- FREE TO ENTER -

-open to the public-

Contest begins EARTH DAY, April 22nd, 2024 & Deadline is May 6th, 2024.

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We are SO EXCITED to announce our "Into the Water" POETRY CONTEST, in efforts to raise awareness of our current fragile ecosystem within our nearshore waters!

 

We are HONORED to partner with Reef Relief, Seacamp Association, Inc., Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Plant a Million Corals Foundation, & Backcountry Boat Rentals, who have generously donated and will be awarding some amazing experiences to the winners of this contest!

 

This is not only a great way for your child to show their love for our Florida Keys waters, but also an INCREDIBLE opportunity for a chance to win BIG TICKET prizes & the excitement of reciting their poem on stage at our 6th Annual Dancapalooza "Into the Water" Showcase Event!

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Overall Winner Prizes will be awarded to the TOP poems in the following age groups:

 

:: Ages 6-8 ::

1 Week of Reef Relief Coral Camp 2025

($400 VALUE)

 

:: Ages 9-11 ::

1 Week of Summer Seacamp 2024!

($350 VALUE)

 

:: Ages 12-15 ::

GRAND PRIZE:

Back Country Slide Boat Rental

($475 VALUE)

*Black out dates apply*

 

RUNNERS UP PRIZE:

PRIVATE "Behind the Scenes" Mote Marine Laboratory tour & Mangrove Kayak experience for 4 friends & 1 chaperone!

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CONTEST GUIDELINES:

Participants must be between the ages of 6-15.

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Only 1 Submission Per Contestant

 

Poems may be done in any style, however, submissions will be primarily judged by our partners listed above on the intended message the poem sends and its ability to convey that message.

All submissions must be original work in its entirety from the child contestant.

 

Poems must be at least 5 lines, but no longer than 50.

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Poems are to be based on any of the Florida Keys Eco-systems & must strive to raise awareness towards the community.

 

A photo of the child or an illustration representing the poem must be entered with each submission.

 

By submitting your child's work, you agree to allow your child's photo (or illustration) and original work to be published on our website, social media, show program, and if chosen, recited at our "DANCAPALOOZA - INTO THE WATER" Showcase event on May 19th, 2024.

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Topic Ideas that have been referenced by our Partnered Organizations:

 

REEF RELIEF:

-Save the Reef (how can we save our coral reef from disappearing?)

-Protect Living Coral (how we can prevent destruction of our reefs?)

 

SEACAMP:

- An examination of one of the world's most complex and diverse environments.

- Interrelationships between the reef and neighboring communities.

- The beauty of exploring our coral reefs and all the species of ocean life in it.

 

MOTE MARINE:

- The ocean is our passion. Science is our catalyst to help the ocean heal, thrive and continue to be a haven of sustainable life, life-improving science and life-giving solutions.

- Coral reef communities’ response to global climate change impacts such as rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification; investigate major coral disease outbreaks and the overall microbiome of microscopic life forms that can help or harm coral reefs; optimize coral reef restoration efforts with threatened and vulnerable species; assess the genetic diversity of native coral species, including the potential for genotypes (genetic varieties) with natural resilience to stressors, and more.

 

PLANT A MILLION CORALS:

- Turn the tide of our oceans by saving our coral reefs

- Why are Corals important?

- Using the ability to reproduce thousands of fast growing & resilient corals can help recover the lost reefs.

 

OTHER IDEAS:

- Why are the fish spinning?

- Fish have been reported spinning in the Keys since last year.

- As of April 11, we have 38 documented sawfish deaths. Affected sawfish have been large juveniles and adults (7–14 feet in length).

 

-DEADLINE: MAY 6TH, 2024-