Week 8: The Great Unknown
What do a chupacabra, jackalope, and kraken have in common? They are all cryptids-- mysterious creatures that may or may not really exist! This week we’re exploring The Great Unknown at Puku Summer Camp. Whether it's a mystery you’re after or a spy adventure that you need to solve we’ve got you covered.
Remember that all of this week's vocabulary lists are available for immediate play in our Puku app (download information below!)
This Week’s Vocabulary Lists
This Week’s Book Recommendations
All Summer Select pages highlight challenging vocabulary for study and discussion questions to help guide conversations about the books.
The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
The Parker Inheritance follows the riveting story of two inquisitive kids as they reckon with their place in society and their community. They'll follow a trail of mysterious clues in which they'll uncover the long-forgotten sins of a South Carolina town.
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
As two young runaways explore The Metropolitan Museum of Art, they come across an art-historical mystery that needs solving. Thankfully, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and her mixed up files lead them on an adventure of a lifetime, teaching them how to problem solve, the meaning of sacrifice, and the exhilaration of victory.
Vocabulary Activities
Write a Ghost Story - Write your own ghost story. The spookier the better! Try to use the vocabulary from the mystery vocabulary list to write a story that will scare your friends and family. If you need help getting started here are a few writing prompts:
- My friend dared me to walk through a cemetery at night. As I was walking I felt…
- Usually I’m not superstitious, but after a black cat crossed my path strange things started happening…
- I’d always heard the abandoned house down the street was haunted...
Create a Cryptid Comic - Pick your favorite cryptid from our vocabulary list and create a comic. It could be one strip or a whole comic book. Illustrate and write a story that answers the following questions: Where did this creature come from? Where does it live? What does it eat? Are there more of them? Be creative! For a challenge try to include more than one cryptid in your comic.
Other fun activities
- Tell your friends and family a ghost story around a campfire (real or fake). Use your scariest voice and a flashlight under your chin for a frightening effect.
- Play the game Clue either with your friends and family in person or online through Steam.
- Grab some popcorn and watch the movies Harriet the Spy, Nancy Drew, and The Great Mouse Detective.
- Create your own code and write a message to a friend. Be sure to include the key so that they can decipher your message.
- Build your own periscope to spy on your friends and family. You can make one out of recycled materials and you can find instructions and how to videos online.
- Make your own invisible ink. All you need is water and lemon juice! Learn how here.
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