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New Contests and Experiences (6-8)

Use your imagination to create a Google Doodle based on what inner strength means to you. One National Winner's artwork will be displayed on Google for one day, along with a $30k college scholarship, $50k technology package for their school/non-profit, Google Hardware, and fun Googley swag! Four other National Winners will also receive prizes.

Save the Frogs! Art Contest

The SAVE THE FROGS! Art Contest invites you to create your coolest frog artwork. The contest will raise awareness of the amphibian extinction problem by getting people involved and interested, and the artwork will be used on t-shirts, stickers and posters, and in greeting cards and books, to both publicize our cause and raise money for SAVE THE FROGS! amphibian conservation efforts. The contest runs every year with an annual deadline of November 1st.

If I Were Mayor Essay Contest

The Virginia Municipal League (VML) invites all Virginia 7th Graders to join its essay contest, “If I Were Mayor,” to tell others what they would do as mayor* to make their city, town or county an even better place to live in.

Caring for Our Watersheds

Caring for Our Watersheds is an environmental competition that encourages creativity and rewards students for their solutions to local watershed issues. Winning teams win money to implement their idea. Open to: Classrooms/clubs composed of students in grades 6-10.

Career Exploration in the Health Professions

Medical Careers Exploration Experiences for Children in Middle School and High School through summer camps, volunteer programs, and Health Sciences Academy. Specifically for students in Winchester and the counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, and Page.

Camp Woods and Wildlife Camp (Ages 13-16)

The Virginia Department of Forestry, in cooperation with natural resource conservation agencies and organizations, has proudly administered Camp Woods & Wildlife. This unique camping experience has introduced young Virginians (ages 13-16) to the challenges, special skills and knowledge needed for managing the forest resources we use and enjoy every day. The camp meets at Holiday Lake 4-H Education Center. All campers will receive a $200 scholarship to offset some of the costs.

BLAST: Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology

Free 3 day summer experiences in 2023 for current Virginia 8th and 9th graders with at least a C+ average. Applications open in November of 2022. Apply Early! Due date: February of 2023.

Ranger Rick’s Photo Contest for Kids

Enter your best nature shots online with a parent. Ages 5-13. Easy online entry each month.

NASA Grades 5-8 Student Site

Hands on projects! NASA Career Corner

Future City Competition

Future City starts with a question—how can we make the world a better place? To answer it, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students imagine, research, design, and build cities of the future that showcase their solution to a citywide sustainability issue. Past topics include stormwater management, urban agriculture, public spaces, and green energy.

Virginia Department of Forestry

Learn more about Virginia Forests through these activities and materials for Kids and Families.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Set up a backyard conservation area with help from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. From creating a creating a backyard pond, planting trees and creating a wildlife habitat, USDA can get you involved in nature.

Virginia State Parks Programs

Explore what is happening at your favorite Virginia State Park from photography and papermaking to building a bird or bat house. Check out what is happening near you.

The Kids Science Challenges

A project made possible by the National Science Foundation, this site has over 50 science challenges for students to do at home or at school! Includes videos and printables with instructions and directions. Bring science into any home with these great challenges! Teacher and Parent page here!

Kids Science Career Videos

Sponsored by the Kids Science Challenge, these videos show real life scientists at work!

Virginia Museum of History and Culture

Virginia History Day contests for students in grades 4-12 compete in any one of 9 categories as an individual or group. VIEW details here. View District contest deadlines here.

Valley Health

Health Sciences Academy grades 10-12. Students at high schools in Winchester and the counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Page are invited to apply, with slots available per school depending on the size of the student body. All applications are handled by the guidance councilor departments at each high school.

Virginia Institute of Marine Science Programs for Elementary and Middle School Students

From family activities to summer camps check out these opportunities.

Division for Health Sciences and Diversity

Programs listed by grade levels 9-12 focusing on health care careers including both summer and academic programs. Applications due in the fall (academic programs) and spring (summer programs)