Share Your Story

Have the great outdoors been calling? Have you enjoyed spending time on federal public lands?. For many these outdoor explorations and activities bring solace, enjoyment, and a sense of togetherness with nature, family, and new friends you've met along the trail. Whether this was a first-time experience or an adventure you've enjoyed over the years; we would love for you to “Share Your Story.” We are seeking stories that touched your heart, made you laugh, and created a memorable experience that will last a lifetime.

Story Categories

Traditions (Old and New)

Do you have an annual adventure, or have you taken one that you hope will become a longtime tradition? Whether it's cutting down your own Christmas tree or a weekend reunion under the stars, "Share Your Story."

Reflection Journeys

Has your wanderlust led you on an inspirational outdoor adventure? Did you find yourself emotionally connecting with nature and your outdoor experience in a transformative way? "Share Your Story"

Reaching for the Stars

Did you summit a peak that you never thought was possible? Were you able to overcome a fear or tackle a challenge through planning and dedication? Did you accomplish your goals of adventure by harnessing your inner strength and diverse abilities? "Share Your Story."

Family or Group Trips

Do your campfire stories include roasting marshmallows with friends and/or family? Whether it was an RV trip or catching your first fish together, "Share Your Story."

Activities and Adventure

Did you have a unique experience while exploring the great outdoors? Whether it was an emotional connection with nature, an exhilarating trek, a check off your bucket list, or a funny attempt at putting up your first tent - "Share Your Story."

* Please Note: It is not uncommon for stories to fall into multiple categories; for this reason, you can enter each story in up to two (2) categories.

Story Location

Stories and any accompanying photos must be taken on the lands or within the facilities of these participating agencies:

1. National Park Service
2. U.S. Bureau of Land Management
3. U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
4. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
5. U.S. Forest Service
6. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
7. National Archives
8. NOAA Marine Sanctuaries

Stories and photos submitted featuring city or state lands and waters will be rejected.

Story Timeframe

All stories submitted into the 2023 “Share Your Story” contest must have taken place between January 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023. The contest Promotion Period to submit your stories is from June 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023. Winners will be announced on or around October 15, 2023.

How to Submit?

1. Submit stories at: www.recreation.gov/shareyourstory
2. Only submit stories around an adventure you yourself have taken.
3. All stories must be written by you.
4. Stories must be no less than 900 characters and no more than 3500 characters.
5. You may enter up to two (2) stories during the contest period.
6. Each story entered may be included in up to two (2) story categories.
7. You are required to submit a minimum of one photo and a maximum of three photos to accompany your story. Photos will not be included in the judging criteria.
8. Any photos submitted must be submitted in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format. Please try to ensure submitted photos are 2MB or larger with high resolution (300 DPI) as the winning photos must work in print.
9. Please ensure your story meets all eligibility requirements by reviewing the Official Contest Rules.
10. By entering, entrants grant a non- exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license to the Sponsors and Sponsors' authorized partners, to edit, adapt, make derivative works from, broadcast, publish and otherwise use any or all of the story content and/or photograph(s) submitted. For additional information visit our Official Contest Rules.

Judging Criteria

Stories will be judged on the following criteria:

1. The originality and creativity of the story
2. The clarity and organization of the composition
3. The content of the story and its appropriateness for the designated category
4. Whether the story showcases the best of America's recreational opportunities

Eligibility

Stories will be judged on the following criteria:

• All stories must include an adventure taken by you and written by you.
• Employees or volunteers of the participating agencies and sponsors, and their family members are not eligible to enter.

An employee/volunteer is considered anyone who has been or will be employed/working as a volunteer by a partner or sponsor during the contest period or was employed/worked as a volunteer during the time the photograph was taken or story was written.

Employees and volunteers of the participating Sponsor companies and federal agencies are eligible to enter a staff story. Staff stories are not entered into the Share Your Story contest and are not eligible for prizes.