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Jr. Ranger Competition to Inspire Outdoor Exploration Among Kids
This summer, renowned wildlife biologist and television host Jeff Corwin will lead the Jr. Ranger competition, aimed at encouraging children to engage with nature while supporting conservation initiatives. The contest offers a significant incentive, with a grand prize of $20,000 awaiting the winner.
A concerning study from the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research has revealed that American children average just seven minutes of unstructured outdoor play each day. This has prompted calls from experts for more opportunities for youth to connect with the outdoors.
The Jr. Ranger competition is tailored for children aged 4 to 12, and it blends adventure with wildlife education and philanthropic efforts. The initiative not only raises funds for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) but also immerses kids in the vibrant world of animals and ecosystems. Participants aged 4-12 will explore educational wildlife facts, earn badges, and vie for public support to win the substantial prize, alongside a feature in the popular Ranger Rick magazine.
Registration is open until May 18 at jr-ranger.org. Following registration, public voting will commence on May 19 and continue until July 24. Each voter has the opportunity to cast one free vote daily, while additional donations will contribute extra votes. The funds raised through this voting process will support the NWF’s Green Hour kids campaign, which advocates for children to spend a minimum of 60 minutes outdoors daily, enhancing their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The introduction of this competition comes at a pivotal moment, with growing concerns surrounding children’s screen time and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Research indicates that time spent in nature can significantly bolster children’s immune systems, improve sleep quality, alleviate stress, and enhance concentration—benefits that the Jr. Ranger initiative aims to foster in an interactive and enjoyable manner.
Organized by Colossal, an established fundraising platform that has successfully raised over $177 million for nonprofits nationwide, the Jr. Ranger competition mirrors other prominent endeavors such as America’s Favorite Pet and America’s Favorite Teacher.
TMX has contributed to this story.
Source
extratv.com