Celebrate America’s 250th by celebrating America’s natural beauty.
Enter the Celebrate America in Nature Photo Contest, presented by the Gulf Coast Council as part of the America 250 Heritage Festival & Scout Expo — Path of the Patriot.
America 250 Heritage Festival & Scout Expo
Hosted by the Gulf Coast Council, Scouting America, this Path of the Patriot celebration marks 250 years of American history and heritage — and the photo contest is part of it. Second-round finalists are printed and put on display at the Expo, where the public and Scouts in attendance help choose the winners.
Four categories, judged by age group.
The contest is open to the public. Every entrant competes in one of four categories — Non‑Scout or Scout, Youth or Adult (18+) — judged separately.
Non‑Scout Youth
Open to any member of the public under 18. Anyone with a camera and an eye for America’s natural beauty is welcome to enter — no Scouting affiliation required.
Non‑Scout Adult (18+)
Open to any member of the public 18 or older. Anyone with a camera and an eye for America’s natural beauty is welcome to enter — no Scouting affiliation required.
Scout Youth
For active Scouting America youth members under 18. Show off what you’ve captured on the trail, at camp, or in your own backyard.
Scout/Scouter Adult (18+)
For active Scouting America members 18 and older, including adult leaders. Show off what you’ve captured on the trail, at camp, or in your own backyard.
What every entry needs
Up to three photos per person. Every entry must meet all of the requirements below to be eligible for judging.
Photos must be taken within the United States.
You must be the unique owner and author of every photo you submit.
No photos of pets or captive animals.
No AI-generated or digitally manipulated images. Entries must honestly and authentically depict the natural world.
Minimum 2500 pixels on the long side, saved as JPG / JPEG.
No watermarks, copyright marks, or logos on the image.
Images must not infringe any copyright, trademark, or privacy right of a third party.
By entering, you allow the Gulf Coast Council to use your photo for promotional purposes.
Two rounds, then the Expo floor decides
Winners are chosen in two rounds — the second happens live, in front of the community.
Entries Open
Submit up to three photos through this page. Gulf Coast Council representatives review every entry.
Council Review
Gulf Coast Council judges select the strongest entries in each category to advance to Round Two.
Public Judging at the Expo
Finalists are printed and displayed at the Rigdon Center, where the public and attending Scouts choose 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category. Winners announced at day’s end.
Enter the contest
Fill out the form below and attach up to three photos. Review the official rules before you submit — incomplete or non-conforming entries can’t be judged.
Check back soon
Entries aren’t open yet — the contest runs September 7, 2026 – October 4, 2026. Bookmark this page and check back once the window opens to submit your photos.
Questions in the meantime? Email ntomecek@gmail.com.
