Teens invited to share Idaho adventures through multimedia contest

Teens are invited to share their outdoor adventures through the My Life Outdoors: Teen Multimedia Contest.

Idaho Public Television announced 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 this opportunity for Idaho teens ages 13-18 for a second year.

The My Life Outdoors: Teen Multimedia Contest invites young explorers to submit written essays and videos. This initiative aims to celebrate the connection between Idaho's youth and the environment while encouraging others to embark on their own outdoor journeys.

Running through April 3, the contest encourages participants to reflect on Idaho outdoor adventures they have experienced. Whether recounting the triumph of conquering a challenging hike, the excitement of reeling in a big catch while fishing, navigating the 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. 

"Having worked with teenagers for almost 45 years, I've come to realize that teens crave content that is rich in relationships and adventures," Dick Jordan, executive director and founder of LifeOutdoors, said in a Feb. 3 news release. "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."

The contest was launched in 2024. In its first year it 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. 

Jordan said he was blown away by the excellent entries 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," Jordan said.

The contest is an interdisciplinary fusion of STREAM, where science, technology, engineering and mathematics partner with language arts to create compelling narratives about the environment and its significance to humanity's well-being. 

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, provided by LifeOutdoors and distributed via iDeal, Idaho's college savings program.

The grand prize winner will embark on an adventure courtesy of Sawtooth Adventure Company that will include a day-long rafting trip on the Salmon River for a family of four. The package also includes a two-night stay in Stanley, 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 and Subs and Stanley Baking Co. and Cafe.

Participants can submit entries via Google Form on the contest's official website, idahoptv.org/shows/outdooridaho/lifeoutdoors, where they will find detailed guidelines and official rules.