Hiking & Nature Activities at Camp Kupugani
Building confidence and experiences while connecting with nature!
At Camp Kupugani, our mission is to create a fun environment where kids can build skills, learn about the great outdoors, and safely explore self-discovery.
Outdoor Living
One of the oldest camping activities is developing the skills to live and survive outdoors. To a certain degree, all of our campers participate in a wilderness program–learning to live comfortably and safely in our beautiful camp environment. For those campers who are interested in furthering their outdoor skills, we offer instruction covering: compass orienteering, outdoor cooking skills, wilderness safety, shelter construction, camping, and fire building. Campers can also have a chance to use these skills in an overnight campout.
Hiking
Camp White Eagle covers almost 120 acres of beautiful forests and land, containing numerous trails and deer paths that make for a great variety of hikes. Choices range from a leisurely hike through the fields and meadows of camp, to a challenge hike.
Challenge Hikes
During a challenge hike, campers learn the importance of teamwork and personal motivation, as instructors lead them on a demanding hike through bushes, down embankments, through rivers, and through mud-covered islands. At the instructor’s discretion, some participants may have the test of being blindfolded or physically challenged while other team members safely and carefully guide them through the hike.
Campfires
Campfires. There’s something hypnotizing about the crackle and colors of each flame. And it’s even more magical when the fire is surrounding by campers singing, sharing their camp experiences, and listening to stories around the campfire.
Ecology and Nature
Nestled in the woods, Camp White Eagle provides a perfect habitat for many animals and plants, allowing campers to observe and appreciate the behavior of the natural world that inhabits our 120-acre facility. Whether you’re walking along one of camp’s many trails, or just sitting down by the lake, beautiful natural sights, and sounds surround you. In our nature activity, our instructors teach participants about that beauty by observing it, listening to it, and experiencing it. Campers learn to identify trees and plants, do bird watching and animal tracking (such as deer, foxes, porcupines, skunks, rabbits, and chipmunks), and learn about water biology (go snorkeling to find fish, underwater plants, and turtles). Campers also learn about recycling, tree planting, animal care, and gardening. Activities such as scavenger hunts for objects in nature, sensory hikes, casting animal tracks with plaster, creating terrariums, and many more, allow campers to learn while having fun.
Night Under The Stars
There is nothing like sleeping directly under the stars. On at least one night during a session, campers get to have a night under the stars. After the evening activity, participants return to their cabins, dress to sleep outside, and then bring only their sleeping bags to the rec shelter. Camp staff briefs the group on their plan and answers any questions the campers may have. The group then goes out to the pre-selected site where campers lie down and enjoy the stars, a few laughs, and a wonderful night’s sleep in the fresh air.
Night Hike
Have you ever truly had to use your night vision before? Well, at camp you can. On a night hike, camp staff leads you on a beautiful, leisurely hike with only the moon and your night vision leading you through the path. At the end of the path, each camper can lie down on the grassy flats and gaze at the stars blanketing the night sky, listen to the crickets and frogs serenade you, and witness a surrounding firefly display.
