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Helping Young Voices Take Flight
Encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for birds.
Explore the World of Birds
The AFA Kids Essay Contest invites young writers ages 6–16 to explore the amazing world of birds through research, observation, creativity, and personal experience.
Share Your Voice
The contest encourages students to share their knowledge and passion for aviculture while developing important skills in writing, critical thinking, and communication.
AFA Kids Essay Contest
2027 AFA Kids Essay Contest
Ages 6-16
Essay Due July 1, 2027
Winners Notified By July 15, 2027
Young bird enthusiasts are invited to share their knowledge, creativity, and passion for birds. Choose from one of three subjects: Pet Birds, Conservation, or Breeding Birds.
The grand prize includes full youth conference registration and registration for one accompanying adult to the 53rd Annual AFA Educational Conference, held August 4–7, 2027, in St. Louis, Missouri. The prize is non-transferable.
Review the poster for age-group word counts, essay topics, and complete contest details. Send completed essays to essay@afabirds.org by July 1, 2027.
How the Contest Works
Review the Contest
Read the current rules, topics, and guidelines.
Choose Your Topic
Select Pet Birds, Conservation, or Breeding Birds.
Prepare Your Entry
Write your essay following the age-appropriate word-count guidelines.
Submit with a Guardian
Have a parent or guardian provide the required contact information and submit your entry.
General Guidelines
Ages 6–10
300–500 words
Ages 11–16
500–1,500 words
The requirements above are general guidelines. If there are any changes, the current promotional poster takes precedence.
EXPLORE ● CREATE ● INSPIRE
Submit Your Essay
Please complete the form below to submit an essay for the AFA Kids Essay Contest. A parent or guardian should provide contact information so AFA can follow up if needed.