Grades K-8

Independence Challenge

Every year, we hold an Independence Challenge, asking kids to show us all the great things they’re doing on their own!

We know kids are capable of some pretty amazing things. When adults step back and let them do and try things on their own, the sky really is the limit. In this annual contest, we ask kids to show us all the great things they’re learning and tackling independently through photos, videos, and essays.

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Our Independence Challenge contest gives us a great opportunity to showcase childhood independence.

Independence challenge - new things

When you encourage kids to try new things on their own, then they have a chance to discover all types of new interests and passions.

Independence challenge - prizes

Once a year, we’ll open up entries for our contest, giving kids to earn more than $500 in prizes. Plus, they’ll get serious bragging rights!

Independence Challenge - kit

Use the challenge as an excuse to encourage your kids to try something new. You can use our Let Grow Independence Kit to get started.

Education & Schools

Free Independence Kit—Encourage Kids to Step Up and Do More Things on Their Own!

This free curriculum will keeps kids active and learning even when they’re not in school. Get the Let Grow Independence Kit now.

The Challenge will be back in Spring 2021.

Thanks to everyone who entered our 2021 contest. We will be back in spring 2021 with a whole new contest.

Check out last year’s winners!

Independence Challenge 2020

Kingsley, 11

"Helping around the house makes me feel good about myself."

Yug, 7

"I think I can teach people how to cook food now. It's like I'm a mom."

Alice, 7

"It's so accomplishing to think I made my own food."

Mila, 9

"I make breakfast for my mom every day."

Alia, 10

"Now I practice doing things on my own and figuring things out on my own."

Sable, 12

"Being independent is like getting a power-up in a video game or winning a prize at the claw machine."

Sofia 1

Sofia, 9

"It is a time to learn and grow, and that’s exactly what I plan on doing!"

woodworking collage

Lydia, 13

"I played mancala online and I got the idea of making my own real life board. My mom has been teaching me woodworking for a while, and this time I wanted to do it all by myself."

Abby hikes

Abby, 4

"Abby girl has set out to hike as many miles as possible on her own two feet since day one of the crisis." -Erica, Abby's mom

Cambrie

Cambrie, 6

"Cambrie did great making hot dogs for the whole family." -Allison, Cambrie’s mom

Phaedra

Phaedra, 12

Starting, marketing, and running my own business has been a challenge, but I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish.

Carmello with Chicken

Carmello, 10

"My new job that I’ve taken on is taking care of our chickens."

Kira

Kira, 3

"Kira has been helping more and more in the kitchen, and she’s excellent at chopping up veggies!" -Laura, Kira’s mom

Aidan

Aidan, 14

"There's a whole world of possibilities if you're willing to take the time to look for them."

Delia, 14

"Quarantine has allowed me to explore my interests like national parks, gardening, and math."

Owen Running with Brother

Owen, 13

"While walking recently at a nearby state park, Owen asked if he could have a turn pushing the stroller and quickly gave himself and his little brother quite a thrill!" -Gary, Owen's dad

Andrew

Andrew, 17

"His mother has always wanted a Little Free Library. With time on his hands now, he has drawn up plans and started work to build it for her and get it placed in the neighborhood." -Chris, Andrew's dad

Aditya 2

Aditya, 13

"COVID-19 has played a major role in my life because it changed me from a lazy, not so active, and dependent person to an independent, self sufficient, and pretty active human being."

Nari LearningHair

Nari, 11

"This me practicing new hairstyles l see on YouTube. It’s been keeping my very busy."

Marie

Marie, 10

"Marie makes me coffee every morning, she does laundry, she manages our dog on her own, and she keeps herself entertained." -Erika, Marie's mom

LIam

Liam, 9

"The kids designed and built a brick stove in the backyard! They cooked lunch and dinner over it for the family." -Noreen, Liam's mom

Sophie

Sophie, 10

"I like making art on my own, and I didn't need any instruction."

Phoenix Helping Fix a Car

Phoenix, 5

"Phoenix is currently helping his dad take the spare parts off a “parts” car to restore a 1959 Edsel Villager." -Melissa, Phoenix's mom

Noah 13 fixing toilet

Noah, 13

"The toilet fill valve needed to be replaced and my dad couldn't do it bc he just had back surgery, so I learned how!"

Luella 1

Luella, 10

"Sometimes my parents are too cautious but really I know I can do it myself."

Jude Exploring

Jude, 9

"I am strong and fast, and I don't need to be at school or looking at a screen to learn or have fun."

Julian and Lily Making a Greenhouse

Julian and Lily, 11 and 8

"Julian and Lily decided to clean out our “junk room” and turn it into their very own greenhouse. They did all the work themselves from cleaning it out, finding pots, soil and seeds, and doing the planting and watering." -Debbie, Julia and Lily's mom

Myla making coffee

Myla, 9

"Myla has learned a lot of ways to help out around the house." -Justin, Myla's dad

Laura

Laura, 11

"This is me mowing the lawn for the first time ever. It was very difficult, but I still persevered."

Nicholas Cooking with Brother

Nicholas, 7

"Nicholas is Making Sunday’s dinner with his little brother, Nehemiah." -Maya, Nicholas' mom

Angelina

Angelina, 10

"Since my grandpa can not go out and get a haircut, I decided to do it for him. At first he was a little nervous but then when he saw the result, he loved it."

Katie Cooking

Katie, 8

"Since we haven't been able to find pasta in the store, we decided to make our own." -Aimee, Katie's mom

Abel

Abel, 8

"Abel decided to make a falling down shack into a place to hang out when things are better. He had zero budget. A lot of bees. A helpful sister. No parental advice or guidance." -Adam, Abel's dad

Alice and Roz Greenhouse

Alice and Roz, 5 and 6

"Alice and Roz are learning to plant and care for their own plants." -Nicole, Alice and Roz's mom

sewing collage

Diya, 10

"She has started making masks and donating them to the local senior center." -Christina, Diya’s mom