May Story Contest

Every May issue, we publish the winners of our annual Story Contest. We choose four winners from each of three age brackets: 6-9, 10-13, 14-17.

We give various awards to the winners. Usually several companies give winners $15 gift certificates to their stores. Beyond those gifts, we here at Nature Friend also give awards. The awards we give may vary.

For the past several years, we have chosen one winner to receive their choice of either a Vortex Crossfire binocular, a Celestron telescope, or Celestron microscope.

Who may participate: Families who are active subscribers to Nature Friend.

When: Submissions may be sent any time of the year. The deadline for making sure your manuscript will arrive in time to be considered is February 15 each year.

Kind of story: Tell us about something that happened to you or your family, or something you did in nature. Write in a captivating way that makes the reader enjoy reading your story. It is okay to use your imagination for some details, like a squirrel waking up in its nest, stretching, and sneezing twice. Write and rewrite until you have given the story your best effort. You may have a parent or teacher look over your work and make editorial suggestions.

Label your story: Every story needs a title, author’s name, age, and complete mailing address. Also, we need your subscriber number. You can find it above your name on the mailing label, or on your receipt from an online purchase. A phone number is valuable too, but not required. Sometimes we wish to call and clarify something before printing.

Photographs are welcome: We invite high quality .jpg photos if you have them.

How to make your submission: You may mail, email, or use the form below.

Mail to: Story Contest, Nature Friend, 4253 Woodcock Lane, Dayton, VA 22821.

Email us at storycontest at naturefriendmagazine dot com.