As a father or mother, touring together with your youngsters across the U.S. is so particular. It’s an opportunity to look at them see their nation in a brand new means — one which begets countless questions and makes room for significant conversations about the whole lot from climate patterns to social concepts to time zones to traditions. Briefly, there’s nothing prefer it.
America250 — the nationwide group accountable for commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, occurring July 4th, 2026 — understands that. As they plan celebrations for the Semiquincentennial (sure, that’s actually the phrase), they’re specializing in hands-on, bodily experiences the place youngsters can immerse themselves in U.S. historical past and tradition and meet individuals from all walks of life.
And your child might be part of it. By the “America’s Area Journey†contest (psst, the deadline to submit is April 16!), an opportunity to win an unforgettable area journey to an iconic U.S. landmark this summer season. Some area journeys even embrace unique experiences not supplied to the general public — assume consuming lunch in the crown of the Statue of Liberty. This system was piloted in 2024 and was an enormous success, with 150 winners representing 44 states. “Studying concerning the authorities and early paperwork of our nation sparked one thing in me,†stated previous winner Charli M. from Tennessee. “I wish to contribute to our nation indirectly after I’m older.â€
Offered? Us, too.
How Does It Work?
It’s truly fairly easy: College students in grades 3 by way of 12, together with those that are homeschooled, submit writing (essays, tales, and poetry are all honest recreation) or authentic items of art work in response to the immediate “What does America imply to you?†Then, the winners are chosen!
- 75 first-place winners will obtain a three-day, two-night journey this summer season to a landmark of their selecting (assume Yellowstone Nationwide Park, Mount Rushmore, and even the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame). Right here’s the entire record of choices, with two extra coming quickly to New York and Boston. Every first-place winner will go on the journey with their father or mother or guardian, in addition to different winners from all around the nation.
- 75 second-place winners will obtain a $500 money prize.
- The instructor related to the highest-scoring submission in every grade class will win a $1,000 money reward.
How And The place Can You Enter?
Your submission could be uploaded proper on the America250 web site! Want some inspiration? Try previous submission examples right here. The deadline is approaching (April 16, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET, to be precise), so don’t wait.
Why Enter?
Since you might win, duh. Simply kidding. Even for those who don’t find yourself hovering over cornfields en path to your dream vacation spot with a gaggle of latest buddies, this chance is price going for. It’s a superb opportunity to speak together with your youngsters about how they view our nation and mirror collectively concerning the shared values they hope will carry us into the following 250 years. It’s additionally — let’s be actual — an ideal screen-free exercise for a wet day (particularly with spring break on the horizon).
Glad writing, crafting, and dreaming of journey!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest ends 5:00 p.m. ET on 4/16/25. Open to U.S. college students (third – twelfth grade); pupil’s father or mother/authorized guardian or instructor with parental permission should submit Entry on pupil’s behalf (except pupil is age of majority). Submission consists of grant of license rights to Entry’s Content material. First Prize awardees should journey with father or mother/authorized guardian on designated dates. See Official Guidelines for full particulars together with easy methods to enter, eligibility necessities, prize description/restrictions and judging process. Void the place prohibited.