Montana River of Words

Montana River of Words 2007 finalists are the Darham siblings from Bozeman. Congratulations to them for their fine efforts.

ella jackson max Mira
From left to right: "What Lies Beneath" by Ella Darham, Age 16; "Neighbors", by Jackson Darham, Age 16, "Spring Thaw" by Max Darham, Age 17, and "Creature Story" by Mira Darham, Age 9

River of Words is an arts and environmental education program that:

~ nurtures respect for and understanding of the natural world Entry Form (from web)

~ promotes literacy in all its forms Entry Form (Word doc)

~ trains teachers how to integrate the arts into core curriculum subjects Contest Rules and Guidelines

~ gives youth a forum for expressing their creativity and concerns Deadlines

~ helps children develop a sense of belonging to a particular place National FAQs

~ facilitates interdisciplinary teaching methods Youth Information from ROW

~ distributes, publishes and displays children’s art & poetry

~ publishes an Educator’s Guide and curriculum support materials

River of Words (ROW), a non-profit organization, was founded in 1995 by then-US Poet Laureate Robert Hass and writer Pamela Michael. Every year, in affiliation with The Library of Congress Center for the Book, they conduct an international poetry and art contest for children in grades K-12. See the art gallery for some winning examples.

The River of Words international poetry and art contest focuses on the theme of watersheds, which are those stretches of high land dividing the areas drained by different rivers or river systems. The contest is designed to help students explore the natural and cultural history of the place in which they live, and to express, through poetry and art, what they discover. The contest is open to any child, from 5 to 19 years of age.

The contest runs through the current academic year. Deadline for entries is February 15.

Each April, eight US winners, one international winner, and a "ROW Teacher of the Year" are honored (during National Poetry Month) at an Award Ceremony at The Library of Congress in Washington, DC.

The contest is free, and every child is acknowledged with a personalized “Watershed Explorer” certificate. Children may enter on their own or through schools, nature centers, libraries, youth clubs and other organizations. Girl Scouts can earn their “Water Drop” patch by entering the contest and fulfilling other requirements.

The contest deadline is:
North American entries- postmarked by February 15
International entries- received by March 1.

Send entries directly to the national office (this address is for submissions ONLY):
River of Words Contest
PO Box 4000-J
Berkeley, CA 94704 USA

Contest Rules

In Montana:
We will do our best to recognize, publicize and honor those students and teachers submitting work from Montana. The Montana Watercourse will receive copies of the Montana submissions by working in conjunction with the national ROW office. We have a travelling exhibit honoring 2005-2006 submissions in Montana. If you have any questions or would like to participate or host the exhibit, please contact us.