In an effort to get kids outside experiencing nature in all forms, Travel Oregon, in partnership with National Geographic Kids magazine, is inspiring children to discover tide pools, learn about unusual sea life, go whale watching and experience quintessential beach activities along the 363 miles of Oregon’s public coastline. Travel Oregon and National Geographic Kids last month launched a contest entitled explOREGON: The Pacific Ocean. Two entrants were chosen to win an Oregon Coast experience based on their originality in demonstrating the wildlife and surroundings that make the Pacific Ocean unique, and their enthusiasm for exploring the area.

The winners are Luci S., age 14, of Marysville, Kan., and Adam C., age 9, of Tampa, Fla. Luci and Adam were chosen from more than 750 entries nationwide. To enter the explOREGON: The Pacific Ocean contest, kids were asked to write an original essay of no more than 100 words describing what they would like to explore if given a chance to see the Pacific Ocean. They were also tasked with drawing a picture that illustrated how they visualized the Pacific.

Luci, who has never experienced the Pacific Ocean, wrote of the juxtaposition she imagines between the waves of grass in her hometown and the ocean waves in Oregon. Adam will make a return trip to the Pacific and noted his excitement about viewing raptors and osprey in their native environment. Congratulations to both of our winners!

For more information on visiting Oregon with the entire family, please visit www.traveloregon.com/kids.

See all the winning drawings, please view them on our Flickr account here.