Portola Valley Nature & Science Committee launches youth climate-action video contest, sets May 29 deadline

The Portola Valley Nature & Science Committee on a special meeting introduced a youth climate-action video competition inviting kindergarten-through-eighth-grade students who live in or attend school in Portola Valley to submit 3–6 minute videos describing a climate action, project or idea.

The chair read the contest description and framed the contest as a way to "amplify youth voices and showcase local action," encouraging projects such as habitat restoration, tree plantings, water or energy-saving habits, inventive solutions or community campaigns. Entries should explain what students did, why it matters and how others could replicate the effort.

Why it matters: Committee members said the contest is intended to foster student leadership, showcase local youth climate work and encourage civic engagement. The committee set a firm submission deadline and assigned outreach tasks so the contest can be promoted through schools and town channels.

Key details decided by the committee include eligibility (kindergarten–eighth grade), recommended video length (3–6 minutes), prize logistics and a presentation plan. In the meeting summary, the committee set the submission deadline to May 29, 2026, at midnight and agreed to announce winners at a town event (PB Palooza) on June 6 if organizers grant time for a brief presentation.

Committee members discussed prizes and budget. With approximately $300 remaining in the committee account, members agreed prizes should avoid direct cash distribution to children; options discussed included ribbons, books, Portola Valley–branded merchandise and donated gift certificates or items from local businesses such as PB Hardware, Alpine Inn, Roberts or Ladera Garden. The committee favored creating equivalent prize baskets so each winner receives similar recognition and items.

Promotion and logistics: The committee assigned tasks for outreach and promotion. Members asked that the contest be posted on the town website and PB Forum and promoted through local schools. The committee asked CJ to draft a contest blurb and flyer for town posting and to notify town staff; Brooke agreed to contact PB Palooza organizers to request a brief awards presentation; Reid and others agreed to reach out to middle-school teachers to encourage classroom participation.

Submission method: The committee discussed having a simple submission mechanism (email to a designated address or a landing page on the town website). A flyer and a town web page will provide full instructions, age limits, the deadline, and contact information for submissions.

Next steps and budget: CJ will prepare the flyer and a short blurb for businesses explaining donation options; Brooke will reach out to event organizers; committee members will solicit in-kind donations and confirm prize baskets. The committee discussed using some of the $300 budget for a banner or promotional materials and agreed a web landing page or flyer is needed to give full contest instructions.

Procedural notes: The committee approved the minutes from the Feb. 12 meeting before starting the contest discussion. A motion to adjourn passed and the chair closed the meeting at 5:46 p.m.; the committee's next regular meeting is scheduled for April 9, 2026.

Quotes from the meeting:
"Are you passionate about protecting the planet?" the chair said while reading the contest description, inviting students to "share their ideas, actions, and solutions to help our environment thrive."