Holes
by Louis Sachar
Introduction:
Welcome Campers! You are a member of Group D
here at Camp Green Lake. This is not an ordinary
camp. There will be no camp songs, no roasting
marshmellows over a campfire, and no swimming!
There isn't even any water at Camp Green Lake.
We do have a lot of some things - lots of sun, lots
of holes, and a lot of digging.
Let me introduce myself.....Warden McClain.
Should you ever need anything, come see me. I may
even let you help me paint my nails. I like 'em red blood red!
Oh yeah....did I mention the DEADLY yellow
spotted lizards?
Task:
You are required to "dig" 5 holes that are 5 feet
deep and 5 feet wide each. You can't leave Camp
Greenlake until all 5 holes are dug. You can try to
escape, but everyone who tries always comes back.
We are the only place in this desert with water
for miles and miles. These holes will help build
your character. You won't be using a shovel to dig
these holes - you will be using your brain. Each
hole must be dug by the date/deadline...or else!
When you leave us, if you survive, you will be wiser
and braver.
START DIGGING!
HOLE 1:
RELATIONSHIPS
There are many different types of relationships between the characters in
the book, Holes. Here are some examples:
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The relationship between Stanley and Zero
The relationship between Stanley and X-Ray
The relationship between Sam the Onion Man and Kissin' Kate Barlow
Your digging of this hole will consist of you creating a diagram to represent
the relationship between one or more of the characters in the book. This
will require you to use your imagination - be creative. No two "holes"
(diagrams) should look exactly alike.
Not so fast....you're not finished yet! This isn't Girl Scout Camp!
On the back of your diagram answer the following questions:
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Your idea of what a friend should be
The 3 qualities you most admire in a friend
2 or 3 of your closest friends
What attracted you to form friendships with these people?
What activities do you share with your friends?
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Do you confide in your friends? Why is it or is it not a good idea to
confide in your friends?
What do you particularly like about your friends?
What do you particularly not like about your friends?
Who are your best friends? Why?
Is there anything you would like to say about friendship?
Where to dig:
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CYH - Kids Site : Peer groups
Friendship
Adolescence and Peer Pressure
HOLE 2:
In this hole you will be digging for information on
how to create your own wanted poster. Kissin'
Kate Barlow was an outlaw and in the olden days
wanted posters were used to help catch criminals.
Your mission will be to create an Old Western
Reward Poster for Kissin' Kate.
Where will you find information? Click on the
posters below you will find out how your poster
should look and what information it should include.
KEEP DIGGIN'!
HOLE 3:
REPTILES
Imagine that you are one of the many reptiles
mentioned in the book ( scorpion, rattlesnake,
spotted yellow lizard, or the tarantula).
Begin digging by describing yourself:
What do you eat? What climate do you enjoy?
Why are you dangerous? What effect do you have
in the story?
Where to dig:
Scorpions
Rattlesnake
Lizard
Tarantula
HOLE 4:
LEGENDARY OUTLAWS
The book regales us with a story of the famous
outlaw Kissin’ Kate Barlow. Although she is a purely
fictional character, the outlaws from the website
below are not. Search the websites and find an
outlaw that interests you. You must then create a
character that is trying to capture your outlaw for
some kind of wrong doing.
The Wild West
Kansas Gunfighters
Crossroads of the Wild West
(Once you have decided on the outlaw you are
interested in use the Google search engine to find
more information on that person.)
By now you have researched your outlaw and have created a character that is trying to
capture him/her. You must first answer the questions below and then create a Wild West
adventure story. Your story should be at least 2 pages long. Good luck and be creative!
1. What is the setting of your story?
Examples: Tombstone, Alamo, Camp Green Lake, etc.
2. What is the time-period of your story?
Examples: the 1850s, the early 1900s, etc.
3. Who is your outlaw? Describe his/her
physical appearance, but not what he/she is
wearing.
Examples: tall, thin, scruffy black beard,
etc.
4. Now, do the same for the character
trying to capture your outlaw. And, if you
have any other characters you'd like to add
to your story, describe them, too.
5. Describe the costumes your characters
are wearing.
Examples: brown dungarees, red scarf, gun
holster, etc.
6. What crime is your outlaw famous for
(or guilty of)?
Examples: bank robbing, train hold-ups,
etc.
7. Why is your outlaw being chased by your
other character?
Examples: he/she is a law enforcer and it's
his duty, or maybe your outlaw robbed this
character's bank, etc.
HOLE 5:
SPICED PEACHES
Kate Barlow is famous for her spiced peaches. She
even gives them to Sam in exchange for the work
he does at the school house. Try making something
using spiced peaches.
Where to dig:
Spiced Peaches
Georgia Spiced Peaches
Another Recipe
Conclusion:
You have done a wonderful job! Your holes look
great! I hoped that you learned a lot here at Camp
Green Lake. Remember that Warden McClain will
be keeping her eyes on you and she could always
use more boys and girls to help her dig.