YWP’s hub of inspiration: All our challenges are here!
Challenges
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.
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!
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.
Learn More
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?
Learn More
Writing
Flood
The devastating impact of the July floods continues to haunt families, businesses, entire communities in Vermont. Write about it.
Learn More