Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I was compensated for my time to review and write about the Christian Missions series, Growing Up Wild. All opinions are always my own. Thank you to Wild Brothers Productions for providing the entire Growing Up Wild series for review. For more information on sponsored posts, read my Affiliate and Advertising Disclosure.
My kids and I first discovered Wild Brothers Productions in 2020 when the world was shut down. While living with so much uncertainty, stumbling across the Wild Brothers YouTube channel was a bright spot for us. We were all uplifted and watching these videos gave us a sense of hopefulness. We became instant fans, so you can probably imagine that we are thrilled to get to review Growing Up Wild from Wild Brothers Productions.
Growing Up Wild Homeschool Bible Curriculum
Growing Up Wild is a vlog-style DVD series documenting the adventures of the Wild Brothers, along with their parents, as they serve as missionaries to the Wano people of Papua, Indonesia. There are five discs in this series, with three episodes each. This series includes a printable study guide with extension activities that include field trip ideas, arts and crafts, science activities, and scripture studies. This isn’t a typical Bible curriculum, but you can use the activities as a jumping off point to dive deeper into the Bible or use this series as a way to supplement your Bible curriculum with a Christian missions emphasis.
Why Teach about Modern Day Missions
Modern day missions are relatable to modern day kids. Do you ever
notice that most missionary biographies and stories focus on people and events that took place centuries ago? The Wild Brothers serve in modern day. There are several reasons to teach our kids about Christian missions and give them a global perspective. Here are just a few reasons why you should teach about modern day missions with Growing Up Wild.
Encourages Gratitude
While Growing Up Wild shows the reality of life in a tribal village, the emphasis isn’t on what they don’t have. There is a definite emphasis on how much God has given and being thankful.
Shows How Other People and Cultures Live
It can be easy for kids (or adults) to forget that there are still people in the world that live without modern comforts and conveniences. Growing up Wild shows a glimpse into how other people live, and thrive, in a different part of the world.
Inspires Kids to Think About Their Place in the World
It’s important for kids to focus on big ideas like God’s heart for the nations and how every tribe and people group will be represented in Heaven. More than that, they can discover what they can do to play a part in His plan. Growing Up Wild shows that it is realistic for ordinary people, and ordinary kids, to play a part in reaching the nations
Grade Level/Age
Growing Up Wild is intended for grades 4-8, but I think can be enjoyed by all ages. Even I enjoy following their adventures and learning about the culture they are serving.
Homeschool Style
This program fits into any homeschool style. Those who enjoy unit studies will appreciate that many different subjects are integrated into the study guide and the suggested activities mentioned in the videos. Charlotte Mason homeschoolers can incorporate nature study based on the beautiful landscapes and fun and unusual creatures, like a walking leaf insect, featured in these videos. Anyone who wants to give their kids a larger worldview than just what they see around them will enjoy Growing Up Wild.
Faith-Based Worldview
Growing Up Wild is a faith-based Christian missions program. There is an emphasis on God as the Creator and His role in every aspect of life. Every episode ends with a Biblical reference that ties in to the topic of the video.
While they present the differences in how the Wano people live and the cultural differences driven by their spiritual beliefs, they don’t do it in a way that passes judgment on the people. Even when presenting more difficult topics (cutting off a child’s finger to ward off evil spirits), there isn’t even a hint or a tone of criticism. They always speak positively and affectionately of the Wano people, even when handling these tougher worldview differences.
Things to Consider
There are some difficult topics mentioned in this series. The topic of death is brought up in the context of babies not surviving to toddlerhood. This is presented in a very factual manner as one of the realities of life for the tribal people. It is not presented in a hopeless way, as they explain how this as an opportunity for them to serve and bring medical care to the people. My kids were not bothered or upset by how this information was presented, and it’s a great opportunity to discuss cultural differences.
How We Use Growing Up Wild
My boys love simply watching the videos. This series shows some amazing adventures, unusual wildlife, and the brothers just having fun while exploring creation. We did not use the activity guides because the Hawley Brothers came up with their own activities. They were greatly inspired by watching all of the fun the Wild Brothers were having. As I write this my thirteen year old is drawing plans to build a hunting shelter, like one the Wild Brothers stayed in, for next time he has an opportunity to go out in the woods.
If Your Kids Watch Growing Up Wild They May…
- Want to move to the woods and build a round house
- Ask if they can eat fish eyes
- Fill up your book shelves with insect field guides
- Ask for a mountain board for Christmas – parents may even want one of these
- Start planning a primitive camping trip so they can build a hunting shelter
- Want to swim in a mountain stream
- Get inspired to get out and explore creation
My Final Thoughts on Growing Up Wild
We love Growing Up Wild! The brothers’ adventures and close sibling
relationships are such a positive thing to see. I appreciate that the Bible is presented without being overly preachy or moralistic. When they were explaining how they present the Gospel to the tribal people, my eleven year old commented that he is so happy we get to live after Christ came. The beautiful scenery and unusual creatures make us all look forward to future travels and adventures. Overall, we really enjoy this series and look forward to continuing to follow the Wild Brothers in the future.
Give your kids a global perspective and inspire them to learn more about modern day missions! Purchase the entire series of Growing Up Wild from Wild Brothers Productions. Explore Wild Brothers Productions to learn more about the Wild Brothers and check out the other fun products and videos in their store!