Camp Kupugani Blog
Three Things You Didn’t Know About Teens
Sociologist Christine Carter has an interesting piece culled from her conversation with scientific expert on adolescence Ron Dahl, regarding insights about teens (and pre-teens). Highlights below, with the whole article at this link. #1: Your adolescent isn’t a teenager. Dahl avoids the term “teenager” because it implies that all the action only after the age of 13. Puberty typically lasts only two to four years, with most at the end of puberty by the age of 13. Today kids have a longer period of time to figure out who they […]
7 Ways to Maximize Your Emotional Intelligence
At our multicultural summer camp outside of Chicago, Illinois, we focus on individual empowerment and development of leadership skills to help with emotional intelligence. Psychologist Daniel Goleman (see his web site for more) emphasizes some critical pieces regarding emotional intelligence that help one maximize leadership capabilities. TO INCREASE SELF-AWARENESS, you should: Maximize realistic self-confidence by understanding your own strengths and limitations so that you operate from competence and know when to rely on someone else on the team. Develop emotional insight by understanding the origins of your feelings FOR SELF-MANAGEMENT, you […]
Learning How To Let Go
Parents, especially American parents, sometimes obsess about safety. While we certainly want to encourage parental warmth and love (especially with newborns and toddlers), as children mature, you must create safe spaces to let them explore on their own. As we recognize at our girls-only and boys-only summer camps here in the Midwest, by giving children opportunities to overcome discomfort in new situations, they grow into competent, independent adults. As a blog by Steve Baskin—former executive board member of the American Camp Association (in this article from Psychology Today) discusses—children need […]
Tips on Preventing Cyber-Bullying
At our summer camp in the Midwest, we recognize how important parents value the safety of their children in a physical location. It is no less important in the “virtual” world. Indeed, especially as social media become increasingly prevalent in the lives of youth, we need to be mindful of the impact that smartphone and online computer use can have on our children. Cyber-bullying is real, and bears a huge daily toll on many young people. Here are a few ways that we can help. Even if you can’t necessarily be there in […]
The Stuck At Home Generation
The percentage of 20-somethings living at home doubled over the last few decades. Although some critics blame this increase on the struggling economy, statistics prove that the fear of leaving the nest began earlier. It seems that being independent is no longer a characteristic of a young (North) American. Parents can take three steps, detailed fully in a blog by sociologist Christine Carter here, in order to promote their children’s individual growth. (1) Foster the growth-mindset, or the belief that people are successful because of their hard work and effort rather than their innate talents. When we foster the […]
Why It’s Good to Let Kids Fail
School today is very different from the experience most parents recall from their own childhood. Education has advanced in leaps and bounds; teachers today spend much time and effort catering to individual needs and abilities. But what about the lessons that can’t be taught from books? In a recent blog, family physician Dr. Karen Latimer speaks about the importance of allowing our children to figure things out on their own, without our constant intervention. “How to stand up for themselves–If I came home from school and told my mother I […]
5 Ways to Minimize Back to School Anxiety
At our girls-only and boys-only Midwest summer camps, we recognize the importance of effective transitions in helping quell anxiety for children entering new situations. Indeed, it’s already time for some, and almost time for many other children to head back to school. For some parents and children, that can be an anxious time. A recent blog by Dr. Karen Latimer details 5 tips to help quell that back to school anxiety. Bullets are below, with the full piece at this link. Watch what you say. Be positive. Tour the school. […]
Opening Dialogue Between Children & Parents
“So, how was school today?” How many times do we as parents ask this question? And as parents, you’ll also know that you can probably count on the fingers of one hand the words in the response you’ll get. “Fine.” “Good.” My son’s school started today. And with most schools slated to begin within the next few weeks, the hustle and bustle of a new school year brings plenty of excitement and opening new beginnings. However, once routine sets in, it can be hard to keep opening the lines of […]
Positive Girl Culture & Friendships
During the all-girls sessions of our Midwest summer camp, we bring girls together from different cliques, grades, neighborhoods and life experiences. For many, our camp is the first and sometimes only positive all-female environment they have encountered. Trust and respect is emphasized in order to model new ways to form female friendships. In an all-girl environment, youth are given opportunity to practice leadership in our cabins and teams through leading activities, actively engaging in discussions, building consensus, and setting meaningful goals collectively and individually. I am strong, kind and smart, […]
One Last Goodnight
It’s the final day of camp! We’ve loved every moment of boys session, but sadly it’s time to say goodbye for now. The boys enjoyed a final morning with their teams, where they put all their new team skills to use. The growth in teamwork and communication over the session has been remarkable; we are proud of each and every one of the campers for their hard work and determination. The pool was hands down the most popular camptivity this afternoon, as all the campers took one last dip to […]
Olympics Sportsmanship and Teamwork
What’s the name of the game? Sportsmanship and teamwork is the name of the game at the Kupugani Olympics! The sun shone bright upon us for our boys session Kupugani Olympics. We separated the campers into 2 teams – purple and orange, where they then competed in a full afternoon of games, Kupugani style! There was a slip n’ slide relay, mud pit games, gaga, canoe races, and of course the crowd favorite – sink the counselor! The teams were graded on sportsmanship, respect, teamwork, and spirit. We’re very happy […]
Team Work Triumphs at Kupugani
It was a great morning for team work today at Kupugani! Each morning, our campers separate into four teams were they work on different initiatives to promote teamwork, communication, and co-operation. Our 10-13 year old boys took on The Wall today, and managed to get the whole team over successfully! Other initiatives included the portal, board and block, and trolleys. All this team building will come in handy tomorrow, as the boys Kupugani Olympics will be on! Check back tomorrow to see which events your camper participated in! We also […]