Fourth-grade Idaho students. Students may be enrolled in public school, private school, charter school, or homeschool.

When should I submit my essay?

All submissions must be received by Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Mountain Time. Handwritten submissions are due to Senator Crapo’s Boise office no later than 4:30 PM Mountain Time.

What should my essay be about?

Essays should answer the prompt, “Why are healthy forests and clean water in Idaho important?”

How long should my essay be?

All essays should be between 350-500 words.

How do I submit an entry?

Essays may be submitted electronically online or handwritten.

Essays may be submitted electronically by visiting https://form.jotform.com/262505633140044. Handwritten essays can be dropped off at or mailed to U.S. Senator Mike Crapo’s Boise office: 251 E Front Street, Suite 205, Boise, Idaho, 83702. Handwritten essays must be received by the contest close date of Wednesday, September 30, 2026, no later than 4:30 PM Mountain Time. Electronic essays must be received by Wednesday, September 30, 2026, no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time.

Unfortunately, handwritten/mailed essays received after 4:30 PM Mountain Time on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, will not be accepted. Electronic essays received after 11:59 PM Mountain Time will also not be accepted.

What are the expectations of the contest winner?

The selected winner will be invited to participate in other events in Idaho (such as the tree harvesting in October) at the winner’s own expense.

The winner, along with three family members, will be flown round trip to Washington, D.C. Hotel accommodations and a $200 stipend per day for meals will be provided. All other expenses are at the expense of the winner.

What do I receive if I win?

The winner, along with three family members*, will be flown round trip to Washington, D.C. Hotel accommodations and a $200 stipend per day for meals will be provided. All other expenses are at the expense of the winner.

Winner also wins the opportunity to participate in the annual, high-profile U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

*It is expected that at least one family member be a parent or legal guardian.

What will happen with my essay if I am selected?

Your essay may be published on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website or on other public-facing websites. You must be willing to read your essay aloud at the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington, D.C., in early December 2026.

I want to participate, but my parent or legal guardian does not want me to be photographed by the media or my face shown online. Can I still participate?

We understand your parent’s or legal guardian’s concerns, but unfortunately, the selected winner will be required to have parental permission to participate. The winner’s parent or legal guardian will be required to sign certain documents granting permission to participate given the public, high-profile nature of the event. The event will be livestreamed on social media, as well as broadcast by a yet-to-be-determined number of media outlets. Your photo may also be published by media outlets. Parental permission to participate is required.

I don’t see an answer to my question. Is there someone I can contact?

For any further questions, please call U.S. Senator Mike Crapo’s Boise (208-334-1776) or Washington, D.C., (202-224-6142) offices.