📚 Part 1: Understanding Themes

1. What is a theme in a story?

The main character's name

The big idea or message behind the story

Where the story takes place

What happens at the end

2. Which of these are common themes in camp stories? (Tick all that apply)

Friendship and teamwork

Overcoming fears

Respect for nature (kaitiakitanga)

Building relationships (whanaungatanga)

Learning new skills

3. A story about a shy student who learns to speak up during camp activities most likely has the theme of:

Friendship

Building confidence

Caring for the environment

Following rules

✏️ Part 2: Identifying Themes

4. Read this short camp story excerpt:

"Māori and Sam didn't want to share a tent at first. Māori liked everything tidy, while Sam was messy. But when it started raining heavily, they worked together to fix their leaking tent. By morning, they were laughing and planning tomorrow's activities together."

What theme do you think this story shows? Explain your answer.

5. Think of a camp experience (real or imaginary). What theme could your story have?

My camp story theme: ___________________________________

6. Explain why this theme is important to you or connects to life in Aotearoa New Zealand: