Camp Kupugani Blog

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

            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!

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.

Today, we enjoyed our first full day of Girls 1 session.  All campers safely arrived and are adjusting well.  Campers started the day meeting their new teams and participating in an all-camp Gaga game.  The afternoon was spent cooling off in the pool and finally, campers spent the evening presenting a representative cultural item in our traditional Diversity Show and Tell. 

Yesterday morning, campers participated in our (newly) traditional Super Challenge hike!  Kupugani has turned into an active volcano (Kupucano) and campers had to work in teams to safely escape.  To survive, campers built fires, shelters, and rafts.  It was a successful activity full of cooperation, creativity, and learning.  Go Kupucampers!

Every day, campers have the opportunity to try one of over 20 different camp activity that Kupugani offers. Here are a couple of snaps of the before and after from a camp classic: tie-dyeing.  Keep Up to Date Have access to incredible articles and keep up to date with all Camp Kupugani life here!

Card games are a great way to spend time with other campers. Here at camp, they are especially popular in transition times such as between activities and during Siesta. On Sunday night, during our Recreation 911 activity period, “Egyptian Ratscrew” was a popular choice with several games going on at once in and around the Rec Hall. 

Today was the day that cabins spent most of the day together. They started the day with a late wake-up, doughnuts, and a change in beds. They spent the afternoon planning a cabin song and a skit, taking a break to enjoy some lake activities. The skits tonight ranged from a “James-Bond-off” to a day in the life in Cabin Wu. This is one of the chances that the campers get to lead/plan an event. The job of the staff was to sit back and have a fantastic time laughing […]

Riddles are a fun way for campers to bond.  At camp, a riddle hangs outside the front office for campers to ponder–switched out only when a critical mass of the campers enjoys the fun and empowerment of figuring it out.  Can anyone solve this recent office riddle (if you can’t read it on the pic, you can check it out at this link)? P.S. The girls in cabin Wu have an ongoing game of trying to figure out the secret to the Green Glass Doors.