Character Development

Personal growth written on a chalk board with arrows.

Personal Growth & Development For Kids

Summer camp is a great opportunity for kids to learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun. But it can also be a valuable experience for personal growth and development, especially when it comes to understanding and appreciating diversity. The Importance of Diversity Diversity is all around us, and it’s important for kids to learn about different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. This can help them to become more tolerant and understanding of others, and to appreciate the richness and beauty of the world around them. Cultural Differences […]

Life Skills in colorful writing in a notebook with colorful balls of paper.

Life Skills Every Teen Should Know

Even during the best of times, parents wonder whether their teens are developing all the life skills they need to be successful. A problem in this “appraisal” process is that parents see their teens in some of their most regressed and infantile states — when they are at home with their families! Furthermore, neuroscience research indicates that the human brain does not reach maturity until a person reaches their early 20s. So, how do parents of teens know what to look for in the development of life skills? Our short […]

A white girl reading online bullying comments on a phone.

Dealing With Bullying (For Teens)

What Is Bullying? Bullying is when a person or group picks on someone. Bullies might make fun of people who they think don’t fit in. Bullies might make fun of others for many things, including: appearance (how someone looks) behavior (how someone acts) race or religion social status (whether someone is popular) sexual identity (like being gay, lesbian, or transgender) Bullying can come in different types: Physical bullying is when bullies hurt their targets physically. This might be shoving, tripping, punching, or hitting. Any form of touching that a person […]

White and black Camp Kupugani Campers and Counselor in tubes on a lake.

Benefits Of A Multicultural Summer Camp

As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want them to grow and develop into well-rounded individuals who are able to navigate the complexities of the world around them. One way to help your child do this is by sending them to a multicultural camp like Camp Kupugani. In this blog, we will explore some of the reasons why a parent should consider sending their child to a multicultural camp like Camp Kupugani. Social & Emotional Benefits At Camp Kupugani, your child will have the opportunity to […]

African American Father, Caucasian Mother, and mixed child reading a book together.

Cultural Diversity Activities For Kids

The world is so large that it can be tough to teach children about places that exist outside of their own immediate physical world. From music, languages, and food to school, dressing and sports there is so much beauty and excitement that each country and culture brings to our world. Explore and add these fun cultural diversity activities at home. Celebrate Holidays & Traditions When holidays come around, make sure to acknowledge and celebrate those dates. Decorating for different cultural holiday celebrations like Christmas, Eid, Hannukkah, etc. can enhance learning […]

Hispanic, Black, White, Asian Middle School students

Raising A Well-Rounded Child

In today’s world, where kids’ abilities are measured with high-standard tests, it’s easy for parents to forget that it’s not all about academics. While educational achievements are important, a child’s talents and skills are equally important. Their talents and skills are what are going to give them the confidence that they need to prepare for adulthood. So, how do you raise a well-rounded child? Here are some tips to assist. Establish A Support System Children need to feel like they have a solid support system at home that makes them […]

5 Steps to Develop Real Empathy

At our Midwest summer camp near Madison, Wisconsin and Chicago, Illinois, we try be our best selves and endeavor to provide an environment where our kiddos can thrive. An important component of personal development is developing empathy. A recent article shared some good insights on ways to develop empathy. Check out our summary below, with the full article available at this link: https://bakadesuyo.com/2021/05/rituals/ Don’t assume you understand Summarize the words you hear and share the emotional shifts you notice. Let them respond with agreement or corrections. Stay present They may […]

6 Ways to Use Rituals to Improve Your Life

At our Midwest summer camp near Madison, Wisconsin and Chicago, Illinois, we appreciate the positive impact that healthful, positive rituals can have. From the friendly, fun, tone-setting introductory games at our camp sessions, to the power of a final campfire to bring a cycle of development full circle–rituals can be great empowerment tools. A recent article shared some good insights on how we can use ritual to improve our lives outside of camp too! Check out our summary below, with the full article available at this link: https://bakadesuyo.com/2021/05/rituals/ Time is […]

3 Things The Most Productive People Do Every Day

Camp Kupugani is our Midwest residential summer camp near Chicago and Madison. At camp, we encourage everyone to do their best and be their best (all while appreciate each other for our current selves). This article from Barking Up The Wrong Tree discusses ways one can be productive and efficient on the daily. Check out the short takeaways below and/or read the full article here. Here’s how to expand your mind’s abilities to get more done: Move: Getting your body going gets your brain going. Try a standing desk. Go […]

4 Ways “Being Good” Can Make Your Life Better

At Camp Kupugani, our overnight summer camp in the Midwest, we try to be the best versions of ourselves as campers and staff. This article from Barking Up The Wrong Tree discusses ways that doing just that enhances one’s life. Check out our takeaways below and/or read the full article here. Gratitude Write the letter. Make the call. (And have tissues on hand.) Give “It’s better to give than to receive” = True. Forgive It’s part of every major religion for a very good reason. Laugh No matter how bad […]

7 Tips on How to Have Emotionally Intelligent Disagreements

Camp Kupugani is our sleepaway Midwest summer camp, located close to both Chicago, IL and Madison, WI. Part of our mission is to facilitate and develop effective conflict resolution techniques with our community. This article from Barking Up The Wrong Tree discusses ways to have emotional intelligent disagreements. Check out our takeaways below and/or read the full article here. Remember The Relationship Enemies don’t say, “You are right. I am wrong.” Friends do. De-Escalate If your disputes sound snarky, you’re doing it wrong. Stop Trying To Control What They Think […]

5 Ways To Make Your Office More Welcoming for People of All Gender Identities

At Camp Kupugani, our multicultural overnight summer camp in northwest Illinois, we’re all about appreciating all aspects of diversity–not just of race, ethnicity, and religion, but also regarding gender identity and expression. We want our campers and entire community to be inclusive and welcoming to all. We recently came across an article regarding how employers and colleagues can respectfully make their workplace welcoming to folks of all gender identities. Check out our quick summary below, and read the full article here. Do your own research. Use the internet for good […]