Definition:

Someone who is grateful is thankful for people, nature, and things. Stewardship means taking good care of what we’ve been given.

In short:

Thankful for every blessing, big or small. 

Summary: Kiko goes on a camping trip with her class, but she’s anxious  because it’s her first time camping. As the students prepare for a  hike up a steep trail, she feels nervous and notices that another girl is also scared. As they hike together and support each other Kiko feels better and says, “My gratitude is growing.” At the top, she notices how beautiful the view is. Around the campfire, the children are guided by their teacher to share their gratitudes. The camping trip makes Kiko feel “happy in her heart” and very grateful! 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Students are encouraged to try out new opportunities. They are more inclined to trust that when something is new to them, it’s an opportunity to have a good adventure and grow their appreciation for what life has to offer. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. Kiko opens the story by saying she’s a happy camper. Did she start out that way or is this the way she feels after the camping trip? 
2. Look at the illustrations of the place where Kiko’s class went camping. Describe what you see. 
3. When Kiko discovered Camille was nervous about the hike, she invited Camille to hike with her. Why do you think that made Kiko feel better about the hike? 
4.    What did the children do when it got dark? 
5. What did Moseah ask? Can you remember how Ms. Cooper answered his question? 
6. What were Kiko’s gratitudes after her first day of camping? 
7. Did you ever go on a hike that was high and steep? What was it like? 
8. Kiko faced her fears and had a great experience on the camping trip. She felt grateful at the end of the day. Have you ever been afraid of trying something new, but did it anyway? What happened?  
9. What do you do to grow your gratitude? 
10. Have you ever been on a camping trip, slept in a tent, and sat by a fire cooking marshmallows?