Idaho Public Television joins forces with LifeOutdoors, Idaho State Parks and Recreation, and Idaho Press to launch "My Life Outdoors: Teen Multimedia Contest" for Idaho teens.
Idaho Public Television is thrilled to announce its partnership with LifeOutdoors, an environmental education, research, and advocacy nonprofit, along with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and Idaho Press to introduce an exciting opportunity for Idaho teens ages 13-18. The "My Life Outdoors: Teen Multimedia Contest" invites young explorers to share their outdoor adventures through written essays and video submissions. This initiative aims to celebrate the profound connection between Idaho's youth and the environment while encouraging others to embark on their own outdoor journeys.
Running from Feb. 8 to March 27, 2024, the contest encourages participants to reflect on the theme "My Life Outdoors." Whether recounting the triumph of conquering a challenging hike, the excitement of reeling in a big catch while fishing, navigating the exhilarating whitewater rapids of a river, or simply embracing the serene beauty of a mountain sunset, all encounters with nature are welcomed and celebrated.
Dick Jordan, executive director and founder of LifeOutdoors, is passionate about the importance of connecting kids with nature. "Having worked with teenagers for almost 45 years, I've come to realize that teens crave content that is rich in relationships and adventures. I've seen young people blossom when they are empowered and challenged, so that's why I've tried to create those kinds of opportunities," says Jordan.
The contest is an interdisciplinary fusion of STREAM, where STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) partners with language arts to create compelling narratives about our environment and its significance to our well-being. Research has conclusively shown that spending time outdoors is crucial for our mental health. Young individuals who immerse themselves in nature, whether in their living spaces, workplaces, or recreational areas, inherently grasp these benefits, and now they have the platform to share this understanding with the world. "I want to give them a mic, a voice, a stage to tell the world that nature nurtures," Jordan explains. "They are better able to deal with the stresses of our complex society after those experiences."
Embracing the vision of individuals like Jordan, who tirelessly advocate for the profound importance of connecting adolescents with nature, this contest represents more than just a mere competition; it symbolizes a gateway for young adventurers to discover the transformative power of outdoor expeditions. Through their unique outdoor odysseys, these teenagers not only celebrate their bond with nature but also ignite inspiration, underscoring the vital message that nature grants us resilience and joy amid life's complexities.
The competition presents a prestigious package of prizes for recipients of the first-place video submission, first-place written submission, and the ultimate grand prize. Among the esteemed rewards for the grand prize winner is a $500 student scholarship, generously provided by LifeOutdoors and distributed via IDeal, Idaho's college savings program. Additionally, the grand prize winner and their family will embark on an unforgettable adventure courtesy of Sawtooth Adventure Company, which includes a day-long rafting trip on the Salmon River for a family of four. The package also includes a two-night stay in Stanley, Idaho, at Stanley Stays for the grand champ, their parent(s), and a sibling or friend. These prizes not only celebrate the winners' remarkable achievements but also offer an immersive experience in the breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality of Idaho's outdoor havens.
Participants can submit their entries via Google Form on the contest's official website, where they will also find detailed guidelines and the Official Contest Rules and FAQs. Join us in celebrating the adventurous spirit of Idaho's teens by participating in the "My Life Outdoors: Teen Multimedia Contest." Get ready to inspire and be inspired by the great outdoors!
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