Rules & Guidelines (Submissions due by June 15, 2008)

So you're ready for the Challenge?

Good for you. This Challenge is designed to introduce your family to the vast variety of fun, educational and affordable activities that are available close to home. We know that you're busy. It's springtime; Little League practices are starting up; and school is still in full-swing. But as flowers begin to bloom and the weather warms up, it's the perfect time to start penciling educational family-fun time into your weekly schedule. That way, it will be routine by summertime when school's out and the sun is shining!

Qualification Guidelines

This Challenge is intended for families with children ages 4 to 8, but all families are welcome to participate.To qualify for a chance to win $500 and 10 books for your child, you  must complete at least 5 of the following 10 activities before June 1, 2008:

• Visit a planetarium. Learn to point out constellations; witness breathtaking meteor showers; and blast off into faraway galaxies! Find one near you at www.astronomyclubs.com (click “Planetariums”).
  
  
• What kinds of birds live near you? Identify two different birds in your backyard, in a nearby park or at a pet store. Then take a picture of each bird and research what kinds of birds they are. Write down two fun facts about each bird.You may be surprised at what you learn -- for example, did you know that common swift birds can sleep while flying?!
  
  
• Visit a zoo. Try not to rush through the exhibits. Encourage your child to ask questions about the animals he or she sees, and ask questions of your own, as well! If there are questions you can't answer, research them together when you get home. Find a zoo near you at http://www.aza.org/FindZooAquarium/.
  
  
• Visit an aquarium. The spring weather may not be warm enough for you to jump into the neighborhood pool, but you can still dive into an underwater world. Ask the employees what they think is the most fascinating animal there, and be sure to ask why! Find an aquarium near you at http://www.aza.org/FindZooAquarium/.
  
  
• Participate in a children's program at a local library. Many have weekly storytimes, author visits and more. While you're there, check out a stack of books!
  
  
• Visit a science center. Make your hair stand up with static electricity; dig for dinosaur bones; and defy gravity. All in an afternoon. Find one near you at http://www.astc.org/ (click “Find Science Center”).
  
  
• Participate in a naturalist or Junior Ranger program at a local, state or national park or forest. Bring out the young naturalist in your child with nature walks or talks about local animals.
  
  
• What is your child’s favorite animal? Research it together and have your child either draw a picture or write a paragraph about what he/she has learned. Please send in a copy at the end of the challenge.
  
  
• Attend a storytime or children’s program at a local bookstore.Just like libraries, these events are free and often involve local authors or illustrators.
  
  
• Read ten books with your child throughout the challenge, and please send us a list. If your child is beginning to read, try alternating who reads each page. Or try reading books above your child's reading level -- it's a sure-fire vocabulary booster!
  
  

All activities must be completed between March 1 and June 1, 2008 and submissions are due by Sunday, June 15. Winners will be announced Monday, Jun 16 at 3 PM.

Please provide documentation of each activity you complete – identify date, time and location of activity; take pictures; and take a few notes! All three are required in order to qualify for the prize. (Certain activities may specify special documentation.)

*** To keep track of all activities and required documentation, please download and print the "Sylvan Dell Challenge Activity Tracker!" (See page 2 of the printable packet.)

Submission Guidelines

After you and your child have completed at least five activities, gather the following materials:

• Your completed "Activity Tracker"
• Copies of all notes, paragraphs, fun facts and/or drawings
• Pictures from each activity
• A short summary of your experience during the Sylvan Dell Challenge
• Complete contact information (Full names of parent(s) and child; age of child; mailing address; phone number; and e-mail address.
  • Please Note: Sylvan Dell Publishing will NEVER release you or your child's detailed contact information to any other company, organization or individual. If your family is a winner or finalist, your name and city/state will be posted on our Web site and released to your local media. If a reporter requests an interview, we will give them your home telephone number and e-mail address. The pictures and other documentation materials you submit may be posted on our Web site, but we will not include any information that will identify children.

Now, please send all of the above materials to:

• Sylvan Dell Publishing
  Attn:  Sylvan Dell Challenge
  612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2
  Mt. Pleasant, SC  29464
• Or e-mail all materials to info@SylvanDellPublishing.com with the subject line “Sylvan Dell Challenge.”
• All entries must be received by June 15, 2008. Winners will be notified by June 16, 2008.
  
  

All entries will be entered into a drawing. One grand prize winner will receive a $500 scholarship for his/her child and 10 Sylvan Dell books. Two runner-ups will win their choice of 10 Sylvan Dell books. (All winners will be chosen at random.)

Thank you for your interest and participation in the Sylvan Dell Challenge. We look forward to receiving your entry and reading about what your family has learned throughout this adventure. As you continue to plan fun, educational events for your family, we hope you remember Sylvan Dell Challenge; our artistically spectacular science, math and nature themed stories; and the free parent/teacher resources available on our Web site. For even more fun ideas, check out Book Beat, our bi-monthly e-newsletter!

Questions?
Contact Caroline Harris at CarolineHarris@SylvanDellPublishing.com or (877) 958-2600.

612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
OFFICE: 877-958-2600, 843-971-2600
FAX: 843-216-3804
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