Welcome to Day One of Blended Two!
Today marked the beginning of an exciting journey at Camp Kupugani! As the sun set on our first day, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. The campers arrived with bright eyes and eager smiles, ready to embark on a transformative experience.
Our day kicked off with introductions and name games on the top field. Subsequently, we delved into our core values, setting the tone for the weeks to come. Dinner was a lively affair, with campers eating spaghetti for their first meal here, learning about our dining hall procedures and the importance of minimizing food waste. After the meal, we jumped into our evening activities, which included orientation, big group games (yay for Ship Island!), and our opening campfire.
Building a Community of World Changers
At Camp Kupugani, we believe in raising ourselves up and creating positive change in the world. Today, we introduced the campers to this concept, explaining that “Kupugani” is a Zulu word meaning “to raise oneself up.” We emphasized the importance of living, playing, and working together to develop friendships and trust across diverse backgrounds. Our carefully selected program activities are designed to challenge campers and help them grow. Through team-building exercises and free-choice activities, campers will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of peers. We’re excited to see the bonds that will form and the personal growth that will occur over the coming weeks.
A Promising Start
As the day wound down, we gathered for a welcoming campfire. This special ceremony included the Key Log Ceremony and ended with our Goodnight Song. Afterward, campers returned to their cabins to create cabin contracts and flags, representing their group values
The first day of Camp Kupugani has set a positive tone for the session ahead. We’re looking forward to watching our campers challenge themselves, make new friends, and grow as individuals and as a community. As we turn out the lights on day one, we can’t help but wonder: what amazing experiences and memories will tomorrow bring?
