The Call of the Wild Patch
The Big Read
All Age Groups
Requirements:
*Everyone must complete the first four activities plus:
Daisies: complete only the first four activities
Brownies: complete any two additional activities
Juniors/Cadettes: complete any three additional activities
Seniors/Ambassadors: complete any four additional activities
Name:
Troop:
Activities
Date
Completed
*1. Get Reading! - Read The Call of the Wild by Jack London. Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors only can choose to
read The Call of the Wild or another animal or adventure story of their choosing. Create and keep a reading
journal. What were the major themes? Who were the important characters? What did you learn? Share what
you’ve learned with your troop.
*2. Get Out - Attend one of The Call of the Wild programs at the Fresno County Public Library. See Fresno Library
website for more information on these events.
*3. Create Your Own Tale - Write/Draw an original story from the perspective of an animal. Share your story with
your troop.
*4. Bring the Yukon Home - Research the Yukon’s climate, geography, and people. Then create a display. Answer
the following: What is the average temperature? What is the landscape like? Who is native to this area?
5. Get Involved - Volunteer to read to a younger Girl Scout, child or Senior Citizen for one hour.
6. Get Involved - Volunteer at your local library for one hour.
7. Map Buck’s Journey - Create a map of Buck’s journey and the major locations of the Klondike Gold Rush.
Answer the following: How was the Klondike Gold Rush different from the California Gold Rush?
8. Build Your Perfect Sled Team - Talk to someone who is knowledgeable about dogs and dog breeds (a
Veterinarian, a representative from your local SPCA, etc) Get information on different breeds. Answer the
following: What breeds do well in the Arctic Circle? What characteristics do they share? How much training is
required?
9. Gold Rush - Practice panning for gold. Find a location near you or pan for gold in your own backyard. Get a
large flat container, sand, water, pie tins, and “gold”. Have fun learning this once profitable technique. Answer
the following: What were the years of the Klondike Gold Rush? Who Participated?
10. Your Journey Starts with a Sled - Research types of dog sleds and make a small replica of your very own.
Answer the following: Name two types of sleds. How do they differ from one another? Why did you choose your
sled?
11. Cook like an Alaskan - Create a dish that you could eat on the trail, something inspired by this frosty state, or
just something that has Alaska in its name. Be creative and share your creation with your troop or others.
12. Create The Call of the Wild Trading Cards - Make a card for all of the dog characters. Include their statistics: a
picture, their name, characteristics, personality traits, etc.
13. Make a Journey - If you are feeling really adventurous, make a journey to Jack London Historical State Park in
Glen Ellen, CA. Answer the following: Name two stories, other than The Call of the Wild, which Jack London
wrote. Locate Jack London’s home. When did he move here? How long did he live here? If you could meet him
what questions would you ask; write five questions.
After completing your activities return this form to your local Fresno County Library Branch to receive your patch.
Patches are available while supplies last and only at the Library Branches. For more information on the special
library events go to http://www.fresnolibrary.org/events/bigread2012.html