The North Dakota Center for 4-H Youth Development is giving kids a chance to test their creativity and video-making skills this summer.
Youth will be able to create and submit a one- to 10-minute video in one of four categories. Judges will select the top three videos in each category. Those videos will be shown at the North Dakota 4-H Film Festival during the State Fair in Minot.
After the showing, set for 2 p.m. July 24 in the Norsk Room at the State Fair Center on the fairgrounds, the audience will vote on the video to receive the People's Choice Award.
The competition is open to teams of youth in the sixth through 12th grade this school year. Each team should consist of one to four members. At least one member should be a 4-H'er. To join 4-H, visit http://www.ndsu.edu/4h.
The four categories are:
* Fur, Feathers and Fins -- This should be a video featuring an animal as the main character or teaching how to train or work with an animal.
* 4-H SET on Going Green -- This video should promote conservation and "going green," which is the process of changing one's lifestyle by using environmentally friendly products, recycling and limiting the use of natural resources.
* Discover 4-H -- This video should promote 4-H.
* Just for Fun! -- This is a video that doesn't fit into any of the other categories.
Teams who created the top three videos in each category will receive a certificate and a $100 cash award that is to be split among the team members. The team receiving the People's Choice Award also will receive a certificate and a $100 cash prize.
Teams need to register by June 15 and submit their video by June 24.
For more details about the competition and links to information on digital storytelling and tips and tricks on videoing and video editing, click on the 4-H Film Festival link at http://www.ndsu.edu/4h.
"We know we have a lot of talented youth in North Dakota, so we are excited about holding the 4-H Film Festival," says Linda Hauge, NDSU 4-H youth development specialist and festival organizer. "We hope to make this an annual event."
