Camp Wonderful Wild
What’s inside...
This humorous book offers a glimpse into the highs and lows of Jewish summer camp, Camp Wonderful Wild. With monsters in the wild, loads of chores, buzzing insects, and plenty of muck and mud, the camp may seem daunting. However, the book explores whether these challenges are truly drawbacks or just part of the fun at camp.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the adventure at Camp Wonderful Wild? Why?
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What did the characters learn by the end of the story? What did you learn?
If you could create your own camp adventure, what activities would you include and why?
How do you think working together helped the characters in the book? Can you think of a time when you worked with others to achieve something?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own favorite moments or lessons from the book to encourage open communication. Ask your child to draw or describe their favorite character, using this as a springboard to discuss the character’s traits and choices. Relate the challenges faced by characters in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing empathy and understanding. Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or adventures, fostering creativity and deeper engagement with the text. Highlight the importance of teamwork and community as depicted in the book, discussing with your child moments where they have experienced the power of collaboration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Camp Wonderful Wild', the characters must work together to solve challenges and navigate their adventures, showcasing how cooperation leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to collaborate and achieve common goals with their peers.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: The story portrays characters who encounter various obstacles but learn to overcome them through perseverance and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that facing difficulties is a part of life, and that persisting through them is crucial for growth and achieving one’s goals.
Example Lesson: Valuing and respecting nature
Explanation: Set in a wild, natural camp setting, the book emphasizes the beauty of the natural world and the importance of respecting and preserving it.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in environmental conservation activities such as recycling, planting trees, or cleaning up parks to contribute to the health of our planet.
Example Lesson: The benefits of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The characters’ adventures begin when they start exploring their surroundings, leading to thrilling discoveries and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore new hobbies, learn about different cultures, and ask questions about the world around them, enhancing their knowledge and experience.
Example Lesson: Building friendships
Explanation: Throughout their time at camp, the characters form deep bonds and friendships by sharing experiences and supporting each other.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining relationships, encouraging them to foster connections with others through empathy and mutual support.