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 continue an exciting opportunity for Idaho teens ages 13-18 into its second year. The "My Life Outdoors: Teen Multimedia Contest" invites young explorers to share their outdoor adventures in Idaho 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. 3 to April 3, 2025, the contest encourages participants to reflect on an Idaho outdoor adventure they have participated in. 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 in Idaho 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," Jordan says.
The ”My Life Outdoors” contest was launched in 2024, and in its first year received numerous written and video entries that impressed the judges, including the grand-prize-winning video, “Henry’s Life Outdoors.” an epic trip to Stanley captured by Henry Baldiga.
"I was simply blown away by the excellent entries we received last spring. Teens shared some truly inspirational stories about how meaningful, outdoor experiences improved their mental and physical health, increased their overall academic performance, and encouraged them to appreciate nature and our precious public lands even more," says Jordan. “I'm extremely excited to see the new stories we'll be getting in April because young people never cease to amaze me with their intelligence, passion and motivation, especially when something touches their heart and promotes personal growth. Society needs an army of young rockstars, riverstars, and snowstars, out there as outdoor ambassadors, helping others 'unplug' and 'find themselves' outside. This contest is a good step in that direction.”
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.
The contest presents a package of prizes for recipients of the first-place video submission, first-place written submission, and the ultimate grand prize (chosen from the two category first-place winners). Among the 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, as well as meals provided by Papa Brunee’s Pizza & Subs and Stanley Baking Co. & Cafe in Stanley. You can watch Henry's epic Stanley adventure HERE. 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 Idaho’s great outdoors!