Texas A&M Forest Service announces its first Smokey Bear Poster Contest.
Students from Kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to participate in a Smokey Bear Poster contest to help celebrate his 80th birthday. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of wildfire prevention through their original artwork of Smokey Bear. Independent school districts, homeschools, youth programs, scout groups and other informal education or youth organizations can submit entries from school-aged children.
Smokey Bear is nationally recognized as the symbol for wildfire prevention. The original Smokey Bear appeared in 1944. His message of “Only you can prevent wildfires!” encourages personal responsibility for wildfire prevention since nine out of ten wildfires are caused by people. Smokey Bear uses five rules to teach children and adults to be careful with campfires, outdoor debris burning, and matches.
Each year, Texas communities are impacted by wildfire. People and their activities account for 90% of wildfires in Texas with the most common preventable cause being careless debris burning. Other causes include welding and other equipment use, vehicles, discarding smoking materials and arson. Entries should feature wildfire prevention for issues seen in Texas.
The Poster Contest consists of six divisions:
- Kindergarten through 2nd grade
- 3rd through 5th grade
- 6th through 8th grade
- 9th through 12th grade
- Special education
- Computer-assisted design (CAD)
Two winners will be chosen from each division with each winner earning a spot in the 2024 Smokey Bear 80th Birthday Calendar.
Email tfsprevention@tfs.tamu.edu with any questions.