Parenting Tips

Parents window shopping with their child during the Winter Holiday Season.

Sustainable Holiday Shopping: Redefining Black Friday

As the leaves dance to the ground and the holiday season beckons, our thoughts often turn to the approaching Black Friday, a day traditionally marked by consumerism and frenzied shopping. But at Camp Kupugani, where our values—Excellence, Empowerment, Community, Fun, Safety, and Environment—shape our every endeavor, we see a different vision for this day. We envision a Black Friday transformed into a day of gratitude, an opportunity for sustainable holiday shopping, and a moment to strengthen the bonds of community. Excellence In Gratitude The pursuit of excellence is a cornerstone […]

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

Celebrating With Consciousness: Honoring Native American Heritage At Thanksgiving

At Camp Kupugani, as we approach the Thanksgiving season, our hearts and minds turn towards a deeper appreciation of the narratives often left untold during this holiday. 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 […]

Multicultural parenting tips from Camp Kupugani. A multicultural family smiles.

Multicultural Parenting Wisdom: Embracing Diverse Philosophies

At Camp Kupugani, we celebrate more than just the joys of summer; we honor and embrace the rich tapestry of cultures that each camper brings to our family. This unique blend is what makes us stand out, and it’s also a treasure trove of knowledge, especially when it comes to parenting. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene villages of Scandinavia, every culture has its unique approach to raising children. Here are some fascinating child-rearing philosophies and multicultural parenting practices from around the globe. Japan: The Independent Commuters […]

Family dressed in halloween costumes goes trick-or-treating. Camp Kupugani tips for an eco-friendly and socially responsible Halloween.

Celebrating A Socially Responsible And Eco-Friendly Halloween

As the leaves change color and the air becomes crisp, it’s clear that fall is upon us and Halloween is just around the corner. Halloween, a favorite holiday for many, can be a joyous occasion filled with costumes, trick-or-treating, and festive gatherings. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind both our social and environmental responsibilities during this time. Here are some tips on how to make your Halloween celebrations both socially and environmentally responsible. Let’s all embody the camp values of unity, empathy, and respect in our celebrations this year! […]

Camp Kupugani Tips for Parents Empowering Children with ADHD

Parenting Strategies To Empower Children With ADHD

When we talk about “diversity” at Camp Kupugani, we mean it in every sense of the word. We celebrate not just cultural and racial diversity but also the diverse ways in which kids think, process, and experience the world. That’s why we’re keen to observe October as National ADHD Awareness Month and shed light on how summer camps like ours can be a haven for kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Our core values—excellence, empowerment, community, fun, safety, and environment—serve as guiding principles that align well with the needs […]

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, […]

Mom working on laptop in the kitchen while a child sits on her lap and two other children sit beside her doing homework.

Finding Balance: Navigating A Career And Parenthood

Many parents, especially mothers, feel daily struggles to balance having a career and raising children. Between client meetings, school drop-offs, soccer practice, tight deadlines, parent teacher conferences, and homework, a typical day for working parents can feel overwhelming. It’s not uncommon for parents to feel guilty for not being able to spend as much time with their children as they would like. Being a parent and a working professional presents its own set of unique challenges that can lead to burnout if not managed properly. For working parents who are […]

camp-kupugani-mom-dad-sons-doing-homework-at-the-kitchen-table-back-to-school

A Parent’s Guide To Motivating Success At School

With the new school year in full session, teachers are harnessing their superhero capabilities once again. They dedicate their time and energy to educating future generations, and want to see all of their students succeed. Parents also want what is best for their children. One of the best ways parents can ensure children get the most out of their education is to work with them at home to set them up for success in school, and work collaboratively with teachers to show their support. Explore some helpful tips for parents […]

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 white boy and girl siblings reading books outdoor alone on a blanket with snacks.

The Power Of Alone Time: Nurturing Children’s Independence

In a world bustling with constant connectivity and stimulation, it can be challenging for children to find moments of solitude and introspection. At Camp Kupugani, we recognize the importance of alone time for children’s development and well-being. By providing a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages solo exploration, we empower campers to cultivate their independence, discover their inner strengths, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Join us as we delve into the significance of alone time for children and how Camp Kupugani facilitates this invaluable experience. Self-Reflection & Emotional […]

Mom giving daughter high five while standing outside of a school, her daughter is wearing a backpack and holding a folder.

Navigating Going Back To School Before Summer Ends

It’s official, back to school season is here. For parents and children, the end of summer can often feel stressful, as leisurely days spent in the sun are traded in for early mornings and homework. Luckily, there are ways parents can prepare their children for the back to school season to make the transition feel less abrupt, and to actually get them excited about returning to the classroom. Work With Children To Develop An Effective Daily Routine Most parents and children look forward to summer for a well-deserved break from […]

Kids building life skills by assisting mom with laundry.

Easy Activities That Teach Young Kids Practical Life Skills

Parents can often underestimate the value of involving their young children in daily chores and tasks. However, these activities present a golden opportunity to teach them practical life skills in a fun and engaging way. By providing the right tools and allowing them to explore independently, children gain a sense of accomplishment and develop essential skills that will serve them well into adulthood. In this blog, we’ll explore a range of easy activities that will help your little one acquire practical life skills while having a great time! Setting The […]