Character Development

At our Midwest summer camp, we strive to have our community be content, even (or especially) when challenges arise.  In folks’ day-to-day existence, maintaining that positive outlook might be harder than when one is playing outside in the sun.  It can be done!  Studies have shown that many people are not happy at work for lack of seeing success in their every day.  Check out below for a summary of some tips and tricks from the good folks at Barking Up the Wrong Tree, to see that you can shape […]

At our summer camp in the Midwest, we strive to help our campers empower themselves. One way is to maintain a positive life perspective. From the good folks at Barking Up the Wrong Tree, here are some tricks to keep your perspective positive. Amor Fati: Merely “accepting” life is not enough. You need the Platinum Pro package. Love every bit of life, good, bad, and ugly. (Yes, that includes traffic.) Denial And Complaining Are The Enemy: Whatever it is, you will accept it eventually. So sooner is better. And whining […]

Here at Camp Kupugani, we name our cabins after influential people throughout history. One is named for Mahatma Gandhi, who voiced many inspirational thoughts during his life. One such quote from the Indian activist is “be the change you want to see in the world”. What does this quote mean to you? In previous blogs regarding The Anatomy of Peace, we have discussed “self-deception” boxes and how to escape those boxes by supporting and challenging ourselves as individuals. Now we will briefly discuss the resulting potential change and how the […]

Our last blog regarding the Anatomy of Peace discussed getting out of the boxes of objectifying others; this forms the basis of the pyramid of change.  Once we have exited the box, we can build relationships, actively listen to support people, and challenge people to bring about their own changes.  The Anatomy of Peace explains that–for us to solve a problem at one level of the pyramid, we need to focus on building a stronger relationship–a the deeper level of the pyramid of change.  (I.e. I might be willing to […]

After reading The Anatomy of Peace, we choose a few aspects of this thought-provoking work to apply to our values here at camp.  The book elucidates four kinds of “self-deception boxes” we can get into – the four ways that we can see others as objects rather than seeing them as people. The boxes are: “Better-than” box – you see yourself as better than other people. They’re not as human as you because you simply are better. “I-deserve” box – The key word is entitlement. You don’t see others as […]

During the summer, when we enjoy camp during our girls-only, boys-only, and blended sessions, we strive to have campers and staff be able to maximize interpersonal relationships.  If/when you’re not at camp, the folks at Barking Up the Wrong Tree have some good tips for doing so when supportive counselors and a beautiful natural atmosphere aren’t necessarily there to help in the nurturing.  Summary below, with the full article available at this link.  It’s all about bids: If you think the conversation is about what the conversation is about, you’re in […]

During our girls-only, boys-only, and blended sessions of our summer camp outside of Chicago, we emphasize building strong teams and communities.  The folks at Barking Up the Wrong Tree have some good tips for doing so during non-camp life too.   Summary below, with the full article available at this link. Here’s what the best teams and families all do: Build Safety: Not the “Hard Hat Area” kind. The “it’s okay to say something stupid” kind. Share Vulnerability: Did I mention my blog posts sometimes have typos? May those errors make you trust […]

During summers at our camp outside of Chicago, it’s pretty easy to find joy amidst the smiling campers, shining sun, and refreshing water in the pool and lake.  Sometimes during the non-summer, we have to be more intentional about maintaining and creating joy in our daily lives.  Here are some tips from the folks at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.  Summary below, with the full article available at this link. Those things that make you happy? Do them: Take a break from “new.” Listen to the music that has always made you […]

As camp professionals, we recognize the importance of developing grit and resilience in forming strong character.  Indeed, at our Midwest summer camp near Chicago, we work towards that goal both for our campers and for ourselves as staff.  Here are some good tips from the folks at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.  Summary below, with the full article available at this link.  Your conscious mind isn’t always accurate: And this leads to problems. You will feel better: Because you don’t know yourself all that well, you’re terrible at predicting how you’ll feel in the future. Your […]

At our summer camp near Chicago, we strive to model for our campers how to be our best selves.  Here are some good tips from the folks at Barking Up the Wrong Tree.  Summary below, with the full article available at this link.  “Treat yourself as if you were someone you were responsible for helping.” To Make Better Decisions, Think Of Your Best Friend: Take the “outside perspective” and follow the advice you would offer a buddy in the same situation. For Health, Think About Fido: Look after your health the […]