Kids for the Boundary Waters will award seven youth, age 15-18, their first trip to the Boundary Waters in summer 2020.
In an effort to remove the social, financial, and accessibility barriers to the BWCAW, Kids for the Boundary Waters (Kids4BW) is offering an all-expenses-paid trip to explore the million-acre wilderness area inside Superior National Forest.
The opportunity is open to kids ages 15 to 18 who have never been to the BWCAW. Kids4BW will select seven winners through an essay contest that seeks to find youth who would most benefit from — and face real challenges accessing — a visit to the BWCAW.
“Over the last 5 years working as a conservationist and an outdoor guide, I have become increasingly aware of, and troubled by, the barriers that exist to equal outdoor access for people of color, those who identify as LGBTQIA+, and those who are differently abled. I would like to do my part to begin bridging some of those barriers,” said Joseph Goldstein, founder of Kids4BW.
Kids for the Boundary Waters Essay Contest
“Why do you want to explore the Boundary Waters, and how would winning this contest break down any barriers potentially preventing you from exploring the wilderness?”
Entrants will respond to that essay prompt in 1,000-1,500 words. Kids4BW will judge the entries on originality, voice, thoughtfulness, and grammar.
Winners will receive airfare, a complete gear outfitting package, transport into and out of the BWCAW, and lodging and dinner before entering the wilderness. The trip takes place on June 21-27, 2020. The deadline for entry is 11:59 p.m. on February 9, 2020.
Founded in 2018, Kids4BW serves to educate and equip youth on the BWCAW and advocates for stronger protections against environmental threats to Minnesota’s pristine wilderness area. Learn more about Kids4BW and the essay contest here.
