Kupugani Blog
5 Fun Ways to Be More Successful
It may be easy to have fun and thrive at summer camp. Sometimes it might take a little more intentionality. Luckily, science has some ways to help us out regarding how we can be more successful in life. Below are some good scientifically-backed research tips on how you can do exactly that. Bullets below, with the whole article available at this link. Happiness brings success (i.e. not the other way around, as is commonly misconstrued). See problems as challenges, not threats. Having more work means you need more social support. Also, it's better for to give support than to receive it...
More Details10 Things You Should Do Everyday to Feel Good
While it's relatively easy while at summer camp to do things that make you feel good, when not at camp, it might take a little more intention to do so. Below are some good scientifically-backed research tips on what you can do to maintain a good mood. Bullets below, with the whole article available at this link. Get out in nature Exercise Spend time with friends and family Express gratitude Meditate Get enough sleep Challenge yourself Laugh Touch someone Be optimistic ...
More DetailsHow To Never Have to Argue with Your Kids (Or Anyone)
At our summer camp in the Midwest, we work on conflict resolution techniques to help empower our campers and staff. A recent blog from the good folks at Barking Up the Wrong Tree, a blog offering cool life tips, emphasized a few ways that we can use to never have to argue with your kids (or anyone). Bullets are below, with the full blog available at this link. Listen With Full Attention: Everyone needs to feel understood; kids are no different. Acknowledge Their Feelings: Paraphrase what they said. Don’t say you understand, show them you do. Give Their Feelings A Name: “Sounds ...
More DetailsTrusting Child Development Professionals to do Their Jobs
As parents, we seek the best for our children. What can sometimes be a challenge is recognizing that the best thing for our children is letting them navigate their own path, and sometimes letting them fail. Life's best lessons aren’t always learned through getting your way, or creating situations where your children get their way. For example, when parents confront coaches about playing time (or referees about perceived bad calls...or camp directors about experiences related to camp) for their kids, they send dueling bad messages: that the child deserves the time (or call) and that the child...
More DetailsKupugani Diary Cabin Day: July 31st
Donuts and a later than normal morning circle after a night under the stars was perfect for the Kupu-campers this Sunday. I’m pretty sure I heard snoring 15 minutes into “The Lego Movie” last night. The morning was a little slow, but picked up very fast once the kids got into their songs and skits with their cabin. Several of them came running back eager to start the activity that their cabin agreed on. Since some campers chose the same activities, they were able to play games together which gave me some great photo opportunities! After a much needed La Tienda (eh eh eh) break, the kids ...
More DetailsFinal Night of Blended Session
“Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.” - William Ellery Channing We reflected on this quote in our morning circle. It's always refreshing to hear the campers' perspective. For camptivities, we Crate Stacked, Tie Dyed, Swam, and played 9 Square in the Air. As part of campers' preparation for their departure tomorrow, we signed our Blended session 2016 Bench. These campers have definitely left their mark on camp. The campers sang their appreciation to the kitchen after they enjoyed Tash’s famous Chicken Kiev. The cam...
More DetailsIt’s Time for Kupugani Olympics!
Today was a scorcher in more ways than one. We started the day with a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit, eggs with spinach and our favorite coffee cake. In Teams, we talked about the impact of our words and actions. We have been learning a lot about this here at camp and also learning how to responsibly communicate our emotions by using “I” statements. After lunch, the Kupugani Olympics opening ceremonies included body paint and team cheers. Campers could not be beat by the heat. Slip and slide, Gaga and Sack Races, Oh My! The teams proceeded to the mud volleyball court for...
More Details!TnelaT toG s’inagupuK
“You must first have a good relationship with yourself before you can have a good relationship with others. The more independent you are, the better you’ll be able to connect and relate with others.” - Gary Emery Today was backwards day! During morning teams, campers reflected on their own perspective and were validated for their point of view as well as challenged to see other perspectives. In the afternoon, they challenged their fears and redefined what they believed they are capable of. Today’s camptivities included Pool, Archery, Cooking with Tash and Cratestacking. These...
More Details“If you want peace, work for justice.”
Our morning quote is relevant to the world today and also applies to our own personal leadership. Today in some of our camper check ins, we discussed “doing the right thing.” It is amazing to watch campers grow as leaders. After a delicious lunch of bean enchiladas, we were off on our adventures: river float, crate stacking, lake play, arts and crafts and more. Dinner was delicious chicken nuggets, pasta, green beans and rice krispie treats. Tonight we played all camp sports followed by a pool party. The campers are tuckered out and should sleep well tonight!...
More DetailsGooooooaaaaaalll!!!
Today went down in the annals of history, as the campers defeated the counselors in a close match in the staff vs campers soccer game. The counselors took an immediate lead but couldn’t hold onto it as the campers evened it up before half time.In the second half, despite a frenzied comeback to tie the game at 5-5, the counselors eventually succumbed to the campers' relentless pace and fell behind 6-5 with not much time left. Even given a spirited last-minutes comeback spree, the counselors couldn’t quite find the back of the net to equalize things. After the defeat, the counselors already...
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Camp Kupugani has been named one of the 50 Most Amazing Summer Camps for Kids.
