Families with children 18 and under are invited to join in on the RGV Family Summer Adventure Challenge (RGVFSAC) and spend all summer enjoying the outdoors.  The Challenge is a chance to spend quality time together while visiting different nature centers and parks in the Rio Grande Valley and, upon completion of the challenges, an opportunity to win cool prizes.

Competing families will be given a challenge journal with 12 challenges that can be completed at any of the area nature sites in the Rio Grande Valley.  At least 10 challenges must be completed over the summer in (at least) 4 different nature sites.  Completed journal entries must include the completion of the challenge (ex: writing/drawing/listing), proof (photo at site or signature) and site information.

On May 26, multiple nature sites across the RGV will be offering a Challenge Kick-off, where families can register and begin the challenges.  Sites will also be providing Free or Discounted entry to registrants during the Challenge.  Free or Discounted entry is ONLY applicable to registered participants, not additional family members or friends.

The challenge begins on May 25 and ends August 31.  On-line Registration opens May 18.  In-person registration begins May 25 at all area nature sites. Families can continue to register for the challenge through August 1.  Registrants will be mailed a registration packet (includes Team Sign, Discount/ Free Entry Card, Site information, etc) within a week of registration. Registration Packets can also be picked up in person at the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center (714 Raul Longoria Rd, Edinburg TX).

Journals can be obtained in one of three ways.  ONE: In the registration form below, please indicate if you would like your journal mailed to you.  You will be mailed your Journal within one week of registration, along with your registration packet,  TWO:  Pick up a journal in person at the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center (714 Raul Longoria Rd, Edinburg TX), or Three:  Download the journal at naturechallenge.tamu.edu/.

If you prefer to go the paperless route, you can also create an account on the Texas Nature Challenge Website.  Visit naturechallenge.tamu.edu/ to set-up an account (using your team name from when you registered), choose the RGV as your region, and complete the challenges on line.  Remember to upload photos for your "proof" of challenge completion, and label your photos with the challenge # and the site.

Challengers can also submit entries on Facebook @ RGV Family Summer Adventure Challenge 2019.  When submitting your entries and photo proof, please remember to tag or label them with your team name,  the site visited and the challenge # completed.  We also encourage you to add #RGVFSAChallenge to all your challenge entries or photos. Please note: please make your post PUBLIC in order for us to be able to see and count the entries.

All entries, whether written on the Challenge Journal pages and/or submitted on-line via Texas Nature Challenge or Facebook must be completed and turned in by 5 pm on August 31 to be considered for the raffle.  Written challenges (ie: completed Journal) must be received at a participating nature site by 5 pm on August 31.  Journals can also be mailed to: Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center, 714 Raul Longoria Rd, PO Box 1079, Edinburg TX 78540, but must be received by 5 pm on August 25 to qualify.  All challengers will be invited to the Awards Ceremony in September as part of the Family Summer Adventure Challenge Family Day and Wrap up (Location & Date TBD).