Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest Opens for Submissions

BOSTON — Students in Massachusetts have the chance to showcase their artistic talents and deepen their understanding of nature through the MassWildlife's Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) art contest.

Open to students from kindergarten through grade 12, the competition invites young artists to create original artwork featuring ducks, geese, or swans in their natural wetland habitats. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 15, 2025.

The JDS contest blends art and science, encouraging participants to explore waterfowl conservation and the importance of wetlands while expressing their knowledge creatively. The program includes a curriculum designed to support educators in teaching about wildlife and conservation, making it a resource for art and science teachers, as well as homeschooling parents.

Entries are judged at the state level in four age categories, with the Best of Show advancing to the national competition. Students, teachers, and parents can find entry guidelines and educational materials on the JDS website.

For more information, contact Pam Landry at pam.landry@mass.gov.

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.