Diversity

Talking To Young Children About Race & Racism

Diversity is a fundamental aspect of our world; it’s never too early to teach young children about its importance. As young as 3 months old, infants may begin to notice differences in people and their caregivers. As parents and caregivers, we have a crucial role to play in shaping our children’s attitudes and beliefs towards race, racism, and being anti-racist. It’s important to start early and continue the conversation throughout their childhood. Here are some tips and information to help you have a meaningful conversation with young children about race, […]

Understanding The Immigrant Experience With Kids

It can be difficult for kids to understand and connect with recent immigrants, especially if they do not have many opportunities for meaningful intercultural interaction. However, it is crucial to help children develop a compassionate and fact-based understanding of the immigrant experience. 10 Ways To Understand The Immigrant Experience Inspired by Rachel Godsil, co-founder of Perception Institute, here are ten ways to get started. Acknowledge personal connections to immigration. Discuss where family and friends come from and their immigration stories. Explore similarities and differences between immigrant experiences. Look at how […]

A group of cross-ethnic boys and girls running through grass.

Why Cross-Ethnic Friendships Are Good For Kids

It’s well established that friendships are important influences on youth. Studies show that peers affect teens’ body image, physical activity levels, the likelihood of smoking, and much more. A growing field of research demonstrates that the race and ethnicity of friends matter too. For starters, there is a large body of evidence that shows that face-to-face interactions between members of different racial groups reduce prejudice. In other words, when you personally interact with someone from a different racial or ethnic group, you’re more likely to approach other people from that group with an open mind. […]

A white girls hands holding a paper purple heart shape.

Social Responsibility At Camp

At Camp Kupugani, social responsibility is an integral part of who we are and what we do. As a camp, we have a unique opportunity to create a positive impact in the lives of the children who attend our programs and in the environment in which we operate. As a leader in summer camping, we are committed to promoting environmental sustainability, cultural understanding, and community engagement. We strive to create an atmosphere where children can learn and grow in a safe, inclusive, and environmentally responsible environment. Environment Sustainability We proudly […]

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 […]

Diverse group of kids - Black, Asian, and White.

Cultural Awareness & Diversity For Kids

Have you ever had an embarrassing moment where your child (maybe quite loudly) asked you about some characteristic of another person? For example, “Mommy, why does that woman look like that?” The typical parental reaction is to attempt to quiet the child and move on as quickly as possible. As adults, we’ve been taught not to ask such questions (at least not out loud). In contrast, children are not yet conditioned to refrain from sharing what they think or asking what they want to know. So how do we help […]

Embracing Diversity: How Camp Kupugani Helps Kids Celebrate Differences

Diversity means having a variety of different things, and that includes people who are different in many ways. When it comes to thinking, acting, and feeling, everyone is unique. That’s why it’s so important to embrace diversity and celebrate the differences that make each of us special. Why is it Important to Teach Kids About Diversity? It’s never too early to start teaching kids about diversity. In fact, the earlier we can expose kids to different perspectives, the better. Children are naturally curious and open-minded, so they are often more […]

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 […]

A mother and young child playing while sitting on the couch.

Teaching & Talking To Kids About Race

By the time a child reaches the age of four, they have already begun to show signs of racial bias. As a parent, it is important to start early and talk openly with your child about race. Below you’ll find tips on how to expose and educate your child about race. Start Early By 6 months of age, babies notice racial differences; by age 4, children have begun to show signs of racial bias. Let your child know that it’s perfectly okay to notice skin color and talk about race. […]

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 […]

Colored paper cut outs of hands and the word.

How To Teach Kids About Diversity And Acceptance

At a young age, society teaches young children to recognize all types of differences between one another. That said, while at the end of the day we are all simply human, there is an abundance of diversity embedded in each person’s different backgrounds, and that diversity is something to be appreciated and celebrated. When it comes to teaching children about diversity and acceptance, there are a number of diverse activities for kids that are beneficial in their understanding of cultural awareness. Read on to find out what these diverse activities […]

Some insights from Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents

Kevin Gordon, Director of Camp Kupugani in Leaf River, IL–located two hours west of Chicago–recently read Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. According to Wilkerson, “caste is the granting or withholding of respect, status, honor, attention, privileges, resources, benefit of the doubt, and human kindness to someone on the basis of their perceived rank or standing in the hierarchy.” Racism and casteism overlap; “what some people call racism could be seen as merely one manifestation of the degree to which we have internalized the larger American caste system.” […]