Curious about A Rocha’s Wild Wonder camp curriculum?
Here are some common questions we’ve answered for you.
What can facilitators, parents and campers expect from Wild Wonder?
Wild Wonder is a bit different than a standard VBS. There are plenty of opportunities for fun, games, and play throughout each day, but the schedule moves a little more slowly, allowing campers time and space to explore their place and listen for God’s voice.
The approach of Wild Wonder is similar to that of many Montessori programs as well as curricula like Godly Play and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. It is a voice of thoughtful curiosity, often inviting campers into the conversation through “I wonder” questions like, “I wonder what it means when the Bible says that ‘we are God’s masterpiece?’” These questions open a conversation and allow campers to share their own questions and wonderings.
Our VBS program focuses on outreach to the community. Is Wild Wonder a good fit?
The curriculum assumes that campers have some baseline knowledge of Jesus and the Gospel—lessons are designed for further discipleship and spiritual formation. However, if your church would like to integrate the curriculum into your outreach programming, the lessons are fully adaptable.
For example, the Daily Feast would be an excellent place to further discuss Jesus’s love and sacrifice for all creation. We encourage you to read the curriculum through the lens of your particular place, your church mission, and, of course, the Gospel as you seek to minister to the children in your congregation and community.
When you purchase Wild Wonder, you’ll get an invitation to a Slack channel for support and questions. It’s a great place to connect with others who have made similar adaptations to the curriculum—they (and A Rocha USA staff) can share tips, ideas, and resources as you prepare!
Where can I send my kid to camp?
Wild Wonder is a curriculum A Rocha USA produces—we don’t offer local camps. If you’d like to send your child to a Wild Wonder camp, we suggest forwarding this page to your church’s children’s ministry leadership and letting them know you’re interested!
Why are you charging for this program?
Your fee is used to manage and develop the LYP membership services. The three member levels give you the option to only pay for the subscription (Bee Keepers membership level) or to also add a monthly charitable donation to A Rocha (Bird Nerds and Whale Watchers membership levels).
I’m not with a church but want to run Wild Wonder for my neighborhood/community group. Can I still use it?
Yep! Lots of groups have done this. Just keep in mind that you’re responsible for safety/safeguarding!
What if I don’t have a yard?
You can join even if you don’t have access to a yard. Whether you rent, live in an apartment, or are not able to do yard work, we have resources for you too.
Our VBS typically has more than 50 kids. Will Wild Wonder work for us?
Yes, although you’ll likely need to make a few modifications. (For instance, instead of three groups of 15 campers, you might need to do six groups and double up each day’s stations.) When you purchase Wild Wonder, you’ll get an invitation to a Slack channel for support and questions. It’s a great place to connect with others who have used the curriculum for larger groups—they (and A Rocha USA staff) can share tips, ideas, and resources as you prepare!
Does Wild Wonder work indoors?
Wild Wonder works best outside, but many activities can be adapted for indoor use if your place or weather require it. For activities with no indoor adaptation, we’ve provided another indoor activity to substitute.
Can I adapt Wild Wonder for my weekend retreat/Sunday School class/church family day/etc.?
Absolutely! When you purchase Wild Wonder, you’ll get an invitation to a Slack channel for support and questions. It’s a great place to connect with others who have used the curriculum in various contexts—they (and A Rocha USA staff) can share tips, ideas, and resources as you prepare!
What age range is Wild Wonder best for?
The curriculum is written for kids ages 5-10.
Do I have to start with Year One?
We suggest working through all four years in order since some ideas build from year to year, but this isn’t a requirement. Each year of curriculum stands on its own.
Do kids have to go through all four years in order?
Nope! Kids can jump in at any point—each year of curriculum stands on its own.
Will I get a physical copy of Wild Wonder?
Nope. Right now, Wild Wonder is a digital-only product.
I’m not in the United States. Can I still use Wild Wonder?
Yep, although you may need to adapt some lessons and activities—most of the animals discussed in lessons and activities are native to North America. You can grab our international bundle here.
