Junior Grange Contests
Poetry Contest
Deadline: September 1
Poetry can be a great expression of what you see in the world. There are a number of different styles and you are encouraged to explore and investigate at least three different styles of poetry to help you understand how to format your own poem. Rhyming structures are not required, but can be fun!
Submissions for each prompt are accepted but only one submission per prompt, unless Haiku format is used, which can be a collection.
Poems written for the Poetry contest may be used in conjunction with the Public Speaking Poetry Slam! Contest.
For complete details on this contest, please view the 2026 Junior Grange Program Guide.
Creative Writing Contest
Deadline: September 1
There are two categories for Creative Writing: Celebrating America’s 250th, or Project Sustenance. Juniors may submit an entry in each category.
Prompt: Imagine you are a child in 1776 who suddenly wakes up in the year 2026. Describe what surprises you the most. What do you see, hear, or feel? What is different from your life long ago?
Prompt: Imagine you are a child living in 1776 whose parents support the American Revolution. One day, you are transported to the year 2026. Write a story describing your life in 1776, how you arrived in the future, and what surprises you most about modern life.
Prompt: Imagine you are a child living in 1776 during the early days of the American Revolution. Though battles have begun, your rural community has not yet been affected. Suddenly, you are transported to the year 2026. Write a detailed story describing your thoughts, emotions, and discoveries as you realize America has become an independent nation. Show clear differences between life in 1776 and 2026.
Prompt: Write a story about learning a skill, either something you have learned or hope to learn.
Prompt: Write a story about a skill you have learned or want to learn by working alongside a mentor (parent, grandparent, leader, or other adult). Story can be real or imagined, today or in the future.
Prompt: Write a story about a skill you have learned or want to learn by working alongside a mentor (parent, grandparent, leader, or other adult) that you will carry into adulthood and teach others. Story can be real or imagined, today or in the future
For complete details on this contest, please view the 2026 Junior Grange Program Guide.
Public Speaking Contest
Deadline: September 1
Public speaking is a skill that will help you to understand topics you are passionate about and teach others all about your interests, skills, and expertise.
In an effort to make our public speaking contests more accessible to our Junior Grangers and also keep up with getting out in front of a community, we are opening up a variety of categories. We would like you to write and memorize your speech or poem. There are a few topics in each category to choose from.
- Poetry Slam!
- Poetry Slam! Community Night Plan
- Informational Speeches
- Demonstration Speeches
- Youth Fair Demonstration Speeches
We would like you to either present your speech at your local Grange's regular meeting or have your local Grange host a community night where youth can read their speeches and/or poetry. Speeches should be recorded, showing the community or members present, and then submitted to the National Junior Grange Director. Submission information is detailed in each category. A winner from each age group and category will be chosen and asked to present their speech at the National Convention in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, in November.
For complete details on this contest, please view the 2026 Junior Grange Program Guide.
Junior Talent Showcase
Deadline: September 1
Let’s Get Ready to Shine
Everyone has something they are good at. It might be something you practice all the time or something you just love to do for fun. You do not need to be perfect or the best at something.
You just need the courage to try.
The Junior Grange Talent Showcase is your chance to step forward and share what makes you unique. This challenge is about confidence, creativity, and having fun while supporting one another.
If you have ever thought, “I wish I could show people this,” this is your moment.
For complete details on this contest, please view the 2026 Junior Grange Program Guide.
Photography Contest
Deadline: September 1
Photography is an integral part of life; it is how we capture our memories, beautiful landscapes that will never look the same again, and can even aid in informational purposes.
This year, we have a few different categories to choose from, and each member may submit one photograph to each category. Take time to consider composition, lighting, and subject.
Category Choices
- Landscape - Open
- Landscape - Energy in Action
- Animals/ Pets
- Portrait
- America The Beautiful
- Documentary, with a focus on Project Sustenance
For complete details on this contest, please view the 2026 Junior Grange Program Guide.
Recipe Contest
Deadline: September 1
Is cooking your jam? We want to try your favorite recipes!
In an effort to help promote Kids in the Kitchen, we want to hear all about your favorite meals and treats.
Submitted recipes are not required to be original creations; however, they must not be previously published. Traditional family recipes, including those passed down through generations, are encouraged.
Categories for all ages
- Soups
- Salads
- Dinners
- Desserts
- Cookies
For complete details on this contest, please view the 2026 Junior Grange Program Guide.
Sign-a-Song Contest
Deadline: September 1
The goal of the National Junior Grange Sign-a-Song Contest is to connect Junior members to Deaf culture by learning their language either by finger-spelling or using ASL. The National Junior Grange Sign-A-Song Contest is open to all Junior Grangers or 1+ members. Junior members are encouraged to perform their Sign-a-Song in front of their Grange or at a state-level contest. Winners will be announced during the National Grange Convention.
Categories:
- 5-8 years old: Sign their Name and the ABC’s song
- 9-11 years old: Sign their Name and a choice of:
- “JUNIOR GRANGERS WILL BE TRUE TO EACH OTHER” (full phrase) or “This Land is Your Land”
- 12-14 years old: Sign their Name and a choice of:
- "Pledge of Allegiance" or ”America the Beautiful”
- Submit a video link via YouTube (unlisted) of you signing your name and song/words of choice
For complete details on this contest, please view the 2026 Junior Grange Program Guide.