Give the kids a sketch pad and send them outside

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Young Californians have two more weeks to grab a paint brush, camera or pen, spend time with some of their wild neighbors and create a potential winner in the Robert Bateman Get to Know Contest.

The Canadian program was imported to California this year under the sponsorship of the U.S. Forest Service, National Wildlife Federation, California State Parks and more than two dozen other organizations that want children to have some face time with nature.

Students can submit works of art, writing or photography to the contest, which is open to California youngsters no older than 18.

The program was launched in 2000 by Canadian artist and naturalist Robert Bateman, known for his wildlife paintings.

Winners will be awarded prizes and their entries will be published in the 2011 contest calendar and on the Get to Know website.

For entry details, go to http://gettoknow.ca/us/contest/enter.php

-- Bettina Boxall