Camel Up – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Camel Up

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Board Game

82%

WISE Score

7.5

Board Game Geek

Bet on stacking camels in this chaotic, laugh-out-loud race where luck trumps strategy and everyone has a shot at winning.

Camel Up

Board Game

82%

WISE Score

7.5

Board Game Geek

Bet on stacking camels in this chaotic, laugh-out-loud race where luck trumps strategy and everyone has a shot at winning.

4.8

7.5

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Where to Play

Amazon

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Screenwise Verdict

Camel Up is a delightful, low-stakes party game that nails the sweet spot between accessible and entertaining. It's silly, fast-paced, and unpredictable in the best way—perfect for families who want something everyone can play without a 20-minute rules explanation.

The camel-stacking mechanic is legitimately clever and creates moments of genuine surprise and laughter. The betting theme might raise an eyebrow, but it's so abstracted and playful that it feels more like a carnival game than anything remotely concerning. Kids learn about risk and probability without even realizing it, and the randomness keeps everyone engaged since no one's out of the running until the very end.

It's not going to teach your kid chess-level strategy or spark deep philosophical conversations, but it will get everyone around the table laughing at a camel tower collapsing toward the finish line. For family game night rotation, that's a solid win.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-14 as a family game, though it works well as a casual party game for adults too. The 8+ rating is spot-on—younger kids can participate with guidance, but the betting timing and probability thinking click better around 8-10. Teens may enjoy it as a light, social filler but won't find deep strategic challenge.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A lighthearted, silly camel-racing game with zero mature content. The theme is whimsical—camels stacking on top of each other in a race around a pyramid—and the betting mechanic is playful rather than problematic. Creates fun family moments with shared laughter when unexpected camel-stacking happens. The social dynamics encourage good-natured competition without creating toxic 'gotcha' moments or player elimination.

Imaginative

The core mechanic of camels stacking and carrying each other is genuinely creative and leads to unpredictable, memorable moments. The pyramid dice shaker adds tactile novelty. However, this is fundamentally a betting/push-your-luck game rather than a world-building or creative-expression experience. Players engage with probability and risk assessment more than imagination, though the absurd visual of camel towers does spark joy and mental imagery.

Safe

Extremely safe for family play. The betting theme is abstract and playful—no real money, no casino aesthetics, just wooden tokens and silly camels. The 2nd edition has quality components (engraved dice, solid board) with no choking hazards for the 8+ age range. Social dynamics are healthy: everyone can win based on luck, no one gets ganged up on, and the randomness prevents runaway leaders. No toxic player interactions or feel-bad moments.

Enriching

Teaches probability assessment, risk management, and strategic timing in an accessible way. Kids learn to weigh odds, make calculated bets, and understand that earlier risks yield bigger rewards. The low complexity (BGG weight 1.51) means it's not cognitively demanding, but it does build intuition about chance and payoff. The 30-45 minute playtime keeps engagement high without overstaying. Solid entertainment value with light skill-building, though not deeply educational.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely funny moments when camels land on each other and get carried along—kids and adults both crack up
Simple enough for an 8-year-old to grasp in one round, but engaging enough that teens and parents stay interested
The pyramid dice shaker is oddly satisfying and adds tactile fun to every turn
Accommodates up to 8 players, making it great for larger families or game nights without long downtime
High replayability—every race unfolds differently based on dice rolls and player bets

⚠

What to Watch For

The betting theme is totally innocent, but if your family has strong feelings about gambling imagery, know it's here (though it's more Monopoly-money than Vegas)
Younger kids (6-7) can play with help, but may struggle with the betting timing strategy—they'll likely just bet on their favorite camel color
Setup for each round can be a bit fiddly for kids under 10; adults may need to manage the pyramid and dice
It's a luck-heavy game—strategic players who want deep control may find it too random

Conversation Starters

"Which camel do you think will win, and why? What clues are you using to guess?"
"When is it worth taking a big risk for a bigger reward? When should you play it safe?"
"What was the funniest or most surprising moment in the race?"
"If you could design a crazy animal race, what animals would you use and what weird rules would you add?"

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