pilot program in 2006, followed by our first official two-week girls session in 2007. Those pioneering campers set the tone for empowerment that continues today. Expanding Horizons Over the years, we’ve added new programs to meet varied needs: Milestone Moments We’ve celebrated many firsts: Facility Upgrades We’ve continuously improved our camp based on camper […]
Navigating Identity: Raising Girls in Transracial Families
Let’s talk about raising girls in transracial families where race and culture blend across generations. Whether through adoption, blended families, or guardianship, these girls often face unique challenges—and opportunities—in shaping their identities. The Transracial Family Landscape Did you know 44% of adopted children in the U.S. live with parents of a different race? According to the Institute of Family Studies, this jumps to 90% for Asian adoptees and 55% for Black adoptees. Meanwhile, the National Library of Medicine notes that, when families avoid tough conversations about race, biracial children often […]
How to Help Your Child Stay Motivated
We all want our kids to be motivated, right? But how do you turn a kid who’d rather binge-watch TikTok into a motivated mini-adult? According to Eric Barker, author of Barking Up the Wrong Tree, it’s less about yelling and more about smart goal-setting. After he pulled together insights from experts on how to get motivated, we’ve taken his findings and tailored them for intentional parents like you. Let’s explore a few strategies to help our children. Make It Fun First Kids thrive on enjoyment. If something feels like a […]
How to Nurture Leadership Skills in Your Child
As parents, we want our children to grow into confident, capable leaders. Whether taking charge on the playground, in the classroom, or later in life, strong leadership skills help them navigate challenges and inspire others. Nurturing leadership skills helps kids become more confident, responsible, and creative problem-solvers. Moreover, they learn to work well with others and adapt to challenges. Leadership isn’t just something kids are born with—it’s a skill they can develop with practice and guidance. Practical Ways to Nurture Leadership Skills Leadership development can start right at home. Here’s […]
Bridging the Generational Divide: Respect, Status, and Adolescent Growth
Hey there, fellow parents and youth-serving professionals! Let’s chat about adolescents. Ever wonder why they act the way they do? Well, it turns out that status and respect are huge drivers of adolescent behavior. But here’s the kicker–these are deeply rooted in their sense of competence and belonging. For sure, understanding adolescent behavior can feel like navigating an unpredictable storm. However, a closer look at the dynamics of respect, status, and competence reveals a clear path forward. Insights from the fantastic recent book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating […]
APRIL 1, 2025: LEAF RIVER, IL—CAMP KUPUGANI ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING NEW ACTIVITY: TIME TRAVEL!
APRIL 1, 2025: LEAF RIVER, IL—CAMP KUPUGANI ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING NEW ACTIVITY: TIME TRAVEL! In a groundbreaking announcement sure to turn heads and potentially alter the space-time continuum, Camp Kupugani proudly introduces its most ambitious summer activity yet: time travel. Yes, with the advent of Time Travel Tuesdays, the camp promises to transport campers through the ages, offering a truly immersive multicultural experience. Forget basketball or arts and crafts—this summer, campers will be bending the very fabric of space-time, all before lights out. “We’ve always prided ourselves on providing unique and […]
How You Can Help Shape Your Child’s Personality (According to Science)
Parenting often feels like a balancing act between nature and nurture. You might wonder how much of your child’s essence is set in stone and how much you can shape your child’s personality. Luckily, research gives us some clear insights. A blog post from Eric Barker breaks down the science of personality development. Personality Isn’t Fixed—It Evolves Many parents assume their child’s personality is hardwired. Science tells us otherwise. While genetics play a role, experiences can shape a child’s personality over time. With the right guidance, you can help your […]
The Secret to Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child? Ask the Right Questions
As intentional parents, we want our children to be emotionally intelligent (EI) to help them navigate life’s challenges. A recent article by Bill Murphy Jr. highlights three key questions that high EI individuals ask to become more likable and offer better advice. Let’s explore these questions and how we can apply them to parenting. Unlock Your Child’s Perspective, i.e.”What do you think you should do?” There is much power in understanding another person’s perspective. A person with a high EQ will ask “What does that look like to you?” or […]
The Science of Connection: How Relationships Make Us Happier
We all crave connection. Whether it’s with friends, family, or even strangers, happier relationships have a huge impact on our well-being. According to research summarized by Eric Barker on his blog Barking Up the Wrong Tree, strong social ties aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for happiness. Why Connection Matters Meaningful connections are crucial for our health and contentment. People with strong social connections tend to live longer, experience less stress, and feel a greater sense of purpose. In fact, loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a […]
Our Approach to Homesickness at Camp: Helping Your Child Thrive
It’s common for children to feel homesick at camp. After all, being away from home and family can be a big adjustment. However, homesickness is a natural part of the development process, and with the right support, can be managed effectively. At Camp Kupugani, we’ve developed strategies to help campers navigate these feelings and emerge stronger. The Reality of Homesickness Missing home is normal. Most kiddos at overnight camp at some point feel some degree of homesickness, which is typically mild. Nearly everyone misses something about home when they’re away, […]
Why Your Child Should Become a Counselor in Training (CIT)
Are you looking for a way to help your teen grow into a confident leader? A Counselor in Training (CIT) program might be just the thing. Becoming a CIT is a great opportunity for young people to develop leadership skills, responsibility, and emotional intelligence. Here’s a roadmap to help you navigate this exciting step in your child’s personal growth. What is a Counselor in Training (CIT)? CIT programs are designed to bridge the gap between camper and counselor. They offer teens a chance to develop leadership skills, boost confidence, and […]
