CAMP JUMPING MOUSE is located on the shores of a lake nestled in an ancient forest on Vancouver Island. Every summer children ages eight to twelve come to the camp to explore the "I wonder..." of stories. The campers hear professional storytellers tell their stories and work with those professionals to learn the craft themselves. Through writing, singing, reading, listening, tasting, hiking, exploring, watching, sharing and laughing, the campers seek out the stories that tell the world.

Naomi Green, Kim Linden and Anna Graves are among the renowned storytellers who have joined founder Lynn Swann each summer since 1993 for an "I wonder...ful" working vacation as workshop leaders at the camp.

An energetic corps of young "talltellers" act as big brothers and sisters to the campers. The talltellers, the kitchen staff, the maintenance workers and the office staff all have their own stories to share.

Several years ago, Richard Thompson had the honor of being invited to come to CAMP JUMPING MOUSE as a guest storyteller, and he was inspired by that experience to write a novel set at the camp. Richard has now published THE RATS OF NAGASAKI on his STORYVINE web-site. He invites you -- if you can't managed to get to the real CAMP JUMPING MOUSE this year, or if you just can't wait for summer -- to join him as a virtual camper. Read the novel, follow the links, practice the stories, play the games, rise to the challenges, follow the recipes, meet new friends... have fun. Explore on your own or use the alphabetical index to find specific stories and resources.

RICHARD THOMPSONTHE STORY VINE