4 Core Principles

Based on over 15 years of research performed by the Eureka! Institute and the National Center for Student Aspirations at the University of Maine*, Camp Kon-O-Kwee has adopted 4 Core Principles that help children (and parents!) achieve their greatest dreams.

Belonging
Belonging is about having a sense of community and a feeling of connection. It’s created when kids know that they are really heard, feel that what they do matters, and believe that how they feel is recognized. Kon-O-Kwee counselors light a fire in each camper’s heart, and give them tools and strategies to apply their unique gifts while encouraging the gifts of others.

Adventure
Adventure is about the joy of living. It’s about fun, curiosity, creativity, and all the wonders of life. Camp Kon-O-Kwee is brimming with exciting activities that challenge kids to be their best, think creatively and achieve things they never thought were possible. Whether it’s completing the obstacle course, or building a fire, the possibilities for achievement are endless at Kon-O-Kwee.

Accomplishment
Accomplishment is about believing  “I can” rather than “I can’t.” A feeling of optimism, goal setting and healthy risk taking fuels accomplishment. Kon-O-Kwee introduces campers to the power of progress – not just accomplishing certain feats, but looking back and measuring their growth and progress. This gives them the power to stretch farther next time – the power to reach a little higher, and strive to achieve their greatest dreams.

Leadership
Leadership is about children who have the courage to take charge of their own lives. It’s fostered through responsible decision-making, trust and responsibility. At Camp Kon-O-Kwee, we encourage each camper to practice their decision-making skills, exercise self-esteem and courage, and mentor other campers to the best of their abilities. Each leadership activity at camp is focused on caring for others, caring for those you lead, and caring about the consequences of your actions.

*Used with permission from the Eureka! Institute and the National Center for Student Aspirations at the University of Maine

Did you know?

• The average child watches 1,680 minutes of television a week
  
  
• Children and parents only spend 3.5 minutes a week in meaningful conversation
  
  
• The average American child spends 6 hours every day in front of a screen
  
  
• 1 in 10 children who play videogames show signs of videogame addiction