Reflecting on the 2013 Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge

The Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge wrapped up a few weeks ago and we have just finished reviewing the over 275 entries we received! The program, which encourages individuals and families to get outside, visit Vermont state parks, and participate in different activities, kicked off on April 1 and ran through October 15.

Participants earned points by completing outdoor activities like hiking new trails or eating a picnic in a state park, and taking photos along the way. When they reached 250 points, they were eligible to receive a Vermont State Parks VIP gold medal coin and free day use in the parks for the rest of the current season and the following year.

We were so impressed by all of the entries we received and the wide variety of parks and experiences represented. We would like to highlight a few submissions that really stood out:

Heidi McCarthy from Ferrisburg made a nature journal with awesome illustrations of landscapes and plants!

The Stone Family from Randolph made an alphabet with photos of plants and animals that they identified during the challenge.

The Smith family from Georgia recorded their delicious looking waste-free lunches in a journal every day for a week.

Thank you to everyone who participated. We hope you take part in the fun again next year! If you have any ideas for next year's challenge, please contact us.