Bring home a story! Recreation.gov is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to share their camping and adventure stories in its inaugural Share Your Story contest. Participants have a chance to win a slew of cash prizes and have their story spotlighted on Recreation.gov.
“This past year, visitors used Recreation.gov to find and book trips where they found solace exploring and spending time outdoors,” Rick DeLappe, Program Manager at Recreation.gov, shared in a statement. “People across the nation were eager to get outside and experience nature in a whole new way. Now Recreation.gov wants to hear your stories of finding peace, tranquility, or adventure during 2020 — whether it was a hike in a local forest or a weekend by the campfire, a first-time experience or an adventure you’ve enjoyed over the years.”
Contest rules
Participants must be 18 years or older to enter. Stories should be between 900 and 4,500 characters with 1-3 accompanying photos. The account must have occurred between January 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021, within the participating federal agencies: National Park Service; U.S. Bureau of Land Management; U.S. Bureau of Reclamation; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; U.S. Forest Service; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; National Archives; and NOAA Marine Sanctuaries.
Participants can enter up to two stories pertaining to at least one of six categories: Traditions (Old and New), Reflection Journeys, RV/Campervans, Family or Group Travel, Activities and Adventure, and Best Time Ever. The deadline to enter is April 30, 2021, and winners will be announced on May 15, 2021.
Winners and prizes
Grand prize winners will receive REI gift cards worth up to $2,500 plus an America the Beautiful annual pass, allowing visitors free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Winners will also be chosen monthly between January and April, within each subject category, and as honorable mentions.
How to submit a camping story
Be sure to read the official rules to make sure you qualify. If so, start writing your masterpiece. Once you are ready to submit your adventure tale, share your document on Recreation.gov. It’s as simple as that.
A story about visiting all 400+ National Park systems
If you don’t yet have a camping and outdoor adventure story, why not plan to make one this year?
Take a look at the video interview below with full-time RV couple, Matt and Diana from The Adventurous Way, to get some adventurous inspiration.
They have made it their goal to visit all 400+ national park systems. They share why they decided to take on this bucket list and how they have outfitted their travel trailer to meet this adventure’s challenges.
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