Why is Camp Kupugani for Girls for girls-only?
Having a girls-only program allows us to address issues specific to girls and women. Girls can interact with women in positions of authority, and have more opportunities to “be themselves” without having to impress campers of the opposite sex. Unfortunately, in coed settings, girls (and women) tend to act differently when boys are around–reducing the girls’ skill-building opportunities and sometimes causing girls to conform to sometimes-negative social norms. Without distractions, our girls can be more comfortable, focused, and establish more meaningful relationships. They feel supported and safe, without experiencing the pressure and competition that might exist in a coed camp. Our girls are willing to try new things like dam jumping and rock climbing, develop positive relationships with other girls in their cabin groups and teams, and overall just have a space where “girls can be girls.” Free of any self-consciousness that might happen say at school, other social settings, or at a c
