Camp Kupugani Blog
Final Reflections on the Anatomy of Peace
Here at Camp Kupugani, we name our cabins after influential people throughout history. One is named for Mahatma Gandhi, who voiced many inspirational thoughts during his life. One such quote from the Indian activist is “be the change you want to see in the world”. What does this quote mean to you? In previous blogs regarding The Anatomy of Peace, we have discussed “self-deception” boxes and how to escape those boxes by supporting and challenging ourselves as individuals. Now we will briefly discuss the resulting potential change and how the […]
More Reflections on the Anatomy of Peace
Our last blog regarding the Anatomy of Peace discussed getting out of the boxes of objectifying others; this forms the basis of the pyramid of change. Once we have exited the box, we can build relationships, actively listen to support people, and challenge people to bring about their own changes. The Anatomy of Peace explains that–for us to solve a problem at one level of the pyramid, we need to focus on building a stronger relationship–a the deeper level of the pyramid of change. (I.e. I might be willing to […]
How to Overcome Self Deception
After reading The Anatomy of Peace, we choose a few aspects of this thought-provoking work to apply to our values here at camp. The book elucidates four kinds of “self-deception boxes” we can get into – the four ways that we can see others as objects rather than seeing them as people. The boxes are: “Better-than” box – you see yourself as better than other people. They’re not as human as you because you simply are better. “I-deserve” box – The key word is entitlement. You don’t see others as […]
5 Tips on Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids
At our Midwest summer camp, we are intentional at striving to maximize our campers’ emotional intelligence. A recent blog from the good folks at Barking up the Wrong Tree has some great advice along those lines. Bullets below: Be aware of emotions: Canaries. Coal mines. Sometimes you can ignore the words but if you ignore the underlying feelings you’re going to be cleaning spaghetti off the walls. Emotion is an opportunity for intimacy and teaching: The best lessons about dealing with emotions are learned when things get emotional. Yes, this […]
Service Opportunities at Kupugani
The 14-year-old campers left camp for a bit yesterday to visit a local farm. While there, the girls learned how to split wood both the old fashion way (ax and maul) and new-fashioned (wood splitter). The girls were also able to interact with the alpacas and other animals on the farm. The girls also helped to build a new pen for the guinea hens. They further supported the farm owners by moving some bales of hay. Our 14 year-old leaders-in-training (LITs) will later head to a local nursing home to spend […]
More Empowerment at Camp
While at camp, we empower young women by giving them opportunities to take leadership in their community. One service opportunity is the camp store (La Tienda) manager. Campers in this position provide excellent customer service, are involved in taking inventory, and take part in account management.
Kupu Olympic Fun
Yesterday was another fun-filled day at camp. The girls were split into two teams to open up Girls 1 2018 Kupu Olympics. Each girl competed in 4 events: gaga, an obstacle course ending on a huge tarp slip and slide, tug of war in our own mud volleyball court, and a canoe race (no paddles allowed) in the canoes around the raft and back. The competition was not decided solely on who won or lost the challenges but also Camp Kupugani values of sportsmanship, respect, participation, and effort. The blue […]
Not Starving for Leadership Training
Our LIT campers recently enjoyed a trip to Starved Rock state park where they spent the night in tents they pitched themselves. In the morning, they had to pack up the tents and prepare for a 3-mile hike. This hike began at the Starved Rock Museum where the girls learned a bit of the history of Starved Rock. They also learned about some of the fish that are local to the state. The hike traveled up a good elevation change (which might make our own What A Puff A Me […]
Learning to Lead with Compassion
Today, six campers and one staff member headed out on an adventure to Pinecrest Community Center as part of our leader-in-training (LIT) community service programming. The trip started out with quiet and relaxed campers. The campers arrived at the nursing home to a room full of residents excited to play a game of “Left Right Center” which, after an intense battle, one of our campers won with poise and grace. The group of campers wrapped up the time with the residents by singing the “Kupugani Beat” and leading them through […]
Oh Yeah, We Got that Beat
After every meal, it’s Kupugani tradition to do the Kupugani beat. While trotters (table cleaners) clean up, campers explode into an uproar of rhythmic beating. It’s a great bonding experience where returning campers will teach new campers and build community. See the video below to get a sense of the energy and excitement.
Cabin Photo Ops
Every session, each cabin gets a group photo together. Some cabins are silly, some serious, and others creative. These photos are given to campers to take home on the final day as a memento to keep. Here is a sample of some from our recent blended session. Keep Up to Date Have access to incredible articles and keep up to date with all Camp Kupugani life here!
Team time
Along with cabin groups, every camper has a team group while at camp. Teams do various activities ranging from upbeat to cooperative to contemplative. They play fun games, build forts in the forest, and discuss difficult topics. Yesterday, teams created a cheer and today, they participated in an interactive game that led to a discussion on stereotypes.