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The Campground Kids #2
Smoky Mountain Survival
“Get behind me!” Isaiah shouts, as the branches are snapping…“Something’s coming!”
Discovering their newfound tradition and love for camping at the Grand Tetons, The Campground Kids anticipate their next adventure—exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Shortly after they arrive, the family receives bear encounter training. The Campground Kids soon understand why camping in the Smoky Mountains comes with great responsibility...
Maddie screams.
“Get her quiet!” Isaiah yells over his shoulder. Though Sadie is close to screaming herself, she puts her hand over Maddie’s mouth.
Isaiah stands tall and readies his pocketknife as the brush ahead begins to part. Remembering his training, he lets out a battle cry…
When put to the test, will Isaiah's knowledge and crafty skills save them from the dangers of the park’s deep forest?
Discovering their newfound tradition and love for camping at the Grand Tetons, The Campground Kids anticipate their next adventure—exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Shortly after they arrive, the family receives bear encounter training. The Campground Kids soon understand why camping in the Smoky Mountains comes with great responsibility...
Maddie screams.
“Get her quiet!” Isaiah yells over his shoulder. Though Sadie is close to screaming herself, she puts her hand over Maddie’s mouth.
Isaiah stands tall and readies his pocketknife as the brush ahead begins to part. Remembering his training, he lets out a battle cry…
When put to the test, will Isaiah's knowledge and crafty skills save them from the dangers of the park’s deep forest?
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2022
43 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
C.R. Fulton
29 books40 followersJoin best selling, award winning author, C.R. Fulton for exciting reads! For the past four years. C.R. Fulton has traveled the East Coast in an RV with her husband, two kids and three pups. It has been a wild ride and has provided loads of inspiration for books! She is the author of thirty-two novels and loves some serious bass in her earbuds while writing. She is an inspirational speaker to youth and adults alike. You can connect with her at www.crfultonbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 10, 2023
Since I heard this was a Christian series, I wanted to skim through to get a feel for the theology in the book. I came across three main (small) sections that discuss faith and will share quotes below.
Note: I’m not commenting for or against the content - just sharing info for those wanting to know.
On another topic: I was disappointed by the typos in the book (it’s clear they didn’t even use spell check).
_
"Those guys now make fun of me for not doing the things they do. That means they never really cared about me at all. They only liked me if I did what they wanted.” Ethan is quiet for a while then adds, "But I did find out what happens after people die.”
"How?” I whisper in the pitch dark.
"I started going back to church, and I figured out that everything here on earth is a lot like a test at school. What we choose to do here determines where we end up forever. My life has been a whole lot better since I've been making better choices. I was a guaranteed failure because of wrong choices. I'm planning to ace this test of life.”
(Page 54)
_
"And I don't like being stuck here. We've got to do something, Sadie. Remember what Mom says? Nobody in a Bible story ever got to read the ending so he would know that he won. Each one faced impossible situations and had to keep believing until his or her faith became reality."
(Page 145)
_
"Well, I take a deep breath, completely ready. "I was the one who scratched Mr. Myers' car."
[Dad’s] eyebrows go up, but I don't detect any anger on his face. He thinks for a minute. "And that made everything I said to you feel as if you were guilty, didn't it?"
"Yeah. The worst thing was I couldn't pray anymore. It was like there was a wall between the three of us."
"That's what hiding what we do wrong does. It separates us from those we love.” He places his warm hand on my shoulder. "Son, I want you to remember how that felt and do your best never to let that happen again."
"No problem, Dad. I never will.”
"Remember, you can ask for forgiveness every time. Just determine to do better next time. We’ll talk about making it right when we get home. For now, I'm just glad you're safe.”
(Pages 163-164)
Note: I’m not commenting for or against the content - just sharing info for those wanting to know.
On another topic: I was disappointed by the typos in the book (it’s clear they didn’t even use spell check).
_
"Those guys now make fun of me for not doing the things they do. That means they never really cared about me at all. They only liked me if I did what they wanted.” Ethan is quiet for a while then adds, "But I did find out what happens after people die.”
"How?” I whisper in the pitch dark.
"I started going back to church, and I figured out that everything here on earth is a lot like a test at school. What we choose to do here determines where we end up forever. My life has been a whole lot better since I've been making better choices. I was a guaranteed failure because of wrong choices. I'm planning to ace this test of life.”
(Page 54)
_
"And I don't like being stuck here. We've got to do something, Sadie. Remember what Mom says? Nobody in a Bible story ever got to read the ending so he would know that he won. Each one faced impossible situations and had to keep believing until his or her faith became reality."
(Page 145)
_
"Well, I take a deep breath, completely ready. "I was the one who scratched Mr. Myers' car."
[Dad’s] eyebrows go up, but I don't detect any anger on his face. He thinks for a minute. "And that made everything I said to you feel as if you were guilty, didn't it?"
"Yeah. The worst thing was I couldn't pray anymore. It was like there was a wall between the three of us."
"That's what hiding what we do wrong does. It separates us from those we love.” He places his warm hand on my shoulder. "Son, I want you to remember how that felt and do your best never to let that happen again."
"No problem, Dad. I never will.”
"Remember, you can ask for forgiveness every time. Just determine to do better next time. We’ll talk about making it right when we get home. For now, I'm just glad you're safe.”
(Pages 163-164)
February 15, 2023
Read aloud to the littles. Mid-elementary level book. At the beginning, the main character accidentally hits the neighbor’s car with his bike and doesn’t fess up to the neighbor. The book brings up his Catholic-level guilt over the accidental bike crash on literally every third page for the entire rest of the book.
Overall, kids enjoyed the book.
Overall, kids enjoyed the book.
January 24, 2026
Smoky Mountain Survival is suppose to be a part of a series that explores the Rawlings as they explore the NPs through camping. And being the second book it does allude to events in the prior book even though it isn't necessary to read the first book before picking up this one although I would recommend it.
Brother and sister are joined by their slightly older cousin who by this book has finally shaped up at home while his reunion with his dad from the first book ia a foreshadowing for this book. Besides that the young man has an overactive mind, is a dunce and just seems like a typical teen. The other two seem even less when it comes to personalities, especially the girl who seems to be a druggie when given sugar while the brotheris overpowered. And by this time Mom and Dad are enablers.
The book reaches out to include a child with disability who is part of the catalyst for the story while also taking a look at search-and-rescue teams. Meanwhile all religious aspects have been buried with the exception of a Sunday school some that doesn't mention the Lord and the small "lesson" by Dad after the kid confesses to scratching up the neighbor's car. It doesn't even seem to matter it was involuntary & due to almost getting run over by a distracted driver and not able to say anything since everyone interrupted when he did try.
Then just like the previous book the book ignores teaching children how to safely behave and take care of themselves in NPs. All the characters help contribute to the mess that occurs while the children are basically awarded in rhe end.
And finally there is just the non-realism of the whole & a few name drops for the park are added to reassure readers the story is taking actual place where it should be as otherwise the location could be anywhere with its blandness, stirred up with common allusions to the smokiness of the place.
All in all I am hating this series and really don't want to finish the other three at this point.
Brother and sister are joined by their slightly older cousin who by this book has finally shaped up at home while his reunion with his dad from the first book ia a foreshadowing for this book. Besides that the young man has an overactive mind, is a dunce and just seems like a typical teen. The other two seem even less when it comes to personalities, especially the girl who seems to be a druggie when given sugar while the brotheris overpowered. And by this time Mom and Dad are enablers.
The book reaches out to include a child with disability who is part of the catalyst for the story while also taking a look at search-and-rescue teams. Meanwhile all religious aspects have been buried with the exception of a Sunday school some that doesn't mention the Lord and the small "lesson" by Dad after the kid confesses to scratching up the neighbor's car. It doesn't even seem to matter it was involuntary & due to almost getting run over by a distracted driver and not able to say anything since everyone interrupted when he did try.
Then just like the previous book the book ignores teaching children how to safely behave and take care of themselves in NPs. All the characters help contribute to the mess that occurs while the children are basically awarded in rhe end.
And finally there is just the non-realism of the whole & a few name drops for the park are added to reassure readers the story is taking actual place where it should be as otherwise the location could be anywhere with its blandness, stirred up with common allusions to the smokiness of the place.
All in all I am hating this series and really don't want to finish the other three at this point.
December 6, 2025
Middle Grade adventure!
Gently Christian
Is it a massive stretch that these kids disappear into the wilds and nearly die in the forest a second time in their second camping trip — not to mention the bear attack (don’t worry, nobody got hurt) and roasted rabbit?
Yes, it is a massive stretch.
But was this book fun?
Yes, it was fun!
Page 49: "I like Maddie, Mom, but she seems different somehow."
Mom smiles gently. "You're right. She is on the autism spectrum. That means she doesn't communicate with people easily, but she can still do many normal tasks. Have you noticed how she likes to do one thing over and over?"
"Like reading her book called Bare Bear, No
Hair?"
"Right. I's hard for her to switch to a new task, and her mom told me loud noises really bother her. She also said how much it's meant to her that you've made friends with Maddie."
Used the term “Indians” for Native Americans twice.
Gently Christian
Is it a massive stretch that these kids disappear into the wilds and nearly die in the forest a second time in their second camping trip — not to mention the bear attack (don’t worry, nobody got hurt) and roasted rabbit?
Yes, it is a massive stretch.
But was this book fun?
Yes, it was fun!
Page 49: "I like Maddie, Mom, but she seems different somehow."
Mom smiles gently. "You're right. She is on the autism spectrum. That means she doesn't communicate with people easily, but she can still do many normal tasks. Have you noticed how she likes to do one thing over and over?"
"Like reading her book called Bare Bear, No
Hair?"
"Right. I's hard for her to switch to a new task, and her mom told me loud noises really bother her. She also said how much it's meant to her that you've made friends with Maddie."
Used the term “Indians” for Native Americans twice.
February 23, 2024
I liked the plot of this book better than the first book in the series. This opinion was shared by my 12 year old and 10 year old. My 8 year old thought the book was great.
I thought Isaiah's "big secret" was made to be a huge deal at various points in the book, but the resolution was non-existent. He told his dad but we never hear the end consequences of his accident with the neighbor's car. Either don't put it in the story, or actually resolve it.
I still think a small map of the park would help put where the action of the park was occuring in better perspective and would be an easy addition.
I thought Isaiah's "big secret" was made to be a huge deal at various points in the book, but the resolution was non-existent. He told his dad but we never hear the end consequences of his accident with the neighbor's car. Either don't put it in the story, or actually resolve it.
I still think a small map of the park would help put where the action of the park was occuring in better perspective and would be an easy addition.
September 23, 2024
These are just the best adventure books for my kids. We have been listening to the audiobooks when we have to drive back and forth to the city!
We love listening to Sadie and Isaiah's adventures. Their family bonding with each trip is just special. My kids are asking to go visit all of these parks now!
Sadie and Isaiah seem to get in quite the pickle on each trip they go on. I'm just wondering when their parents are going to put a stop to these trips 🤣🤣🤣.
Must read, or listen, with elementary age kids!
We love listening to Sadie and Isaiah's adventures. Their family bonding with each trip is just special. My kids are asking to go visit all of these parks now!
Sadie and Isaiah seem to get in quite the pickle on each trip they go on. I'm just wondering when their parents are going to put a stop to these trips 🤣🤣🤣.
Must read, or listen, with elementary age kids!
October 24, 2023
A mildly interesting story of a family camping trip in the Smokey Mountains. Unrealistic episodes of the children becoming lost, spending a night in the wild, surviving a bear attack, and meeting a tracking dog in training.
The book is poorly edited, riddled with spelling and grammatical errors.
May be enjoyed by middle grade readers.
Add only if received as a donation.
The book is poorly edited, riddled with spelling and grammatical errors.
May be enjoyed by middle grade readers.
Add only if received as a donation.
October 23, 2024
Second in the series it revolves around the search for a lost little girl who is camping in the Smoky Mountains. It’s a bit didactic and unrealistic, but still contains enough hair-raising adventure to keep young middle grade readers engaged.
May 20, 2025
Listened to the audio. Fun series for boys, girls. I think this would appeal to a wide elementary age range. Nothing profound- gets slightly preachy sometimes, but didn't seem to bother my kids. Fun introduction to the National Parks.
September 6, 2025
Read out loud to littles (4&6). This one wasn't very believelable but a thriller nonetheless. We had trouble putting it down! I thought Isaiah's "secret" was very true to how it really feels as a kid for this sort of thing to happen. It's a big deal in a kid's head!
October 6, 2022
I ordered this book off an ad I saw on Instagram and wasn’t sure how we would like it. We LOVED it!!
The book
The book
March 10, 2023
Kids really enjoyed the survival stuff, read aloud to the kids, ages 4 and 5. Lots of typos and kind of awkward sentence structure though, hopefully the next ones are edited better
April 12, 2023
This book combines my favorite things, camping, national parks, adventure with family, and faith. My oldest really enjoyed it.
October 13, 2023
Another fun read aloud with my 7 year old. He was really into the book, eager to find out what happens. Onto book #3!
October 14, 2024
Written by 8yo boy: I loved this one. I especially liked how they got lost and found their way home. There was a lot of adventure and some scary parts with bears…almost too scary, but not quite. :)
February 12, 2025
My students loved this book!
March 10, 2025
Listened with my nephews on a road trip - exciting adventure book for kids.
March 29, 2025
I think calling a mother that's cranky Cranky is kind of funny:)
Want to read
April 28, 2025J FIC FULTON, C.R.
May 16, 2025
love these on audio
8 and 9 year old boys
8 and 9 year old boys
June 1, 2025
This book was another fun adventure in a national park. It did get a bit intense a couple of times. I appreciate the descriptions of the area, such as the fog that gives the area its name.
June 8, 2025
Best!!!
I’m almost 10 I will be in December and I really liked it! my friend recommended it!
I’m almost 10 I will be in December and I really liked it! my friend recommended it!
October 28, 2025
Great series for elementary age! Love the family support in the book and themes of empathy, encouragement and honesty.
January 14, 2026
book 2 of read through
July 4, 2023
Fun story that definitely transported me back to my Smoky Mountain vacation. Unfortunately, it could use a lot of editing. Some basic spelling/grammar mistakes and really cheesy lines were a bit distracting but I can see it being a big hit with my lower elementary kiddos.
January 11, 2023
Loved this book! Just as good as first in the series!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews