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The Horror at Camp Jellyjam

#33 of 55 in Goosebumps Series

3.58
on Goodreads (7,884)

What’s inside...

Siblings Wendy and Elliot find themselves at Camp Jellyjam after their family's camper detaches and rolls down a hill during their summer vacation. Camp Jellyjam, operating under the mantra 'Only the Best,' promotes intense competition among campers. However, the siblings soon discover a dark and terrifying secret about the camp. As Wendy, who is not naturally athletic, struggles to fit in with the other campers who are obsessed with competition, she starts to uncover the sinister origins of their behavior. Together, Wendy and Elliot must find a way to escape the camp before it's too late. Discover the bone-chilling adventures that made Goosebumps one of the bestselling children's book series of all time. Now with all-new bonus materials! Swimming, basketball, archery. King Jellyjam's sports camp has it all. Too bad Wendy isn't a total sports freak like her brother, Elliot. But how excited can you get over a game of softball. It's just a game, right? WRONG. Camp Jellyjam is no ordinary sports camp. And Wendy's about to find out why. Why the counselors seem a little TOO happy. And why they are so obsessed with winning. It might have something to do with the hideous, slimy discovery lurking in the darkness. Now with all-new bonus features including an author interview, bizarre sports trivia, and more!
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

9-12

Length

128 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Wendy
Elliot
Buddy
Alicia
Counselor Buddy
King Jellyjam
Dierdre
Counselor Holly

Discussion points

What was your favorite part of the story and why?
How would you feel if you were in the same situation as the main characters?
What lessons do you think the characters learned by the end of the book?
How do you think teamwork is shown in the story and why is it important?
If you could change one thing about the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to foster a deeper understanding and encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Show genuine interest in their responses and share your own thoughts to create a lively discussion. Connect themes from the book to real-life situations to help your child relate personally to the characters' experiences. Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to develop their creative thinking.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: In 'The Horror at Camp Jellyjam,' the protagonist demonstrates bravery by confronting fearful situations and uncovering the mystery behind the camp's strange occurrences.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing fears, rather than avoiding them, can lead to solving problems and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Values of teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The characters in the book come together to escape the eerie circumstances, showing that collaboration can achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to work cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports teams, understanding that together they can accomplish more.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and questioning authority
Explanation: The protagonist questions the odd rules and behavior at the camp, leading to important discoveries.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to think critically about rules and norms presented to them, understanding that it’s okay to question things to gain a deeper understanding.
Example Lesson: The detriment of excessive competition
Explanation: The book portrays how an unhealthy level of competition can lead to dangerous situations, highlighting the negative aspects.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of balance in competition, emphasizing fair play and the joy of participating over winning at all costs.

The Horror at Camp Jellyjam by R.L. Stine