The Camp-Out Mystery (The Boxcar Children Mysteries)
#27 of 164 in The Boxcar Children Series
on Goodreads (1,165)
What’s inside...
Grandfather is taking the Aldens on a camping trip. The children enjoy the camp-out — setting up the tent, hiking in the woods, and especially making delicious food over the campfire. But some strange things begin to happen. Loud music plays in the middle of the night. Their lantern disappears. And then they receive a frightening note. It looks like the Boxcar Children have another mystery to solve!
Character compass
Henry Alden
Violet Alden
Jessie Alden
Benny Alden
Discussion points
What do you think made the camp-out a mystery? How would you solve it if you were one of the characters?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when you collaborated with friends or family to solve a problem?
What are your thoughts on the setting of the story? How does camping influence the events of this mystery?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
If you could add a new twist or character to the story, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the mystery. Ask them what role they would take on and why.
After reading a chapter, pause and predict with your child what might happen next, enhancing their analytical thinking.
Discuss the importance of teamwork demonstrated in the book. Relate it to real-life situations where working together is beneficial.
Explore the emotions of different characters with your child. Ask how certain events might make them feel, fostering empathy and emotional understanding.
Create a fun environment by perhaps reading some of the chapters outdoors or in a tent to mimic the setting of a camp-out.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The Alden children work together to solve the mystery during their camping trip, demonstrating how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, useful in school projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various challenges and puzzles that they need to think critically to solve.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use logical thinking and creativity to overcome obstacles they encounter in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Independence
Explanation: The children take on tasks and make decisions independently while ensuring they are safe and respectful of their surroundings during the camp-out.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of being responsible for their actions and making thoughtful decisions without relying solely on adult intervention.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The mystery at the heart of the story ignites curiosity in the readers, as it does with the Boxcar Children, who engage deeply to uncover the truth.
Real-World Application: Stimulates a child’s natural inclination to inquire and learn more about the world around them, enhancing their cognitive development.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The setting of a camp-out highlights the importance of respecting and preserving natural environments as the children interact with nature responsibly.
Real-World Application: Promotes awareness and appreciation of nature among children, encouraging them to practice environmentally friendly habits.