Cricket Media and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage are pleased to cosponsor the 3rd Annual Global Folklorist Challenge. This contest connects kids from 8 to 18 with tradition bearers in in their communities, providing young people with opportunities to tap into knowledge and skills that have been passed down from generation to generation, and giving the tradition bearers themselves a chance to tell their own personal stories.
Why enter the Challenge?
For thousands of years, the stories people tell, and the cultural traditions they preserve, have helped all of us share and celebrate what we value, and show how we bring meaning to our lives. This Challenge provides an extraordinary opportunity for students to explore the rich stories surrounding cultural traditions, as well as to build bridges between communities and generations. The result: a better understanding of other people, places, and times.
Both individuals and teams may submit entries to the Folklorist Challenge. Cultural traditions students might explore include dance, games, handicrafts, cooking, storytelling, customs, distinctive jobs, and more. To help the students get the most out of the activity, the official Folklorist Challenge website includes comprehensive supporting materials that define terms; provide examples, tips, and organizational tools; and offer guidelines describing the interview and story-shaping processes. As they work on their projects, participants can also get advice directly from folklorist experts at the Smithsonian, as well as from past winners of the Challenge itself.
Check out last year’s winners.
Find all the rules and other information here.
We can’t wait to see what traditions YOU will share!
