Character Development

United We Conquer: The Power of Overcoming Challenges Together

Overcoming challenges together is an integral part of how campers and staff are empowered at Camp Kupugani. Overcoming challenges together speaks to two of our (six) core values—excellence and community. Life brings us moments of triumph and tribulation. Challenges, big or small, are inevitable. They test our resilience, push our limits, and often arrive uninvited. However, amidst any chaos and uncertainty lies an incredible strength—the power of unity in overcoming challenges together. Shared Burdens, Shared Strengths When facing adversity, the burden feels lighter when carried collectively. Whether it’s a family […]

Embracing Discomfort: The Incredible Value of Stepping Outside Comfort Zones

Embracing discomfort as a means of growth and learning is a unique and valuable approach. At Camp Kupugani, two of our (six) core values—excellence and empowerment—speak to the importance of embracing discomfort both at camp and in our lives at home. Comfort zones – those cozy, familiar spaces where routine reigns and uncertainty is kept at bay. They’re like a snug blanket on a chilly day, offering security and ease. But herein lies a paradox: while comfort zones provide a sense of safety, staying within them can limit personal growth […]

Native American Mother smiles on a blanket with her two children.

Celebrating With Consciousness: Honoring Native American Heritage At Thanksgiving

As we approach Thanksgiving, our hearts and minds turn towards a deeper appreciation of the narratives often left untold. In tandem with Native American Heritage Month, we embrace a truthful Thanksgiving, encapsulating our commitment to excellence, empowerment, and community by honoring the true history and cultures of Native Americans. Unearthing The True Story Embarking on a truthful Thanksgiving means we first seek to understand the complex history behind the holiday. The tale of Thanksgiving often shared in classrooms and storybooks is a simplified version of a complex historical event. It’s […]

Children holding bins and paintings with recycling symbols.

Protecting Our Planet: Commemorating Environmental Stewardship

Global Eco-Protection: A Universal Concern On the 6th of November, the calendar marks a day of significance that might not involve festivities but embodies a profound global call to action: the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the critical need for Global Eco-Protection, urging us to consider the environmental scars left by human conflict—scars on our water, soil, crops, animals, and forests. The Hidden Costs of Conflict War’s toll on humanity is devastating and […]

Mom comforts crying daughter, Camp Kupugani blog post.

Nurturing Emotional Intelligence In Children

Emotional intelligence, often referred to as EQ, is just as crucial as IQ in today’s world. While intelligence quotient (IQ) pertains to cognitive abilities, EQ revolves around recognizing, understanding, managing, and effectively expressing personal emotions and understanding those of others. At Camp Kupugani, a multicultural summer camp nestled in the beautiful heart of Leaf River, Illinois, the focus isn’t just on adventure and fun but also on building EQ among campers. Discover actionable insights for parents seeking guidance on raising children with emotional intelligence qualities. Emphasize Empathy At Camp Kupugani, […]

High school aged girl being bullied. Camp Kupugani teaching children to stand up to bullying and racism.

Teaching Children To Stand Against Bullying: A Multifaceted Approach

Bullying is an issue that unfortunately permeates schools and communities around the globe, causing lasting emotional scars for victims. While many parents aim to raise their children to be kind, compassionate individuals, it can be jarring to learn that your child is the one perpetuating hurtful behavior. Such was the case for a Reddit user who discovered his daughter had participated in racially bullying another student to the point where the victim had to switch schools. The father’s approach to handling the situation raises important questions and offers some poignant […]

A group of kids at a dance class perfecting their dance routine.

Are You Raising A Perfectionist?

There are certain things we do as parents because we believe that we are acting in our kids’ best interests. Other times, we do things because we feel pressured to act in a certain way to ensure that we align with social, cultural, educational, or even family-related expectations. But here’s the thing: Expecting perfection from our kids than they can achieve ultimately leads them to develop a self-critical attitude and what has been referred to as “maladaptive perfectionism.” Science says that pushing our kids too far can increase their quest […]

A black father consulting his son with fear-based-parenting.

How To Move Away From Fear-Based Parenting

A parent’s instinct to protect their child is natural, but in today’s world, fear seems to be everywhere. Overcoming fear-based parenting is essential for allowing our children to grow strong and independent. In this blog, we will explore some simple tips to help anxious parents let go of fear and foster their children’s independence. Challenging Preconceptions Research conducted at UC–Irvine sheds light on why people tend to worry when they see children unsupervised. It turns out that moral judgments play a significant role in assuming danger. However, it’s crucial to […]

Camp Kupugani campers posing as monkeys.

Helping Children Make New Friends

We all want our children to have friends. We want them to be happy, and to build the social skills and connections that will help them now and in the future. Sometimes, and for some children, making friends isn’t easy. This is particularly true after the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of isolation and remote school, many children either didn’t learn the skills they need to make friends — or those skills got rusty. Here are some ways parents can help. Start At Home: Learning Relationship Skills Making and keeping friends involves […]

A black girl and white boy and girl building healthy habits by eating a healthy watermelon outside.

3 Daily Habits For Kids: Eat, Play, & Sleep!

We all want to feel our best, both physically and mentally. At Camp Kupugani, we believe that there are three daily habits for kids that are essential for achieving this goal: eating healthy foods, being active every day, and getting the right amount of sleep. When you make these three habits a regular part of your daily routine, you will notice a significant improvement in your mood, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being. Let’s take a closer look at each of these daily habits and how you can incorporate […]

An Asian kid displaying low self-esteem in a classroom.

Building Self-Esteem In Kids: Why It Matters & How Parents Can Help

Sometimes it’s easy to notice when kids seem to feel good about themselves — and when they don’t. We often describe this idea of feeling good about ourselves as “self-esteem.” Kids with self-esteem: Kids with low self-esteem: Why Self-Esteem Matters Kids who feel good about themselves have the confidence to try new things. They are more likely to try their best. They feel proud of what they can do. Self-esteem helps kids cope with mistakes. It helps kids try again, even if they fail at first. As a result, self-esteem […]

A group of Camp Kupugani Campers and Leaders.

Why Leadership Is So Important

Leadership skills allow children to have control of their lives and the ability to make things happen. Leadership instills confidence and helps children solve problems creatively, work in a team, and work collaboratively with others. Leadership gives children many opportunities to develop responsibility. While you may not find the word leadership in the early learning standards, many states have statements related to leadership in their standards in the social-emotional section. Key phrases that relate to leadership are “self-confidence”, “problem-solving”, “pro-social,” and “makes independent decisions and choices.” Are Leaders Born Or […]