Pages and Petals – Youth Writing Adventure

Pages & Petals – Youth Writing Adventure
Then vs. Now: Keeping the Generation Gap at Bay

This storytelling Adventure is a community-wide, intergenerational writing experience where children and youth explore how life has changed from then to now—and share those discoveries as handwritten Adventures with local senior citizens.

Many seniors may have no idea what a meme is (and that’s part of the fun).

By inviting young writers to explain today’s world while learning firsthand about the past, this Adventure creates meaningful connections through storytelling, imagination, and reflection.

 This is more than a writing contest.
It’s a bridge between ages, experiences, and stories.

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Who Can Participate

Children in Kindergarten–9th grade from public, private, faith-based, and homeschool settings are welcome.

The Adventure is open to families across the Yakima Valley, including communities from Ellensburg to Sunnyside and surrounding areas.

Participation is based on age, not school type.

Staff members’, caregivers’, and vendors’ children may participate, provided they do not disclose their parent’s identity. Our goal is to create a fair and unbiased event for everyone.

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Adventure Theme: Then vs Now

Stories explore how life has changed from then to now, with room for creativity and imagination. Young Adventurers will choose from a provided list of Adventure categories.

Adventures may include:

• Light research and reflection
• History, memory, and growth
• Meaningful comparisons across generations

Spanish-language submissions are welcome. Adventures may be written in Spanish or bilingual (Spanish/English).)

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Pages & Petals Young Writers Adventure – “Then vs. Now” Topic Choices

Everyday Life & Technology

1. How People Told Time: Clocks, Watches, and Before Electricity ⏳
   Think about sundials, grandfather clocks, and no electricity — how did people know what time it was then compared to phones and digital clocks today?
2. Phones: From Rotary Dials to Smartphones 📱
   Compare old phones with dials and party lines to today’s smartphones and video calls.
3. Mail: Letters, Postcards, and Email ✉️
   Explore writing letters, licking stamps, and waiting weeks for mail vs. instant emails and texts.
4. How Food Was Kept Cold Before Modern Refrigerators 🧊
   Imagine iceboxes, root cellars, and no fridges — how did people store food then compared to today?
5. Price of Food: What Did Groceries Cost Then vs. Now? 🛒
   Look at old prices for milk, bread, or candy vs. what things cost at the store today.
6. Popular Fruits: What People Ate (and When Things Like Limes Became Common) 🍎
   Think about what fruits were easy to get long ago vs. the wide variety we have now.

School & Fun

1. School Teachers: Then vs. Now 🍎
   Compare one-room schoolhouses, strict rules, and chalkboards to today’s classrooms and teachers.
2. After-School Fun: What Kids Did for Fun in the 1930s vs. Today 🎮
   Imagine playing outside, hopscotch, and no screens vs. video games, sports, and apps today.
3. Favorite Books of Kids Then and Now 📚
   Think about classic books like Little House on the Prairie vs. popular series kids read today.
4. Comic Books Through the Years 🦸
   Compare old comic books sold at newsstands to today’s graphic novels and digital comics.
5. Hairstyles Kids Wore Then vs. Now 💇
   Look at old photos of kids’ haircuts and styles vs. today’s trends and colors.
6. Slang: The Words Kids Used Then vs. Today 🗣️
   Explore old sayings like “swell” or “cool beans” vs. today’s slang and emojis.
7. Favorite TV Shows and Movies Then vs. Now 🎬
   Compare black-and-white TV shows and old movies to today’s streaming shows and blockbusters.
8. Memes and Humor: How People Shared Jokes Before the Internet 😂
   Think about sharing jokes in person, on the radio, or in newspapers vs. memes and viral videos today.
9. Toys Kids Loved Then vs. Today 🧸
   Compare wooden toys, marbles, and dolls from long ago to today’s action figures, LEGO, and electronic toys.

Community Helpers

1. Nurses: Then vs. Now 🏥
   Think about nurses in old hospitals vs. today’s medical teams and technology.
2. Police Officers: Then vs. Now 🚔
   Compare old-time officers on foot patrol to today’s police with cars, radios, and training.
3. Veterans and Military Life Then vs. Now 🎖️
   Explore stories from past wars vs. what veterans and military families experience today.
4. The Navy Then vs. Now ⚓
   Compare old ships and sailor life to modern navy ships and technology.
5. Model Cars and Racing Through the Years 🚗
   Think about building model cars in the past vs. today’s remote-control cars and racing games.
6. Flags and What They Represented Then vs. Now 🇺🇸
   Look at how flags were used and honored long ago compared to today.

Faith & Values

1. Being a Giant Slayer: David Then vs. Courage in Our Lives Now 🪨
   Compare the biblical story of David facing Goliath with how kids today show bravery in school, sports, or standing up for what’s right.
2. Armor of God: What It Meant Then vs. How We Put It On Today 🛡️
   Explore the spiritual armor in Ephesians 6 and how kids today “wear” those qualities in everyday life.
3. Bible Stories Kids Loved Then vs. Now 📖
   Compare classic Bible storybooks, flannelgraph lessons, and memorized verses with animated Bible videos and interactive apps.
4. Heroes of Faith: Bible Characters Then vs. People Living Out Faith Now 🌟
   Compare figures like Esther, Daniel, Ruth, or the Good Samaritan with modern examples of believers showing courage and kindness.

Business & Work

1. How People Got Jobs: Finding Work Then vs. Finding Work Now 💼
   Compare paper want-ads, apprenticeships, and word-of-mouth vs. online applications and resumes.
2. Money and Allowance: How Kids Earned and Saved Money Then vs. Now 💰
   Think about chores, lemonade stands, paper routes vs. digital allowances and apps.
3. Family Businesses and Stores: Running a Shop Then vs. Running a Business Today 🏪
   Compare small shops and family farms vs. online businesses and big chains.
4. Inventors and Entrepreneurs: Famous Business Ideas Then vs. Today 💡
   Explore Edison, Ford, or local inventors vs. modern app creators or YouTube entrepreneurs.
5. Advertising Then vs. Now: From Newspaper Ads to Social Media and Influencers 📣
   Compare old radio and TV ads, billboards, and flyers vs. TikTok, Instagram, and sponsored posts.

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!!Required Format (Non-Negotiable)‼

• All entries must be handwritten by the child
• Illustrations are encouraged at all ages
• A typed backup copy is required for clarity

Typed copies do not replace handwritten work. They ensure the child’s voice is clearly understood.

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Grade & Length Guidelines

Kindergarten (K):
Use drawings to share ideas and may include 1–2 words or a short dictated phrase. Spelling and sentence structure are not required.

Grade 1:
Write 1–2 simple sentences supported by an illustration. Phonetic spelling and basic spacing are acceptable.

Grade 2:
Write a short paragraph of 3–5 sentences on one topic. Basic capitalization and punctuation are expected.

Grade 3:
Write one organized paragraph with a clear topic and supporting details. Neat handwriting and simple transitions are encouraged.

Grade 4:
Write one full handwritten page with an introduction, supporting details, and a conclusion. Writing should show clear organization and mostly correct grammar.

Grade 5:
Write 1–2 handwritten pages using multiple paragraphs. Ideas should be supported with details and edited for clarity and correctness.

Grade 6:
Write 1–2 well-organized handwritten pages with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Transitions and consistent grammar are expected.

Grade 7:
Write 1–2 handwritten pages that clearly explain or analyze a topic. Writing should include organized paragraphs and varied sentence structure.

Grade 8:
Write about 2 handwritten pages with deeper reasoning and strong organization. Word choice, transitions, and editing should reflect grade-level maturity.

Grade 9:
Write 2–3 handwritten pages with a clear thesis and well-developed paragraphs. Writing should demonstrate logical flow, analysis, and revision.

Creativity and effort matter more than spelling or grammar.

If your Adventurer isn’t enrolled in a traditional grade-level program, please assign their category based on age using the guide below. This ensures every child is placed fairly and appropriately:

• Ages 5–6: K–1st
• Ages 7–8: 2nd–3rd
• Ages 9–10: 4th–5th
• Ages 11–12: 6th–7th
• Ages 13–15: 8th–9th

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How Winners Are Chosen

Each submission to the Pages & Petals Young Writers Adventure is read and reviewed with care by our senior-led review team.

Our goal is always to honor creativity, effort, and storytelling. We look for entries that thoughtfully explore the “Then vs. Now” theme in age-appropriate, imaginative ways.

That said, this is a family- and senior-friendly adventure, not a high-pressure competition. We fully expect to fall in love with many (if not all) of the entries—and when that happens, we keep the spirit of the adventure light and joyful.

If finalists are closely matched, we may:

• Assign each entry a number and select finalists by random draw, or
• Use a simple, good-natured method to break a tie

After all, this is an adventure meant to celebrate creativity, connection, and fun—not stress or perfection.

Every participant is valued, encouraged, and celebrated for their effort and voice.

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Tutor Guidelines

Tutors and adults may:

• Help brainstorm ideas
• Assist with spelling and structure

Tutors may not:

• Rewrite the child’s work
• Replace the child’s voice

Encourage—don’t edit.

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!!Required Online Sign-Up (Adult Only)!!

Before submitting any entry, a parent or legal guardian must register at the Pages & Petals Youth Writing Adventure Sign up Form.

• Sign-ups open on or after March 10, 2026
• Adults must read and agree to all policies, procedures, and media guidelines
• A valid working email address is required
• A backup email is strongly recommended

⚠️ No online sign-up = no entry accepted, regardless of the child’s age.

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Email Matching Rule (Very Important)

The email(s) written on the submission must exactly match the email(s) used during online registration.

If a backup email is provided online, both emails must appear on:

• The handwritten entry
• The typed backup copy

If emails cannot be matched, the entry cannot be accepted.

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Guardian Contact Information

To help us keep each Adventure organized and ensure we can celebrate every child properly, please include the following on the back of each Adventure story, illustration, and/or draft pages:

• Primary adult email address written clearly on the back of each page
• Backup adult email address (strongly encouraged) written on the back of each page
• Adult phone number written on the back of each page (required)

The primary email must match the email used during online registration. If you include a backup email in the online form, that same backup email must also appear on the back of all submitted materials.

This simple step helps prevent delays if an email fails and ensures we can contact you if pages become separated.

Please also include on the back of each creative Adventure submission:

• Child’s first name only
• Child’s age

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Encouraged Creativity & Drafting

We encourage children to:

• Include drawings, sketches, or illustrations at any age
• Use draft pages or practice sheets as part of their creative process
• Explore ideas freely before choosing their final story

Creativity is part of the journey. Drafts, drawings, and imagination are always welcome.

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Media, Photography & Story Sharing

Pages & Petals is a celebratory, community-based experience centered on youth creativity and senior wisdom. As part of the Pages & Petals Youth Writers Adventure and related events, including the Pages & Petals Mother’s Day Bazaar, children’s written work, artwork, and event moments may be photographed, filmed, video recorded, or written about for community celebration, documentation, and promotion.

Stories and images may be shared through official websites and social media platforms, event displays and recaps, printed or digital storytelling features, and local or regional news coverage.

Content may be shared by Peach Tree Retirement Center, Pages & Petals, Testify Swag Official – Statement Wear Announcing God, Che’y’s Dessert Delights, Peach Tree residents and affiliates, participating sponsors and community partners, and media outlets covering the event.

When children are identified publicly, we use first name only, age, and Adventure Recognition status (if applicable). Adult names, contact information, and private family details are not published.

Families who prefer limited media exposure may request reasonable accommodations, such as story-only images or photos without faces, by emailing PeachTreeMedia1@gmail.com in advance and requesting to speak with Barbara Ziegler. Families should also mention their request on the day of the event so staff can help identify and honor the preference.

Please note: Pages & Petals events take place in public and community settings. While official event media is managed by the organizers, we cannot control photos or videos captured by other attendees.

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Mail-In Learning Experience

Children are encouraged to mail their completed Adventure. This is intentional and teaches:

• How to address an envelope
• How to mail a letter
• A real-life “then vs now” skill

Yes—stamps still matter. 😉
Parents may guide, but the work must be the child’s.

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Drop-Off Option (Still a Real Letter!)

For families who choose the drop-off option, entries must still be treated like real mail:

• All Adventures must be placed in an envelope
• The envelope must be addressed just like a mailed letter

This keeps the experience consistent and helps children learn how mail works—part of the Then vs Now journey. Drop off times will be posted on these pages once we start accepting them:

• Peach Tree Retirement Center Facebook
• Testify Swag Official – Statement Wear Announcing God Facebook

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A Fun Privacy Option 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

If confidentiality is a concern, children may use a creative or superhero-style return address (for example: Captain Creativity, Story City).

That’s totally okay—and fun.

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Practice Makes Confident Writers ✏️

Children are encouraged to practice by:

• Drawing or sketching first
• Drafting ideas on scrap paper
• Practicing writing the address
• Drawing or practicing the stamp area

This practice stage is part of the learning adventure.

👉 Adult assistance is allowed only for Kindergarten–1st Grade when:

• Writing the address
• Labeling the envelope
• Helping prepare the final mailing

For older age groups, encouragement is welcome—but the work should remain the child’s.

Approved drop-off dates, times, and locations will be posted only on:

• Peach Tree Retirement Center Facebook
• Testify Swag Official – Statement Wear Announcing God Facebook

If it’s not posted, it’s not available.

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Participation, Awards & Mother’s Day Celebration

The Celebration Experience

The Writers Celebration & Acknowledgment takes place as part of the broader Pages & Petals Mother’s Day Experience—a warm, community-centered gathering that includes music, food, creative activities, and moments designed to honor mothers, caregivers, seniors, and families.

While this gathering includes a marketplace-style element, it is intentionally designed to be more than a bazaar. It is a shared Mother’s Day experience where families linger, connect, listen, celebrate creativity, and enjoy meaningful time together.

The Young Writers Adventure is a featured and honored part of this experience, with the celebration centered on the children and their stories.

Since this is an outdoor event, we encourage families to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets to relax and enjoy the music and activities.

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Every Child Is Celebrated

Pages & Petals is designed so every participating child leaves encouraged and honored.

The first 500 children who submit an Adventure receives:

• A FREE Mother’s Day gift to give to their adult loved one (mother or mother-figure)
• A Pages & Petals goodie bag as a thank-you for participating

There is no “perfect” story—only authentic ones.

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Award Levels & Finalists

Each Adventure category includes up to three Adventure Recognition acknowledgments, reflecting different strengths and ways of storytelling:

• Keeping the Generation Gap at Bay Recognition
• Then vs Now Journey Recognition
• Young Writers Adventurer Acknowledgment

These recognitions are not ranked. Each honors a different aspect of storytelling.

A Writer Finalist is a participating child whose Adventure has been selected for special recognition and public acknowledgment.

Finalists are selected and voted on by Peach Tree Retirement Center residents, in collaboration with Testify Swag Official – Statement Wear Announcing God, and supported by Resident Ambassadors and the Pages & Petals Community Committee.

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Writers Celebration – Mother’s Day Gathering

📍 Pages & Petals Mother’s Day Bazaar
🗓 Sunday, May 10, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – Writers Celebration & Acknowledgment

The Writers Celebration takes place on May 10, 2026, in honor of Mother’s Day and as part of our annual Pages & Petals gathering.

At 2:00 PM, finalists are posted and celebrated at the Pages & Petals booth. Families can:

• Celebrate their child’s Adventure
• Find out which Adventure Recognition their child received
• Meet Peach Tree residents and senior judges
• Meet sponsors, vendors, and community partners

This celebration is joyful, encouraging, and designed for families—not pressure.

 

Want a complete checklist so you’re extra prepared? Click here!

Or did you want a complete topic list so your Adventurers can think it over? Click here!

 

 

 

Have questions?

Visit our Pages & Petals Frequently Asked Questions page for details about the event, youth writing adventure, vendors, and more.