Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) has launched an exciting Youth Climate Video Contest for young filmmakers aged 12-18 in Santa Clara County. This is a great opportunity to create short videos about Coyote Valley, food systems, and our connection to nature.
The contest, backed by the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, aims to empower youth to express their environmental concerns and inspire change in their communities. Jackie McBride, a community investment specialist at the authority, shared, “By giving young people a creative platform, they are helping cultivate the next generation of environmental change-makers.”
Videos should be between 2 to 5 minutes long. A panel of local leaders and climate experts will judge the entries. Winners will be announced on April 22 and can earn between $100 and $500. Their videos will also be featured at an event in mid-May. Don’t forget, submissions are due by March 31. For more details, check out the [SVYCA contest page](https://svycanbs-contest.com).
In another effort to engage kids with the outdoors, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority has released a delightful activity book titled “I Love Nature.” This 19-page resource is designed for children aged 3 and up to explore local wildlife and ecosystems. Illustrated by Oakland artist Robert Liu-Trujillo, the book is available for free in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
Mel Sarmento, the educational program administrator, emphasizes the long-term impact of this initiative: “When children explore nature, their curiosity blooms. This activity book offers a playful path into that wonder.” Kids and parents can download the activity book from the [Open Space Authority’s website](https://www.openspaceauthority.org/nature-activity-book).
It’s clear that these initiatives aren’t just about winning contests or completing activities. They aim to plant the seeds of environmental awareness in young minds, encouraging a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. Engaging with nature at a young age can cultivate future leaders who are passionate about conservation and sustainability.
Recent studies suggest that children who spend more time outdoors are not only happier but also tend to perform better academically. Creating opportunities like this contest and the activity book can significantly influence how a new generation understands and interacts with the environment around them.
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