Recreation.gov Unveils 2023 “Share Your Story” Contest Grand Prize Winners

Recreation.gov, in partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton, has announced the grand prize winners of its 2023 “Share Your Story” writing contest. 

This annual competition invites enthusiasts of America’s national parks, forests, and federal recreation areas to share their memorable experiences, aiming to highlight the significance of these natural treasures and the personal connections people form with them.

Tommy Drake, program manager for Recreation.gov, emphasized the platform’s commitment to empowering individuals to explore, dream, and share their journeys across the nation’s federal lands and waters. 

As a collaborative effort among 14 federal agencies, Recreation.gov serves as a central hub for outdoor recreation planning and reservations, striving to enhance customer experience through direct feedback from its users.

The contest underscores the importance of equity, fairness, conservation, and customer satisfaction in the management and enjoyment of federal recreation sites. By encouraging visitors to share their stories, Recreation.gov gathers invaluable insights that help improve its services and ensure a high-quality recreation management solution.

This year’s competition attracted a wide array of stories, categorized into Activities and Adventures, Reaching for the Stars, Traditions (Old and New), Family or Group Travel, and Reflection Journeys. A panel of judges from Recreation.gov selected the winners, who not only shared their adventures but also the emotional and humorous moments that made their experiences unique.

Will Healy, senior vice president of Booz Allen Hamilton, highlighted the contest’s role in promoting a customer-centric approach to outdoor recreation. By celebrating the 2023 winners, Recreation.gov aims to inspire more travelers to create and share their memories, further enriching the community’s collective experience.

The grand prize winners of the 2023 contest are Tracy Long, Stephen Bromberg, and Scott Snell, each bringing a distinct narrative to the forefront. Long’s “My Brilliant Whitewater Grand Canyon Adventure” captures the thrill of whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon, Bromberg’s “Third time’s a charm” recounts the awe of witnessing Alaska’s glaciers, and Snell’s “Over 300 Continuous Trail Miles” describes the endurance and camaraderie of a challenging race.

These stories not only showcase the diverse experiences available across the United States‘ federal lands but also highlight the personal growth and joy derived from outdoor adventures. The winners received REI Gift Cards and an America the Beautiful Pass, encouraging further exploration and adventure.

The “Share Your Story” contest, open to experiences shared between January 1 and September 30, 2023, involved several participating federal agencies, including the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. This initiative plays a crucial role in promoting the outdoor recreation industry by inspiring more people to visit and appreciate the natural and cultural resources managed by the federal government.

Recreation.gov’s efforts to collect and share these stories are vital for the ongoing development and promotion of outdoor recreation. By highlighting individual experiences, the platform not only enhances its service offerings but also contributes to the broader goal of conserving America’s natural landscapes for future generations.

For the outdoor recreation industry, the “Share Your Story” contest represents a unique opportunity to engage with a passionate community of travelers and adventurers. As more people are inspired to explore and share their experiences, the industry can anticipate increased visitation and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

For more information, visit Recreation.gov.