Geographers get a chance to go to Galapagos

I know this isn't exactly GIS news, however, some budding GIS professionals and geographers now have a chance to win a great escape courtesy of National Geographic. Fifteen kids submitting entries that the judges believe best meet the judging criteria, including demonstrating a passion to explore, will be selected for the inaugural National Geographic kids' expedition team and will take the ultimate field trip on board a Lindblad Expedition ship, accompanied by a National Geographic explorer and other experts.

The Everyday Explorer Challenge runs through Oct. 31. Students should explore their local communities, take a picture of a place they discover or like to explore, and write a 100- to 200-word essay describing how they actively explore their community and the most interesting things they have found. They can write about the things they find in their backyards or gardens, on their street, at the park or zoo, in the woods, in the local creek or pond -- anywhere in their communities. The contest is open to kids who will be between the ages of 9 and 14 during the Galapagos expedition (scheduled for May 13-22, 2006). A panel of National Geographic experts will select the 15 winners.

Each winner will bring a parent or guardian on the expedition. No purchase is necessary to enter the contest. Complete rules and details can be found online at http://www.everydayexplorer.com/.