Source: Schleich USA

It’s National Storytelling Day (April 27) and Schleich USA is marking the occasion by kicking off a new collaboration with the National 4-H Council.

The Create Your Story contest is a multiphased promotion that calls on fans of Schleich’s popular animal characters, figures, and playsets, along with 4-H members and kids across the country to take part in creating “one of the year’s most epic tales.”

“At Schleich, we know that kids are natural storytellers,” says Annie Laurie Zomermaand, co-managing director, Schleich USA. “And when their imaginations and creativity are nurtured through community, mentorship, and education, they become tomorrow’s out-of-the-box thinkers and problem solvers. In 4-H, we’ve found the perfect partner to help us follow up the story-inspiring magic of Schleich with this type of leadership.”

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Schleich and 4-H launched a contest website with all the details on how kids can take part by writing, snapping photos, shooting videos, or drawing. Three opportunities to contribute stories will be opened between May and August. Then, 10 stories will be selected for public voting after which two will be included in a special video this fall.

Schleich is also supporting the efforts of 4-H by donating a percentage from the sales of special 4-H bundle packs sold through its official website. Additionally, select physical retailers, including Orscheln Farm and Home, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, and Coastal Farm & Home will have a special display from which $0.50 will benefit 4-H for each Schleich figure purchased.

Source: Schleich USA

“For over 100 years, 4-H has believed in the power of young people, their ability to lead and improve the world,” says Ivan Heredia, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, National 4-H Council. “Our partnership with Schleich will help unlock the imagination and epic stories ready to be shared by our young leaders. This national platform will spark a passion for creativity creating endless possibilities that empower young minds and inspire fun.”

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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