Camp Kupugani Blog
4 Ways to Maximize Your Parenting
As parents and counselors at our summer camp outside of Chicago, we try to continually improve how we empower our children. Here are 4 good tips from licensed child and school psychologist Dr. Kate Roberts on how to do so: Bullets here, with the whole article available at this link: Be intentional and focus on what is really important Be present when you interact with them, and show them that you care about what’s important to them, not just you. Emphasize the importance of being kind and not self-centered. Stop […]
Winter Teen Activities Ideas
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from having fun! Here is a list of ideas for activities your teen can do during the winter season. Encourage your teenager to choose a couple of these activities as a family bonding experience or time with their friends. Go ice skating, snow tubing, skiing or snowmobiling. Build a winter bonfire and make s’mores. Create and write your own game show. Then, play it with friends or family. Go on a winter photo scavenger hunt. Plan a board game […]
10 Ways to Improve Body Image
At our summer camp outside of Chicago, Illinois, we emphasize empowerment by appreciating ourselves and doing the same for others. At a conference some years ago, there was a good panel discussion regarding how to improve body image. Here are ten great takeaways: (1) Before you look in the mirror, think positively. (2) Stop comparing yourself to others. (3) Nurture your inner self. (4) Wear clothes in which you feel comfortable. (5) Take risks to challenge yourself. (6) Make a “why I like myself” list. (7) Spend time with people […]
Brown Man Thanks Monroe Police
Dear Monroe Police Department (okay…maybe just two specific members of the Monroe PD…but that takes a lot more words than I feel like right now…) Dear Monroe PD…I really must say thanks. Thanks for reinforcing for me how much my son loves me. Thanks for reminding me how much I trust and value my wife and my life. Thanks for reinforcing for me that my choice of profession–as a director of a summer camp where we intentionally bring together children of varied backgrounds–is an especially important one. Thanks so much […]
Parenting Your Teen in an Age of Social Media
Most parents have mixed feelings toward social media. We hear stories about kids who have misused it, been hurt by it, or made a terrible mistake that went viral, and we panic because we’re raising children in a generation that’s still figuring out how to be smart with a smart phone. It’s a complex challenge, to say the least. Parents often say they wish they could do away with social media for kids, because the problems outweigh the benefits. While we understand this, we all know it’s not going anywhere. […]
Reasons Your Kid is Ready for Camp, Even If You Aren’t
As a camp director, I sometimes encounter parents of younger children who insist their child is “not ready” for sleepaway camp. But after discussing a bit more, it becomes apparent that the child is actually good to go and that it’s really just the parent(s) who is not ready to have their baby leave the nest. Now, it’s definitely our job as parents to seek the best for our children. But, it doesn’t mean that a parent needs to be the sole, direct controller of that growth. Think back to […]
Beware the Pernicious Effects of Advertising on Girls
Especially with the season of consumerism upon us, it’s worth being especially mindful of the pernicious effects of advertising, especially on girls. Sociologist Christine Carter has a good post on the subject, including: the elevation of the status of “slut” the negative impact on self-esteem and body image increased objectification by males of girls (and women) Check out the whole post here: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/market_victoria_secret#When:09:00:00Z Keep Up to Date Have access to incredible articles and keep up to date with all Camp Kupugani life here!
Bonding Ideas for Teens
The teenage years are times of transition. The space between childhood and adulthood can often be confusing and distancing from what a teen has previously known. Bonding activities for teens either between one another or family members can help teens keep a sense of stability in life as they grow from child to adult. Bonding with Parents Teens are notorious for needing space and the ability to separate from their parents. At the same time, teens need their parents and can benefit from continued or strengthened connection. Bonding activities between […]
Turning Down a Tween Attitude
The Problem It’s common knowledge that the tween and teenage years can be hard on the parent-child relationship. Experiencing defiance, rejection, and ridicule from one’s child is very upsetting for parents. It’s easy for parents to get very angry and disheartened with their tween’s snarky attitude, disrespect, selfishness, and lack of gratitude, or with their teen’s pushing away from parental hugs and other expressions of affection. This kind of attitude from tweens and teens can feel hurtful, insulting, discounting, and leave parents flabbergasted. Many parents become convinced that their child […]
Gratitude Practices to Change Your Happiness Set Point
“Concentrate on naming, savoring, and feeling gratitude for the blessings you do have — your love for your kid, the pleasures of eating the food you like, the sight of the sky at dusk, the entertaining drama of your unique fate. Don’t ignore the bad stuff, but make a point of celebrating the beautiful stuff with all the exuberant devotion you can muster.” — Rob Brezsny If you feel like your life isn’t as joyful as you’d like, here’s a sure-fire strategy to replenish your joy quotient. Research shows that […]
Camp Does a World of Good in Challenging Times
Smart parents know that summer camp can be a vital part of a child’s growth and development, giving healthy opportunities to discover, explore, grow and have fun; the camp experience helps build character and enhance life-development skills, allowing children to connect with nature, themselves and others. In these difficult times, camp also provides your child with a delightful respite from the inevitable pressures that surround our homes and communities. Especially since children have a limited window of opportunity in their lives to benefit from camp, the decision to begin a new camp experience should not be put off. But we don’t need to tell you how good camp is for kids, or […]
3 Ways to Help Raise a Powerful Daughter
At our summer camp in the Midwest, we appreciate the importance of facilitating the growth of strong, independent girls who will continue to empower women all over the world. Remind yourself what it means to raise a powerful daughter by reading this article. Some tips include: Listen more than you talk Encourage her to be direct when she’s angry Encourage her to take physical risks If you’re looking for more insight on understanding and building a solid relationship with your pre-teen or teenage daughter, be sure to check out Peggy Orenstein’s book, “Cinderella Ate My Daughter.” Keep Up to Date Have […]
