Inspired Children Can Win the National Woodsy and Smokey Poster Contest!

The school year just began and everyone is tied up helping their children with homework and projects.  If your children have to do an art project, why not to encourage them to participate of the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest.  This is an annual national competition sponsored by the USDA Forest Service and the National Garden Clubs, Inc.  The national grand prize is a round trip to Washington, DC for a family of four for three nights stay. 

Take a look at the 2011 winning poster and meet the artist: Vaibhavi Patankar. 

This poster was created by Vaibhavi Patankar a 4th grader from Welby Way Elementary Magnet School in West Hills, California. While her favorite subjects are science and math, she also likes language arts. She likes visiting different places including national parks and national forests.

Vaibhavi started taking part of the Smokey and Woodsy poster contest when she was in 1st grade.  She won the national prize for the 2nd grade a year later. 

Participating in the poster contest is very easy.  Contact your school teacher and the local chapter of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. in your community and follow the rules and requirements.  

The Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest is for children from 1st grade through 5th grade.  Spread the word among your networks and encourage this new generation of children to "Lend a Hand - Care for the Land" and to help Smokey prevent wildfires. For more information visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5309330.pdf    

Celebrate Woodsy's 40th Birthday!

 

Celebrate Woodsy's birthday with your children outside and "lend a hand, care for the land," do something for the environment! 

You can also talk to them about the importance of the 4 "Rs": reduce, reuse, recycling, and "rot" (composting.) or, you can simply sing one of Woodsy's songs.