Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Multicultural Summer Camp Experience for Ages 7-15
Camp Kupugani, nestled near Chicago, Illinois, has provided a safe and empowering multicultural summer camp experience for children aged 7-15 since 1951. Founded on principles of diversity, inclusion, and personal growth, the camp offers specialized two-week and four-week sessions for girls and blended groups, fostering lifelong friendships across cultural backgrounds. Our expertly trained staff, certified in CPR and First Aid, prioritize camper safety while facilitating outdoor adventures, leadership development, and team-building activities.The camps legacy of harmonious living and environmental stewardship continues through partnerships like Swift Nature Camp, ensuring access to transformative experiences. With a 99% parent recommendation rate, Camp Kupugani remains committed to nurturing confidence, conflict resolution skills, and appreciation for diversity in every camper.
Services
Summer Camp Sessions
Mother-Daughter Weekend
Parent-Child Weekend
Team Building Retreats
Outdoor Education Programs
Details
- Year established: 1951
Highlights and features
- ACA-accredited programs prioritizing camper safety and development
- Expert staff trained in child safety, conflict resolution, and cultural inclusivity
- Proven track record of 99% parent recommendation rate over 18 years
- Specialized leadership programs for teens and family weekend experiences
- Dedicated focus on multicultural understanding and environmental stewardship
Associations and certifications
- American Camp Association
What people say
Safe place to be myself
Lasting friendships formed
Diverse leadership team
Confidence-building experiences
Memorable bonding opportunities
Services
Summer Camp Sessions
Camp Kupugani offers two-week and four-week summer sessions for girls and mixed groups aged 7-15. Programs emphasize multicultural understanding, outdoor skills, and leadership development. Campers engage in team sports, nature exploration, and confidence-building activities under ACA-accredited safety standards.
Mother-Daughter Weekend
This weekend program strengthens mother-daughter relationships through guided activities like pool time, team challenges, and reflective discussions. Professional staff ensure a safe environment for families to connect, with meals and accommodations included. Priced at $315 per pair, it includes adventure and bonding opportunities.
Team Building Retreats
Camp Kupugani hosts customized team-building retreats for groups of all ages. Activities include climbing, challenge courses, and collaborative projects. Facilities accommodate up to 181 guests with lodging and meals. Programs focus on communication, trust-building, and leadership development in a natural setting.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor education initiatives teach environmental stewardship through hands-on experiences. Campers explore local ecosystems, participate in conservation projects, and learn survival skills. Programs align with state science standards while emphasizing experiential learning and ecological responsibility in a 100-acre natural habitat.
Parent-Child Weekend
This inclusive weekend program welcomes parents and children of any gender to build connections through camp activities. Features include adventure challenges, creative workshops, and family-oriented games. Designed to create lasting memories while fostering intergenerational understanding and communication skills.
People
Kevin Gordon
Camp Director
Harvard graduate and ACA leader with 40 years in child development. Founded Camp Kupugani's inclusive programs, blending legal expertise with camp management. Recognized for innovation in multicultural youth programs.
Natasha Jackson
Camp Director
Master educator and former performer specializing in early childhood development. Created camp's community-building curriculum. Combines teaching experience with creative arts to foster safe, joyful learning environments for diverse campers.
Mico Gordon
Favorite Child
Third-generation camp enthusiast with expertise in cultural competence programs. Participated in Mosaic Project and Girls on the Run. Represents camp's values through personal experiences in inclusive outdoor education initiatives.
Questions
What age groups does Camp Kupugani serve?
We serve children aged 7-15 with specialized programs for different developmental stages.
Is Camp Kupugani ACA accredited?
Yes, we maintain American Camp Association accreditation for safety and program quality.
What safety measures are in place?
We employ CPR-certified staff, background checks, and ACA-compliant safety protocols for all activities.
Are family weekends available?
Yes, we offer Mother-Daughter and Parent-Child weekends for family bonding experiences.
What happens after camp closure?
We recommend Swift Nature Camp for similar empowering experiences starting in 2026.
Do you offer financial assistance?
The Kupugani Scholarship Fund supports deserving campers with limited financial resources.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Scott K.
Oct 04, 2020
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Be warned. The owner is STILL an attorney first and foremost (in our family's multi-year experience). Lack of, and poor communication when my child got hurt, lack of compassion, and other incidences explained to me by my child and family were handled in the owner's best interest first, at all times. The projected persona is the exact opposite... I have been a camper all my life and my parents were camp counselors. I made a big mistake by choosing this camp.
Dan D.
Oct 05, 2019
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My family was told about Kupagani by a family friend and it turned out to be one of the best things we have ever done in sending my daughter to their summer camp. I am just sad that we only had three years of being able to send her to camp before she aged out. The owners and staff at Kupagani are amazing. They want your child to have their own camp experience and make sure that all the girls are included in everything and they are challenge to try new things that empower them. All the kids have a camp account for use Internet the camp store, that has to be funded so nobody is left out or made
Aimee E.
Oct 18, 2018
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We love Camp Kupugani! My daughter was so happy to go back for her second year that as soon as we got there she ran off to greet the other campers and wanted to skip all the welcome programs and get going on the regular camp activities!
Maggie B.
Oct 16, 2018
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Kupugani deserves ten stars. The camp has become a major part of my daughter's life, and hence the life of our family. Kupugani is a community of people committed to kindness, laughter, equality, inclusion, fun and justice. And then there's the self-confidence it nurtures in kids. My daughter came back from her first summer at Kupgani transformed. She had fun, lots of it, but what was most special (this is her Mom speaking) was the sense of SELF she returned with - stronger, more confident, sure of herself. Then, after her second summer at Kupugani, she came home even more spirited! Middle
