Our Life Happens Outside® Challenge provides a way for a whole school to spend as much time as possible outside for one whole week.

Every minute outside counts - from sports practice to dog walking, camping in the yard, or doing homework in the park!

It’s best when the whole school takes part and the community supports them. And most importantly, the challenge provides an outlet for kids to be unplugged outside and engaged in real life.

Dates: May 8-15, 2026

Participants: Students, faculty, and staff at Maine Middle schools (grades 5-8)

The prize: The top six schools with the most outdoor minutes will win cash prizes to use toward outdoor activities for their school. Awards are given by school size (small, medium, and large): $1,000 for First Place and $500 for Second Place in each category.

Check out our Life Happens Outside® Challenge webpage here for more details!