Camp Kupugani Blog
The Power of Summer Camp
Today was a day of climbing to new heights on the rock wall, learning about the differences in cultures and groups, paddling your own canoe, constructing the highest tower of crates, shooting a bow, finding peace and freedom on a challenge hike, and poems about things that make us who we are. Camp today focused on grit, perseverance, leadership, independence, responsibility, decision-making, and other important life skills. There is nothing I believe in more than the power of summer camp.
Too Much Fun to Blog About
Hello! With apologies to any parents who have been scanning, waiting, and hoping with bated (sp?) breath for an in-camp blog, at long last, here’s one! The girls have been getting acquainted with new friends and re-connecting with old ones during these first few days. From day one, our campers had a smooth and seamless beginning to camp. From our opening pot luck to camper check in, big group games like Ship Island and Running with the Bulls, and opening campfire, the day was a great one. The meals throughout […]
My Anxiety About Sending My Child to Camp
I think there are 3 hurdles parents must overcome when contemplating about sending the first-time camper to camp: parents understanding how powerful the camp experience is and that it helps the child to grow, become independent, feel confident in their ability to handle things without parental intervention, etc.; parents feeling comfortable with their camp choice—will they care for my child and provide a safe environment? what happens if….. parents overcoming the void that is left when the child leaves (some parents might not want to send their child back to […]
Training has begun!!!!
Our staff training began today and we are quite excited about what the summer holds! We started off the morning with some fun icebreakers and learning of camp songs, including Princess Pat! We can’t wait to gather again for more training of our wonderful staff members!
Camp Prep Continues at Camp Kupugani
Today began with a post-wedding brunch. Kupugani staff served up The Works for our guests – sausages, eggs, pancakes, and of course no brunch would be complete without bacon! Staff training begins on Tuesday, so today has been spent taking care of important camp prep tasks, like getting the mud volleyball court ready! We’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of the rest of our team early next week – roll-on staff training! Keep Up to Date Have access to incredible articles and keep up to date with all Camp Kupugani life […]
Love in the Air at Camp
Love is in the air at Kupugani! Congratulations to Meg and Ryan, who were married today in the beautiful Walnut Grove. Prior to the wedding, wedding guests enjoyed hanging out on the beautiful Kupugani grounds. Canoeing, archery, and swimming in the pool were all available for guests to try. It was almost as fun as Kupugani for the campers! (And Mico of course got in on the canoeing action…) It’s been so much fun hosting guests at camp this weekend – we can hardly wait for all the campers to […]
Camp Adventure at Camp Kupugani
Today we got to finally start filling the mud volleyball court for some mudtastic fun. Afterward, we went on a suntastic adventure through the camp looking at all the funtastic activities that we will get to take wonderful children of the Earth when they arrive at our warm welcoming site up here at camp Kupugani/White Eagle. Keep Up to Date Have access to incredible articles and keep up to date with all Camp Kupugani life here!
19 Days and Counting…
The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and it was a beautiful day here at Kupugani! Armed with brooms, dusters, and cleaning spray, the staff took on the task of cleaning out the old schoolhouse. Ever wondered what a classroom looked like in the 1800s? You’ll get to check it out this summer! Our day’s effort also included servicing the camp bikes and weeding the grounds. Cabins, sand volleyball, and biking are all ready for you! Only 19 days until camp! Keep Up to Date Have access to incredible […]
Camp is Where Well-Rounded People Are Made
Good parents send their children to camp so they can become better, more well-rounded people. Good camps exist to provide a safe, challenging environment to accomplish that same goal. If you drill down into the benefits camps offer, these include or center around having campers gain a sense of independence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and create lifelong bonds of friendship. In an age where academics are sometimes overvalued, while the benefits of interpersonal interaction are sometimes minimized, what can sometimes get forgotten is how the interpersonal benefits of camp are actually […]
You Know You’re a Summer Camp Lifer When…
At our summer camp in Illinois, we realize how the experience can be addictive–the excitement of the different activities, the smell of the fresh air and nature all around, and especially at our camp, the food also generates much excitement. So, how do you know if you’re a summer camp lifer? Here are some of the signs: The day before camp starts feels like the longest day ever. You wear multiple friendship bracelets—all of which were made at camp. Although camp is months away, you already have a pile of […]
10 Tips to Help Your Child Prepare for Camp
Have them sleep over at a friends house for a night or two so they can get used to not being around you. Make sure that they have stationery and stamps so they can write home (and help reduce your “childsickness”!) If they have cell phones or other electronic devices, have them practice not using them for periods of time; at camp, they won’t be able to use them. Let your child help pack their luggage for camp, so they know where everything is and what they are bringing. Discuss […]
Saving Our Earth Starts Now
April 22 is Earth Day. It seems that with each passing year, it becomes more important not to just participate in events on that day, but to incorporate into our own lives critical practices that will allow our Earth to sustain itself for our children and their children. (For more on Earth Day generally, here’s one good link). At our multicultural camp, environmental awareness and respect for the natural environment is one of the core values that we emphasize at camp. We take seriously our relationship withtheenvironment and convey that […]
