Encourage Youth to Enter the Get to Know Contest

guest blog by Jeff Ramsden of Get To Know

The Get to Know Program, a proud member of OAK, has been inspiring connections between children and nature in the outdoors for well over a decad

Through the North American-wide Get to Know Contest, we help encourage Canadian and American youth to get outdoors, connect with nature and celebrate this connection! The Get to Know Contest invites youth (19 years and younger) to share their outdoor experiences and help to celebrate nature and our wild neighbours through the creation of nature-inspired works of art. Youth’s submitted artwork is showcased in the popular Get to Know Online Gallery helping to celebrate every child that participates and sharing their work with peers both in their communities and around the world!e. A not for profit based in Canada and the U.S., our mandate is to promote education in order to raise a generation of Canadians and Americans who are inherently aware of their impact on the environment and how their positive interaction with local wildlife can help preserve our natural wonders for generations to come.

The Get to Know Contest accepts entries in 5 unique categories: Art, Writing, Photography, Video and Music! Youth can enter as many categories and with as many entries as they wish, giving youth more opportunities than ever to participate. Youth entries don’t necessarily have to feature wildlife or fauna; they just need to be inspired by nature or the outdoors! This therefore could be anything from a painting of a waterfall, a photograph of youth hiking, a video or piece of statement art about the issue of plastics in the ocean, or even a song about pollination! The contest’s message is purposely broad as to not limit youth’s creativity and unique voices. After all, everyone has a different and personal relationship with nature and we hope youth share theirs through the Get to Know Contest and this continent-wide movement!

The Get to Know Contest is on now and runs right until November 1, 2013. Please help spread the word and encourage youth to participate. There are some fantastic prizes to win including art supplies, books, musical instruments including an acoustic guitar, outdoor gear, a canoe trip or an amazing Vancouver weekend getaway! For more information and to enter, be sure to visit www.gettoknow.ca. Questions or concerns, please feel free to email info@gettoknow.ca.