Camp Kupugani Blog
How to Talk to Kids About Scary News
While driving down the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, with a view of the Manhattan skyline gleaming outside the car windows, my 5-year-old daughter suddenly piped up from the backseat, “Did you know people flew planes into the Twin Towers?” It was like someone had knocked the wind of my chest, and my husband had to tighten his grip on the steering wheel. I collected myself enough to respond as casually as I could, despite reeling on the inside. “Um, yes,” I said. “How do you know that?” “We learned about it in […]
Six Benefits of Going to Summer Camp
For generations, children have spent their summers at day and sleepaway camps, trying new activities such as swimming, hiking, and various sports. But what many families may not realize is that camp provides children with different opportunities to develop important life skills that are difficult to achieve in any other environment. Below are just a few of the many benefits your children will gain from the summer camp experience. Benefits of Summer Camp 1) Campers obtain the life skills needed to become successful adults. At camp, children gain valuable life […]
Taking on Back Talk
Last week, I reread the family diary I kept faithfully years ago when my first two children were little. The entries stop rather abruptly after my third child entered the picture. For ten years, I haven’t had time to look at these notes. Most amusing: examples of the back talk problem I used to have with my middle child. Here are things my daughter actually said to me: “Mom, I very ’pointed in you!” “Mom, I put you in storage!” “Mom, no YOU be quiet!” She was two years […]
Establishing Policies For Your Teen’s Techology Use
Technology has transformed our world so thoroughly that our kids cannot imagine life without gadgets. They expect to have access to these devices 24/7, but their expectations aren’t always realistic, especially without policies set. Computers, the Internet, and smartphone apps can be tremendous assets to learning, but they can also be significant detractors unless parents establish clear policies for their use. If gadgets are interfering with your child’s schoolwork, try these easy solutions and policies: Establish a daily period free of electronics. When your child returns from school, allow screen […]
5 Ways to Get Your Family Around the Dinner Table
Have you ever stopped to think about how much “family time” you get on a weekly basis? I’m not talking about watching baseball practice or hosting a sleepover for your daughter. I mean hanging out with just the family—no friends tagging along or focusing on extracurricular activities, like eating dinner together. For many of us, quality time together is minimal because we’re busy. Although many of us regret not setting aside time to spend with our loved ones, a world of convenience and instant everything pushes us along at such […]
4 Ways to Create an Awesome Kid
When we’re at our girls-only, boys-only, and blended summer camps near Chicago, we see quite a few awesome kids and do our best at creating an environment to maximize their development. Below are some good tips on how to help your child be the most awesome s/he can be! stay stress-free. Summary below (from the folks at Barking Up the Wrong Tree), with the whole article available at this link. Awesome Kid in 4 Steps Work on yourself: Increasing your own happiness and reducing your stress have big effects on […]
4 Ways to Be Free of Stress
When we’re at our summer camp near Chicago. It’s pretty easy to be free of stress while enjoying the beautiful land, playing games, or just hanging out with friends. When we’re not at camp, we might need to be a little more intentional about limiting stress in our lives. Below are some good scientifically-backed research tips on how to stay stress-free. Summary below (from the folks at Barking Up the Wrong Tree), with the whole article available at this link. Clench your facial muscles and relax them Take slow, deep […]
Are You Culturally Competent? Find Out Here
Especially in today’s social climate, it is increasingly important to be mindful and respectful of people of a variety of backgrounds. It can be all too easy to demonize and denigrate someone who you classify as “other”. If you think you’ve got what it takes, check out our fun, informative quiz to see if you are culturally competent. Keep Up to Date Have access to incredible articles and keep up to date with all Camp Kupugani life here!
How to Prepare Kids for Overnight Camp and Sleepovers
My daughter recently went on an exchange trip with her teachers and classmates. She was out of the country for 10 days without her dad, her siblings or me. She did great. In fact, she was so excited that her bag was packed a full week before her trip. As she hugged and kissed us goodbye, I took time to reflect on how she arrived in that place of calm confidence. How do parents prepare and “toughen up” their kids for extended time away from them? What steps can you […]
Help Your Child Develop Good Judgment
Many adults are crippled with indecision when faced with difficult choices. Others, worse yet, make self-destructive choices and repeatedly demonstrate poor judgment. But no one is born with good judgment and the ability to make wise decisions. Good judgment and decision-making skills develop from experience combined with reflection. As one sage noted, “Judgment develops from experience. Good judgment develops from bad experience.” Your goal is to give your child experience in making decisions, and make sure she has the opportunity to reflect on them and learn. You also want to […]
10 Reasons to Send Your Child to Camp
Camps are fun. But why are they important? In a world gone tech crazy, sometimes the great outdoors is just that: great. Here are 10 reasons why every child should go to camp. Reasons to Join Camp 1. Exposure to diversity Camp connects kids to those who they may not normally meet. Kids learn the world is a big place with lots of people, who might do things differently than they’re used to. That includes other kids from all over the state and beyond – and the camp’s counselors and leaders, […]
Parenting Matters — Ways to Show Your Love
It is easy to know you love your child. It is a bit more difficult to show that on a regular basis but it shouldn’t be. Let’s just take kids. What they need from you on a regular basis is to hear those three words: I love you. That matters to them. Let them know in as many ways as possible. Give them surprise hugs and kisses. Any way you can show affection to your child from your newborn to your daughter who just brought you your new grandchild. Even […]
