Growing Up Wild

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When I received the Growing Up Wild DVDs in the mail, I immediately opened the package and the whole family watched both videos in one sitting.  My girls often make fun of my turning every moment into a learning moment.  One pretended that she would rather do dishes than sit and watch a “school” video but when I looked toward the kitchen sink she was all eyes on the TV.  By the end of the video, she said “I like these.” 

It is very fitting that our history focus this year is on Countries and Cultures.   There is a huge slant toward missionaries in our studies.  We are actually reading one missionary biography now.  Reviewing these videos was such a wonderful addition to our studies. 

There are 5 volumes in the Growing Up Wild series featuring the Wild missionary family who minister to the Wanu people in Indonesia.   We received Volumes 1 and 4 to review.  Each video includes 3 – 15 minute segments for a total viewing time of 45 minutes for each Volume.  Volume 1  includes segments on the Wild family home, their water and power supply, and how they receive provisions in the remote area in which they live.

Volume 4 includes segments on the animal species that live in the jungle, the Wano Culture, and the missionary work done there.  I really wish something like this existed for more areas where missionary families serve.  It really gives you a first hand look at the day to day lives of missionary families.  Each segment ends with a scripture focus and a challenge for every Christian to consider how they live their lives and to make sure what we do counts for Christ.  Love that!You can purchase all 5 videos for $80.95 or each volume for $18.95.  Activity Guides are included with the DVDs.  They include activities to “go deeper” and really learn the ways of the missionary lifestyle.  There are also simple activities to help remind us to appreciate all of God’s blessings including nature and science.  One such activity included keeping track of all the food your family eats including the price of that food.  Then plan how much you will need to buy for a 3 month supply much like the Wild family does. 

A few thoughts:

I would advise parents with young children to view the videos first before showing them to their kids.  In many third world countries wearing little to no clothing is common.  There were a few shots that caught me off guard but nothing close to vulgar.  It is definitely within the context of living in the jungle.  One should just know that it is there – brief bare bottoms in adults and bare fronts in young male children. 

Also one scene left all of our mouths hung open as I was caught off guard watching a common house cat eat a nice sized mouse.  I have all girls so it may go over differently in a home with all boys.  My husband definitely got a kick out of that footage.

I really like the packaging of these videos.  It is very professionally packaged.  That may not be very important to many but I like it.  I would suggest to the Wild family to have their videos included with a packaged curriculum provider that has a cultural study especially one that focuses on missions. 

See what my other "crew mates" thought of Growing Up Wild here.

Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.