Do you love Earth Day—and consider yourself a poet, rapper or creator of the written word? Well, at Camp Fire Central Oregon, Earth Day is more than just a day to honor the planet—it’s an opportunity to spark creativity, celebrate community, and engage with nature in a meaningful way. That’s why we’re hosting our first-ever Earth Day Poetry Slam, accepting submissions from Oregon youth now through April 1. And kiddos from all across Oregon are invited to participate!

This inaugural Camp Fire event invites K-12 students from across Oregon to express their feelings, impressions and/or thoughts on our planet through original poetry, raps or writing. Whether you’re inspired by nature’s beauty, your favorite outdoor spot, or your commitment to protecting the environment, this is your chance to let your creativity shine and share your voice. Anyone and everyone is invited to participate … no experience necessary, both veteran and newbie creatives alike!

Jess Pederson, STEAM program coordinator for Camp Fire Central Oregon, has long been passionate about celebrating the earth with creativity—an interest that sparked the idea for this Earth Day opportunity.

"At every educational institution I've worked at, I've created some kind of way to celebrate the Earth," Jess says. "So I got to thinking about how we could do something unique at Camp Fire Central Oregon, and this idea of an Earth Day Poetry Slam, where we celebrate the earth with our creativity, popped into mind."

This year’s Poetry Slam encourages students to reflect on their connection with the earth, nature and/or the environment. It aligns perfectly with Camp Fire’s mission—connecting youth to the outdoors, to each other, and to themselves—while inspiring youth to honor Earth Day and Camp Fire’s values.

"What better way to act on our values of self-discovery via creativity, community connections by sharing that creativity and our love of the Earth with our community, and engagement with nature by celebrating Earth Day," she says.

Students can submit their poems or raps by April 1, and winners will be invited to perform their work on April 20 at Silver Moon Brewing during the Camp Fire Bingo event. It’s a chance to celebrate the Earth through art, while connecting with others who share a passion for the planet.

“While the earth deserves to be celebrated every day, let’s use the opportunity of Earth Day to celebrate with our creativity and writing!” Jess says.

To participate, submit your original poem or rap by April 1, and be part of this special Earth Day event. Winners will be announced on April 10. This is your chance to honor the planet and make your voice heard—through the power of words!

How to Submit/Rules:

  1. Who Can Participate: Students who live in Oregon and of all ages (elementary, middle, and high school) are invited to submit original poems via an online form.
  2. Email your submissions to camp@campfireco.org with the title “Poetry Contest” in the subject line. The deadline to submit is April 1st. (Hard copies of poems can be dropped off at the back gate of Amity Creek Elementary 2-5:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Please call our staff inside and someone will come out to receive your drop-off submission.)
  3. Include your name, phone and email in the email you submit with your poems.Please do NOT put your name on the poems themselves. Each poem should be its own PDF document.
  4. The contest is open to Oregon-based poets only. Thanks!
  5. Winners will be announced April 10th.
  6. Winners will be invited to perform their poetry at Silver Moon Brewing on April 20th, during our Camp Fire Bingo event!

GET MORE INFO AND THE ENTRY FORM HERE!