Camp Kupugani Blog

Donuts and a later than normal morning circle after a night under the stars was perfect for the Kupu-campers this Sunday. I’m pretty sure I heard snoring 15 minutes into “The Lego Movie” last night. The morning was a little slow, but picked up very fast once the kids got into their songs and skits with their cabin. Several of them came running back eager to start the activity that their cabin agreed on. Since some campers chose the same activities, they were able to play games together which gave […]

“Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.” – William Ellery Channing. We reflected on this quote in our morning circle. It’s always refreshing to hear the campers’ perspective on the final day.  For camptivities, we Crate Stacked, Tie Dyed, Swam, and played 9 Square in the Air. As part of campers’ preparation for their departure tomorrow, we signed our Blended session 2016 Bench for the final night.  These campers have definitely left their mark on camp. The campers sang their appreciation […]

Today was a scorcher in more ways than one.  We started the day with a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit, eggs with spinach and our favorite coffee cake.  In Teams, we talked about the impact of our words and actions.  We have been learning a lot about this here at camp and also learning how to responsibly communicate our emotions by using “I” statements.  After lunch, the Kupugani Olympics opening ceremonies included body paint and team cheers.  Campers could not be beat by the heat.  Slip and slide, Gaga and […]

“You must first have a good relationship with yourself before you can have a good relationship with others.  The more independent you are, the better you’ll be able to connect and relate with others.” – Gary Emery Today was backwards day! During morning teams, campers reflected on their own perspective and were validated for their point of view as well as challenged to see other perspectives.  In the afternoon, they challenged their fears and redefined what they believed they are capable of.  Today’s camptivities included Pool, Archery, Cooking with Tash […]

Our morning quote is relevant to the world today and also applies to our own personal leadership.  Today in some of our camper check ins, we discussed “doing the right thing.” It is amazing to watch campers grow as leaders.  After a delicious lunch of bean enchiladas, we were off on our adventures: river float, crate stacking, lake play, arts and crafts and more.  Dinner was delicious chicken nuggets, pasta, green beans and rice krispie treats.  Tonight we played all camp sports followed by a pool party.  The campers are tuckered […]

Today went down in the annals of history, as the campers defeated the counselors in a close match in the staff vs campers soccer game. The counselors took an immediate lead but couldn’t hold onto it as the campers evened it up before half time. In the second half, despite a frenzied comeback to tie the game at 5-5, the counselors eventually succumbed to the campers’ relentless pace and fell behind 6-5 with not much time left. Even given a spirited last-minutes comeback spree, the counselors couldn’t quite find the back of […]

Today, our Scottish counselors taught campers to play “Rounders”–a game similar to baseball with a larger ball and heavier bat.   There were some refreshing rains, which didn’t stop us from Lake Play or fishing during camptivities.  After a delicious dinner highlighted by barbecue chicken, the evening included a thought-provoking activity called “Cross the Line.”  The purpose of the experience is to develop empathy for one another and our experiences.  One thing is certain–we have an amazing group of campers here at Camp Kupugani creating high hopes for the future. 

The weather was perfect yesterday with sunny skies, a gentle breeze, and perfect temperature.  Our morning “all camp” activity was a nature hunt.  Campers found everything from toads, feathers, daddy-long-legs and even a lunar moth wing.  They are definitely getting closer to nature.  One could overhear conversations about bats, plants and trees.  Camptivities included Rock climbing, Pool, Arts and crafts and a camp favorite GAGA.  Dinner was delicious with Miss Natasha’s Roast beef.  The day culminated with a spirited game of capture the flag and a camp fire.  Everyone was sure to sleep […]

Saturday meant saying goodbye to our Second Session girls.  We miss you all already!  Many campers have already committed for next year.  The First day of Blended Camp was yesterday!  We had a great opening potluck and welcomed campers from all over the world.  The diversity in perspective is going to make for some stimulating interactions in our morning teams.  You can feel the excitement in the air.  Kevin led big group games on top field full of laughter and cheer.  Miss Natasha prepared her famous spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner, and the […]

Today was the final day of girls camp! We’ve loved every moment of girls session 2, but sadly it’s time to say goodbye for now. The girls 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 […]

Today was Thrilling Thursday and there was so much to celebrate!   We started with a quote by Adora Svitak that inspired us to consider that to change the world the first step is to realize “anyone can do it” and the second step is “figuring out how you’re going to do it.”  The afternoon was full of excitement with our Kupugani Olympics followed by a very beautiful returners ceremony with eloquent poems written and delivered by campers to younger (in camp attendance years) campers.  It’s hard to believe the […]