Challenges

YWP’s hub of inspiration: All our challenges are here!

Weekly

  • Writing

    Deadline

    Never

    “Never forget this moment, my child …” Use this sentence at the beginning or end of a poem or story.

  • Writing

    Deadline

    30

    How do you imagine yourself at age 30? Can you imagine it? What has changed? And what has stayed the same?

  • Visual Art

    Deadline

    Song

    Choose your favorite song and bring it to life in a photo or painting. 

Opinion & Commentary

  • Writing

    Heroes

    Who do you consider a hero? What qualities do you admire in that person? Write a tribute to your hero, whether they are well-known, such as abolitionist Harriet Tubman, or a member of your family. 

  • Writing

    Beginnings

    The phrase "back to school" leads to all kinds of emotions – from excitement to dread. Try setting those aside for a moment, and consider the start of school as a new beginning. What do you want to do – for yourself – in this fresh, new year ahead?

  • Writing

    Flood

    The devastating impact of the July floods continues to haunt families, businesses, entire communities in Vermont. Write about it.

Great Artists

  • Visual Art

    Wolf Kahn

    Master landscape painter Wolf Kahn and his brilliant oil and pastel paintings, such as "Ochre Barn Ochre Bush" above, were the inspiration for our Great Artists Challenge.

  • Visual Art

    Emily Mason

    Stunning, bold, abstracts paintings, such as "Semaphore," above, are the signature style of artist Emily Mason. Poet Emily Dickinson and the landscapes of Vermont were among her influences.

  • Visual Art

    Georgia O'Keeffe

    Georgia O'Keeffe, called the "Mother of American modernism," was renowned for her paintings of enlarged flowers, landscapes in New Mexico, New York City architecture. 

Great Poets

  • Writing

    Ada Limón

    Appointed the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States in 2022 and winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry. She's planning to send one of her poems into space in October 2024.

  • Writing

    Pablo Neruda

    This Chilean poet, diplomat, senator began publishing under a pen name because his father discouraged him from writing poetry. Neruda went on to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.

  • Writing

    Rita Dove

    What do ballroom dancing and poetry have in common? Rita Dove, an award-winning poet and dancer, will tell you.

Contests

  • Writing

    Deadline

    Fall: Writing

    In the genre of your choice, write about fall, conveying the meaning of the season from your own unique and creative perspective. Respond to the challenge in whatever way you choose – for prizes and publication.

  • Visual Art

    Deadline

    Fall: Visual Art

    In any artistic medium, share your interpretation of fall – anything from the splendor of the New England hillsides to the lumbering yellow school bus. There are prizes!