Campamento Kupugani Blog

How to Help Your Child Stay Motivated
We all want our kids to be motivated, right? But how do you turn a kid who’d rather binge-watch TikTok into a motivated mini-adult? According to Eric Barker, author of Barking Up the Wrong Tree, it’s less about yelling and more about smart goal-setting. After he pulled together insights from experts on how to get motivated, we’ve taken his findings and tailored them for intentional parents like you. Let’s explore a few strategies to help our children. Make It Fun First Kids thrive on enjoyment. If something feels like a […]

How to Nurture Leadership Skills in Your Child
As parents, we want our children to grow into confident, capable leaders. Whether taking charge on the playground, in the classroom, or later in life, strong leadership skills help them navigate challenges and inspire others. Nurturing leadership skills helps kids become more confident, responsible, and creative problem-solvers. Moreover, they learn to work well with others and adapt to challenges. Leadership isn’t just something kids are born with—it’s a skill they can develop with practice and guidance. Practical Ways to Nurture Leadership Skills Leadership development can start right at home. Here’s […]

Bridging the Generational Divide: Respect, Status, and Adolescent Growth
Hey there, fellow parents and youth-serving professionals! Let’s chat about adolescents. Ever wonder why they act the way they do? Well, it turns out that status and respect are huge drivers of adolescent behavior. But here’s the kicker–these are deeply rooted in their sense of competence and belonging. For sure, understanding adolescent behavior can feel like navigating an unpredictable storm. However, a closer look at the dynamics of respect, status, and competence reveals a clear path forward. Insights from the fantastic recent book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating […]

APRIL 1, 2025: LEAF RIVER, IL—CAMP KUPUGANI ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING NEW ACTIVITY: TIME TRAVEL!
APRIL 1, 2025: LEAF RIVER, IL—CAMP KUPUGANI ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING NEW ACTIVITY: TIME TRAVEL! In a groundbreaking announcement sure to turn heads and potentially alter the space-time continuum, Camp Kupugani proudly introduces its most ambitious summer activity yet: time travel. Yes, with the advent of Time Travel Tuesdays, the camp promises to transport campers through the ages, offering a truly immersive multicultural experience. Forget basketball or arts and crafts—this summer, campers will be bending the very fabric of space-time, all before lights out. “We’ve always prided ourselves on providing unique and […]

How You Can Help Shape Your Child’s Personality (According to Science)
Parenting often feels like a balancing act between nature and nurture. You might wonder how much of your child’s essence is set in stone and how much you can shape your child’s personality. Luckily, research gives us some clear insights. A blog post from Eric Barker breaks down the science of personality development. Personality Isn’t Fixed—It Evolves Many parents assume their child’s personality is hardwired. Science tells us otherwise. While genetics play a role, experiences can shape a child’s personality over time. With the right guidance, you can help your […]

The Secret to Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child? Ask the Right Questions
As intentional parents, we want our children to be emotionally intelligent (EI) to help them navigate life’s challenges. A recent article by Bill Murphy Jr. highlights three key questions that high EI individuals ask to become more likable and offer better advice. Let’s explore these questions and how we can apply them to parenting. Unlock Your Child’s Perspective, i.e.”What do you think you should do?” There is much power in understanding another person’s perspective. A person with a high EQ will ask “What does that look like to you?” or […]

The Science of Connection: How Relationships Make Us Happier
We all crave connection. Whether it’s with friends, family, or even strangers, happier relationships have a huge impact on our well-being. According to research summarized by Eric Barker on his blog Barking Up the Wrong Tree, strong social ties aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for happiness. Why Connection Matters Meaningful connections are crucial for our health and contentment. People with strong social connections tend to live longer, experience less stress, and feel a greater sense of purpose. In fact, loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a […]
Our Approach to Homesickness at Camp: Helping Your Child Thrive
It’s common for children to feel homesick at camp. After all, being away from home and family can be a big adjustment. However, homesickness is a natural part of the development process, and with the right support, can be managed effectively. At Camp Kupugani, we’ve developed strategies to help campers navigate these feelings and emerge stronger. The Reality of Homesickness Missing home is normal. Most kiddos at overnight camp at some point feel some degree of homesickness, which is typically mild. Nearly everyone misses something about home when they’re away, […]
Why Your Child Should Become a Counselor in Training (CIT)
Are you looking for a way to help your teen grow into a confident leader? A Counselor in Training (CIT) program might be just the thing. Becoming a CIT is a great opportunity for young people to develop leadership skills, responsibility, and emotional intelligence. Here’s a roadmap to help you navigate this exciting step in your child’s personal growth. What is a Counselor in Training (CIT)? CIT programs are designed to bridge the gap between camper and counselor. They offer teens a chance to develop leadership skills, boost confidence, and […]
How To Build Emotionally Intelligent Family Relationships
What does it take to build a relationship that thrives? Eric Barker’s insightful article on emotionally intelligent relationships reveals practical strategies that intentional parents can also apply to their families. Let’s explore how these principles can nurture meaningful connections with your child. The Power of Listening Listening is more than hearing words. Emotionally intelligent individuals focus on truly understanding others. Parents can model this by giving children their full attention during conversations. Avoid distractions, ask open-ended questions, and reflect on what your child says. By being an active listener, you’re […]
Creating Safe Spaces: How to Protect Your Child from Bullying
Bullying affects countless children every year, leaving emotional scars that can last a lifetime. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 20% of students ages 12-18 experience bullying nationwide. As parents, we all want our children to feel safe and confident. Let’s explore proactive steps to protect children from bullying and foster safe environments for our kids. The Scope of the Problem Bullying affects more children than we might think. In fact, 90% of students in grades 4-8 report having been harassed or bullied. Moreover, 28% of students […]
How to Teach Your Child to Swim
At camp, I’ve seen reluctant children cling to the edge of the pool as a friend or counselor tries to coax them into letting go. Maybe the water’s vastness seems overwhelming, or each ripple feels like a tidal wave. Many summers at camp, I’ve seen everything change for those kiddos. It happens when a kind swim instructor teaches them to trust themselves in the water. That kind of moment unlocks a world of confidence previously thought impossible. As intentional parents, helping our children learn to swim unlocks a skill that […]