Life at Camp

Today went down in the annals of history, as the campers defeated the counselors in a close match in the staff vs campers soccer game. The counselors took an immediate lead but couldn’t hold onto it as the campers evened it up before half time. In the second half, despite a frenzied comeback to tie the game at 5-5, the counselors eventually succumbed to the campers’ relentless pace and fell behind 6-5 with not much time left. Even given a spirited last-minutes comeback spree, the counselors couldn’t quite find the back of […]

Today, our Scottish counselors taught campers to play “Rounders”–a game similar to baseball with a larger ball and heavier bat.   There were some refreshing rains, which didn’t stop us from Lake Play or fishing during camptivities.  After a delicious dinner highlighted by barbecue chicken, the evening included a thought-provoking activity called “Cross the Line.”  The purpose of the experience is to develop empathy for one another and our experiences.  One thing is certain–we have an amazing group of campers here at Camp Kupugani creating high hopes for the future. 

The weather was perfect yesterday with sunny skies, a gentle breeze, and perfect temperature.  Our morning “all camp” activity was a nature hunt.  Campers found everything from toads, feathers, daddy-long-legs and even a lunar moth wing.  They are definitely getting closer to nature.  One could overhear conversations about bats, plants and trees.  Camptivities included Rock climbing, Pool, Arts and crafts and a camp favorite GAGA.  Dinner was delicious with Miss Natasha’s Roast beef.  The day culminated with a spirited game of capture the flag and a camp fire.  Everyone was sure to sleep […]

Saturday meant saying goodbye to our Second Session girls.  We miss you all already!  Many campers have already committed for next year.  The First day of Blended Camp was yesterday!  We had a great opening potluck and welcomed campers from all over the world.  The diversity in perspective is going to make for some stimulating interactions in our morning teams.  You can feel the excitement in the air.  Kevin led big group games on top field full of laughter and cheer.  Miss Natasha prepared her famous spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner, and the […]

Today was the final day of girls camp! We’ve loved every moment of girls session 2, but sadly it’s time to say goodbye for now. The girls enjoyed a final morning with their teams, where they put all their new team skills to use. The growth in teamwork and communication over the session has been remarkable; we are proud of each and every one of the campers for their hard work and determination. The pool was hands down the most popular camptivity this afternoon, as all the campers took one […]

Today was Thrilling Thursday and there was so much to celebrate!   We started with a quote by Adora Svitak that inspired us to consider that to change the world the first step is to realize “anyone can do it” and the second step is “figuring out how you’re going to do it.”  The afternoon was full of excitement with our Kupugani Olympics followed by a very beautiful returners ceremony with eloquent poems written and delivered by campers to younger (in camp attendance years) campers.  It’s hard to believe the […]

“Amazingly, when I began to accept and love myself unconditionally, everything else in my life began to change as well.” – Sarah Mariah One of the many potential outcomes of a Camp Kupugani experience is to fully understand your capacity and test preconceived limits. The second week of second session girls camp is full of spirit, sunshine and cheer.  Our camptivities today included Cooking with Tash, GaGa, Canoeing, Rock Climbing and on another warm day–pool, of course! Dinner included scrumptious camper-made Banana Pudding!  This evening, our older campers set off on […]

Spurred by our covering the mirrors at camp, we have had many great conversations about beauty, makeup, appearance, and self-esteem.  Not everyone agrees, but everyone is thinking!  The most valuable takeaway is–if/however you decide to augment your exterior, true and lasting strength comes from within.  Yesterday, our much anticipated Counselor Vs. Camper Soccer match was truly an exuberant game, with everyone pitching in to support their respective teams. The campers took an early lead in the first half, and the staff evened it up before half time. The competition remained tight…what a […]

“We are for difference, for respecting difference, for allowing difference, for encouraging difference, until difference no longer makes a difference.”  – Johnetta Cole. This was yesterday’s quote of the day, which we reflected on in the morning circle. The day started with Yoga for the early birds. After a scrumptious breakfast of farm fresh eggs and coffee cake, we were ready to embark on our next adventure. Our Camptivities included canoeing, rover float and lake play, nature walk, climbing, and challenge hike, as well as GaGa, archery, and volleyball.  Our […]

Day three of camp featured continued growth and comfort with the girls.  We had perfect weather, beautiful blue skies and a day with exciting team games out on the field! Today was a big day for letting it all come out whether in the sing off, during cabin time, or in our discussions of diversity during team time. The menu for Tuesday afternoon was hamburgers, salad and chips!  Our camptivities were crate stacking, GaGa, challenge hike, river walk and Slacklining. The night ended on a sweet note with the girls sharing […]

Yesterday’s first full day of girls second session featured more activities and less getting-to-know-you jitters. It was a big day for getting to know one another through Name Games, 3-Minute Interviews and swim evaluations. It was also a great day for a pool party! Everyone was all smiles. A day like yesterday reminds us that camp is more than just a chance to retreat from the rigors of the “real world,” to have relaxing fun and excitement, and to make new friends and reconnect with old ones–camp is also place in […]

Today was backward day!  As the campers enjoyed Free to Learn time in the serene Walnut Grove, the incredible kitchen staff prepared dinner for breakfast (delicious Chicken and Waffles). Despite being backwards day, we still reflected forward on conflict resolution during team building activities. Fostering those skills are an important component of self- and character-building. Today’s camptivities included Gaga and Cratestacking.  It is amazing to watch our girls set goals conquer them and then create new ones. There is a definite grasp of empowerment as they challenged themselves to overcome […]