“Ready, set, pitch!” Seventy high school and college students come to life in a conference room at New York University. Facing them in an outer ring of chairs are adults—a cross-section of government officials, foundation board members and other deep-pocketed notables from the worlds of social service and philanthropy. They will soon vote and award three students $1,000 each to fund their projects.

This is “Speed Pitch,” the culmination of DoSomething.org’s Social Action Boot Camp, which aims to inspire, empower and celebrate young people who are passionate about community service. Throughout the daylong conference, students have shared and sharpened their ideas of social reform; this is their final opportunity to present them to people of power. Each teen came with a plan for a nonprofit project, like creating a cheerleading squad for special-needs students or crafting homemade gifts for children in local hospitals. As the students deliver their two-minute speeches, the experts listen and offer advice. When a facilitator calls, “Time’s up!” the teens move one seat over and start the pitching process again. Think of it as speed dating for social causes.

Community service is a core value of this generation—the so-called millennials. Their interest in giving back has become one of its most salient characteristics, according to Neil Howe, a demographer and the coauthor of Millennials Rising (Vintage). In fact, college students in 2009 ranked the Peace Corps and Teach for America among their top ideal employers. Neither made the cut in 2000; Wall Street brokerage firms and major financial institutions dominated the list back then. “The service ethic of kids today supports civic institutions and is built around the tangible doing of good deeds,” says Howe.

And these teens see a real value in volunteering, not just for the people they help but for their own educations as well. Kids like 17-year-old Alex Pommier of Cupertino, California, who  created the Ethiopian Aid Project to deliver school supplies and other goods to Gara Dima, Ethiopia. “I’m not  implying school is unimportant, but we spend so much time memorizing facts,” he says. “I’m not sure how much of that I’ll still be using in 20 years.” Volunteering, though, has taught him life lessons. “I’ve developed management skills, worked through language barriers and realized the importance of teamwork,” he says. “I’ve learned things from volunteering that I will never forget.

Meet other millennials—all alumni of DoSomething’s Boot Camps—who have channeled their idealism and energy into bettering the lives of others.

Chapel Hill High School Community Garden

Kristen Powers, 18

Chapel Hill, North carolina

Once a neglected plot of land, Chapel Hill High School Community Garden has been cultivated into a lush, productive space.

• Driving Force: In early fall 2008, Kristen’s biology teacher and eco-club adviser mentioned the ugly empty lot next to the school’s tennis court. The 50 x 70-foot area was overgrown with grass and weeds; on it stood an abandoned greenhouse covered with vines and dirt. It was the perfect spot for a garden, the teacher said, but who had the time and motivation to clean up the mess? “It bugged me to see a problem when I knew there was a solution,” says Kristen, who was the founder and president of the high school’s environmental club, the Green Tigers. With six initial members, tackling the garden seemed like a doable first project. “We realized we could have a discernible impact,” she says.

• Call to Action: Luckily, growing season was three months away. “It was just enough time to get the plot ready,” says Kristen. But there was a bit of a learning curve. “We were Green Tigers without green thumbs,” she admits. The students didn’t know what to grow, and preparing the yard for planting was more involved than they’d anticipated. “Initially I thought we should make the garden produce as soon as possible,” Kristen says. “But a more sensible short-term goal was to clean it up before researching which crops would flourish.”

• Room to Grow: Soon enough, the garden’s visible changes inspired other kids, parents and teachers to pitch in and reclaim the land. Students received service credits for tasks like cleaning out the greenhouse, planting flowers and creating wood-chip walkways, but soon they were stopping by the garden simply to hang out. Local gardeners suggested growing techniques. “We tilled, moved mulch and added compost to beds,” says Kristen, who also led a fundraising drive that brought in $3,000. In spring 2010, the Green Tigers had their first successful harvest: kale, mustard greens, arugula, potatoes and onions. It was enough to fill 50 bags with produce for an informal salad fest for the 100 volunteers—the majority of them students—who had beautified a piece of Chapel Hill under Kristen’s direction. The Green Tigers have since donated 135 bags of organic produce to the community.

Say It Loud and Payin’ the Price

Jordan Coleman, 16

Hackensack, New Jersey

The films Say It Loud and Payin’ the Price promote awareness about issues affecting teens.

• Driving Force: In 2007 and 2008, Jordan was the voice of Tyrone the Moose on the cartoon show The Backyardigans. The gig earned him some extra money. “At first I wanted to spend it on clothes and sneakers,” he admits. “But my parents challenged me to do something good for the community instead.” So, using his cash, his Hollywood connections and his mom Chrisena’s resources as a reporter, he decided to make a movie with a message. “While I always loved school, I noticed a lot of my friends didn’t do so well,” he says. “By the time I was in the sixth grade, I was one of only three African-American boys in advanced classes. Other boys seemed to be more interested in being the next sports hero or superstar.”

• Call to Action: Say It Loud emphasized the importance of staying in school—a critical issue in the African-American community, since less than half of boys graduate high school. Chrisena helped Jordan contact the agents of influential African-American entertainers, athletes and politicians. Those people interested in his cause agreed to on-camera interviews. Jordan spoke with NBA stars Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter, former NFL great Michael Strahan, rapper Ludacris and politician and talk-show host Reverend Al Sharpton. (“Did you do well in school?” Jordan asked Kobe. “I got mostly A’s and B’s,” the basketball player said. Jordan asked Ludacris, “What advice do you have for African-American boys?” His response: “Education is first and foremost.”) AMC Theaters sponsored a seven-city tour of the film in conjunction with Kids Summer Movie Camp; the $1 kids’ admission fee was donated to Roy Rogers charity. (See film clips at sayitloudfilm.com.)

• Now Playing: Jordan’s most recent film, Payin’ the Price, is about dating violence, a topic he became interested in after the stir created by the 2009 arrest of Chris Brown for alleged domestic violence against singer Rihanna. “That’s what all the kids were talking about,” he says. “Boys and girls had such different feelings about it.” Through his research, Jordan found that one in three teens is a victim of dating violence. “That’s a staggering statistic,” he says. He shot the film using the $10,000 he received for participating in MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew. “I want everyone to understand how serious this is.”

Renaissance Now

Ritwika Mitra, 15, and Radhika Mitra, 19

Fremont, California

Renaissance Now aids artists and craftspeople in India and other countries by providing free tools, training and marketing assistance.

• Driving Force: In 2008 Ritwika and Radhika were visiting relatives in Calcutta. One afternoon they were taking a cab ride through the crowded streets and halted at a red light. “When you stop, people come to the window to sell their wares,” Radhika explains. A boy who looked about 8 years old approached their cab and held up a handmade necklace. When the light turned green, a rickshaw seemed to come out of nowhere and knocked him down. “The rickshaw driver didn’t do anything,” Radhika recalls. “And the cab driver cursed the boy and then drove off.” The callous disregard for a child’s safety was stamped into their memory. “Alongside the poverty, seeing him get hurt and hearing his cries was too much to handle,” remembers Ritwika. “We had to do something.”

• Call to Action: They decided to raise money for tools—chisels, magnetic clasps and leather-sewing machines—to help local artists produce crafts like handbags, pottery and dolls more efficiently. The sisters organized a fundraising dinner and art auction in Fremont that drew 150 people and raised $11,000. But there was one more step: Before they could teach the craftspeople in India how to use the tools, they had to become skilled themselves. Consulting books and online tutorials, they learned how to weave and use the woodworking machines, says Radhika. The next year they returned to the Bengal region to share their lessons, and have since conducted projects in Romania, Bangladesh and the United States. Today, artists around the globe can connect with Renaissance Now and watch instructional videos through its channel on YouTube, youtube.com/supportren.

• Key to Empowerment: “We don’t want to throw money at the problem,” Radhika says. “Our goal is to help people become more financially independent so they don’t have to put themselves in harm’s way for the sake of making money.”

Woofin’ & Hoofin’

Adin Lykken, 20

Glen Ellyn, Illinois Woofin’ & Hoofin’ sponsors a 5K race for people—and a 1-miler for their pets—to support a shelter and fight cruelty to animals.

• Driving Force: Adin’s project marries two of his passions: animals (he grew up with one cat but his grandparents owned three dogs and three cats) and running (he was captain of his high school cross- country team). He always knew that he wanted to support a social cause but didn’t know which one until he visited an animal shelter, DuPage County Animal Care & Control. “It was sad to see dogs and cats being abandoned,” Adin says. “But I also realized many others were being adopted, which gave me hope.” So he created Woofin’ & Hoofin’, a charity built around a fundraising race. “Instead of asking my parents for money, I applied for grants,” he says. “I couldn’t believe organizations would give money to teenagers on good faith!” Initially he received two $500 grants from DoSomething; once the event was established, he won a $5,000 Best Buy @15 award for social entrepreneurship.

• Call to Action: “I started by gathering a group of six people I could trust,” Adin recalls. “All were achievers who could work independently.” On Mondays after school the friends held 45-minute brainstorming sessions to throw around ideas. Eventually they agreed on raising money for the shelter by organizing Woofin’ & Hoofin’, a 5K for people, as well as a Doggie Dash 1-miler (woofinhoofin.org). Entry fees are $25 per person running the 5K, $20 for pet owners jogging alongside their dogs. In June 2009 about 70 runners competed in the first 5K at Newton Park in Glen Ellyn, and there were 15 Doggie Dash participants. “Everyone who competes gets something—either a medal or a doggie treat,” says Adin. The following year there were 75 finishers in the 5K and 40 Doggie Dashers.

• Pet project: The event has raised $16,000 for Friends of DuPage County Animal Care & Control, the organization that staffs the shelter. “This experience has taught me that life is about passion and dedication, not merely test scores and GPAs,” says Adin, who is now a sophomore at Yale, majoring in political science and economics. “When I needed someone to take care of a last-minute emergency, I didn’t turn to the person with the highest grades, but the one with the greatest commitment.”  l

Young people who grow up in a household where someone volunteers are twice as likely to volunteer regularly. Nurture Your Do-gooder.

Q: How can parents get a kid to become more interested in volunteering and social action?

A: By creating a home environment that welcomes it. Notice I said welcomes, not pushes. There’s a big difference. We don’t recommend pushing this kind of thing on your kid.

Q: Experts often recommend encouraging kids to become involved in causes they care about. How can parents get that conversation started?

A: Don’t ask, What do you like? Instead, ask, What makes you mad? What would you change if you could? One question that works especially well: If you had one minute to talk to President Obama, what would you want to tell him?

Q: So once you’ve helped your kid identify a hot-button issue, what comes next?

A: Some parents make the mistake of saying, “Since you care about abandoned dogs, let’s go to the shelter next week and do something about it.” Don’t approach it that way. Let him express why he cares about the issue on his own. Then say, “I didn’t know that,” or “What can we do to help?” Let him feel like he is leading the charge, like the next step is up to him. Be supportive.

Q: How about leading by example? Should parents volunteer more often to spark their kids’ interest?

A: That kind of role modeling is terrific—if you pick a cause that is meaningful to you. But be sure to let your kids find their own things. It will be longer lasting and more meaningful that way.

At DoSomething.org’s six Social Action Boot Camps around the country, Nancy Lublin—CEO and Chief Old Person (yes, that’s actually her title)— regularly meets kids who exemplify their generation’s desire to make positive changes in the world. Lublin, who coauthored a book for kids interested in getting involved—Do Something: A Handbook for Young Activists (Workman)—talks about how to motivate your teen.

FamilyCircle.com

Share stories of teens making a difference at familycircle.com/actingup

Every time I think of Mother’s Day food, I always think of breakfast. You know, pancakes, waffles, muffins, fruit, eggs, coffee…Mmm. Now I’m super hungry and I hope you are too! So, let’s celebrate!

This recipe is a very easy and quick way to get a lot of great protein and for the mother in your life to feel extra special on that day.

I’ve paired the breakfast with just some simple orange slices to brighten up her day. And if you’re a mom out there, just leave this page open for your husband and kids to see…hint, hint!

I hope you enjoy this recipe and come back for more very soon! Happy Mother’s Day!

Land O’Frost Breakfast Cups

Ingredients

• 12-24 slices of your favorite Land O’Frost sliced deli meats
• 12 eggs
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 slices of your favorite cheese, cut into fourths

How-To

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Spray a 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
3. Line the cups with 1-2 slices of meat, making a little bowl out of it.
4. Meanwhile, beat the eggs and pepper together.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the meat cups.
6. Lay a piece of the cheese over the cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until light golden brown and completely cooked.
8. Serve right away!

Ingredients:

• 1 serving from Blimpie Best Sub Kit (2 slices of Prosciutto Cotto Ham, Smoked Ham, Capacola Ham and Salami)
• 1 sub roll
• Oregano (as desired)
• Oil (as desired)
• Red wine vinegar (as desired)
• Shredded lettuce (as desired)
• 2-3 rings of onion
• 2 slices tomato
• 2 slices Provolone

*Recipe adapted from the official Blimpie Best sandwich

Directions:

1. Cut bread in half lengthwise.
2. Add oregano, oil and red wine vinegar to top half. Arrange lettuce, onion and tomato on bottom half, then layer slices of Land O’Frost Blimpie Best Sub Kit lunch meat.
3. Top with slices of Provolone.
4. Enjoy!

When I heard about Land O’Frost’s multi-year partnership to support Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation it hit especially close to home.  My daughter and husband are both Type I Diabetics.  Although I am very thankful that diabetes is a manageable disease, it can still be very challenging. Anything I can do to help further awareness or raise funds to find a cure you can count me in.

Now, I’d love to introduce you to my family as we share our story. …….what it’s like for a family living with Type I Diabetes.

Do you have a child with Type I Diabetes?  I’d love to connect with you and hear your story.  Leave a comment below so we can all get to know each other.

The winner of the popular vote is David of the “Vote for David Giving his Regards to Broadway” video

The panel of Broadway professionals have chosen “The Entertainers” by Ramona!

Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to all of you who sent in a video for our contest.

We’ve been doing a lot of celebrating lately in our anticipation of this little baby’s arrival. However, we like celebrating a lot in general. Family gatherings are a great way to have a good excuse to do a lot of baking and cooking…and of course, eating (my favorite)!

This past weekend, my family came up to help my husband and me with some projects around the house in preparation for the new baby. My husband and my dad installed an attic fan (much needed for those of us in the South), while my sisters, my mom, and I made a crafty mobile for the nursery (thank goodness for Pinterest for these ideas)!

With all of that working, our crowd got hungry in a flash! It was time to pull out the sandwich fixings! I set out a huge buffet of sandwich meats (only the best, Land O’Frost, of course), cheeses, and plenty of toppings for all of the picky eaters. I even had sides of fruit salad and an assortment of chips! It’s the perfect answer to everyone’s tastes, and you don’t have to prep anything. I’m especially grateful not to have to heat up the kitchen when it’s 80 degrees outside and I’m in my 3rd trimester. You ladies know what I’m talking about!

The sandwich buffet was a hit! Everyone got what they wanted and was ready to hit the floors running again on their projects.

So, next time you have a family gathering and want something easy and pleasing, go for the sandwich buffet!

HOW TO PLAY

Find “Land O’Frost Premium® / Avengers Game” (The “Game”) game pieces inserted in specially-marked packages of Land O’Frost Premium® products from April 16, 2012 through May 21, 2012, or while supplies last, whichever occurs first. Each “Land O’Frost Premium® / Avengers Game” game piece has a promotion code (“Promotion Code”) printed on it. To register for a chance to win the Grand Prize and First Prize drawing and to enter your code, visit the following URL address between 9:59:59 a.m. ET on April 16, 2012 and 11:59:59 p.m. ET on July 31, 2012 (the “Promotion Period”): www.landomoms.com (“Website”). Then, click on the special “Land O’Frost Premium® / Avengers Game” icon to be redirected to the promotion page. Follow the on-screen instructions to register for the prize drawing and to submit the Promotion Code appearing on your game piece. Entry limited to game pieces with valid Promotion Codes. Each online entry must contain a separate Promotion Code. Land O’Frost, Inc. (“Sponsor”) is not responsible for missing or damaged game pieces and assumes no liability for retail packages not containing game pieces.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY: Game piece also available via mail-in request – limit one (1) game piece request per outer stamped mailing envelope – by sending a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope to “Land O’Frost / Avengers Game Piece Request,” Land O’Frost Marketing Dept:, 16825 Chicago Ave, Lansing, IL 60438., postmarked by May 21, 2012 and received by May 28, 2012. Residents of VT may omit return postage.  Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, incomplete, illegible, damaged or postage-due entries. Any official game piece that is illegible, mutilated, altered, duplicated, tampered with, forged, cut, torn, contains printing, typographical or other errors, distributed where prohibited by law or not obtained legitimately will be void.  If by reason of printing or other error, more prizes are claimed than number set forth in Official Rules, all persons making purportedly valid claims will be included in a random drawing to award the prize in that category.  No more than advertised number of prizes will be awarded.  If specially-marked package does not contain a Promotion Code, you are not a winner and are not eligible for a prize.  The submission of a prize claim is solely the responsibility of the participant.  Liability for game piece containing printing or other errors is limited to replacement with another game piece, while supplies last. Material submitted becomes the property of the Sponsor and will not be returned.

Eligibility: Participation open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry, except employees of Land O’Frost, Inc., Marvel Characters B.V. (“Marvel”), their subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, advertising and promotion agencies, individuals engaged in the development, production or distribution of materials for this Game, their immediate family members and persons living in the same households of each are not eligible to participate. Void where prohibited by law.

Prizes/Approximate Retail Values (“ARV”)/Odds: A total of 10,000,000 game pieces will be available for distribution. (1) One Grand Prize: A Trip package to New York, NY, with VIP access to Marvel Studios for up to four (4) persons. Grand Prize package consists exclusively of: roundtrip coach air transportation for up to four (4) between major gateway airport nearest winner’s residence and New York, NY; 4 day / 3 night hotel room accommodations, (two rooms, double occupancy); one Helicopter tour of New York City for up to four (4), Limousine service between airport and hotel, between hotel and helicopter tour and between hotel and MARVEL tour in an official S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicle; Tour of Marvel Studios; a meeting with Marvel’s Stark Enterprises staff members; Top Secret Lunch at a destination to be determined by Stark Enterprises / Sponsor; photo with Iron Man Character; official Stark Enterprises ID card; one (1) video camera to record prize-related activities; Personal Assistant to assist with prize-related activities. Approximate retail value of the Grand Prize is: $6,500.

The Grand Prize winner’s travel companions must be eighteen (18) years of age or older, or if a travel companion is a minor, the winner must be such companion’s parent or legal guardian.  The Grand Prize winner and his or her travel companions must travel together on the same itinerary and possess all required travel documents prior to awarding of prize. Air transportation tickets are non-refundable/non-transferable and are not valid for upgrades and/or frequent flyer miles. Sponsor reserves the right to structure the travel route and select hotels in its sole discretion.  ARV for travel prizes may vary depending upon points of departure and destination and fare fluctuations. If the closest airport to a prize winner’s home is in close enough proximity to prize destination city so that, as Sponsor may determine in its sole discretion, a flight is unnecessary, such prize winner will receive alternate transportation from the Sponsor with no further obligation to the winner.  Grand Prize winner will not receive cash or any other form of compensation if actual travel costs are less than the Grand Prize ARV in these Official Rules.  In the event any scheduled Grand Prize event and/or any other component of the prize is cancelled, delayed, or postponed for any reason outside the control of the Sponsor, Sponsor will have no further obligation, other than to award the remainder of the prize.  In the event Grand Prize winner and/or his or her travel companions engage in behavior that (as determined by Sponsor in its sole and absolute discretion) is obnoxious or threatening, illegal or that is intended to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person, Sponsor reserves the right to terminate the trip or other applicable experience early, in whole or in part, and send Grand Prize winner and/or his or her travel companion home with no further compensation.

The Grand Prize winner and his/her travel companions must complete travel by December 31, 2012 and must travel on dates approved by the Sponsor. Dates of departure and return are subject to change at Sponsor’s sole discretion.  If the Grand Prize winner is unable to participate in the Grand Prize trip during dates approved by Sponsor, the Grand Prize will be forfeited in its entirety.  Odds of winning a Grand Prize depend on the total number of eligible entries received and will be no greater than 1:10,000,000.

Five-Hundred (500) First Prizes: Each First Prize is one (1) MARVEL Avengers Assemble Game application for iPhone®, iPad® or iPod touch®. ARV of each First Prize is $5.99. Odds of winning a First Prize depend on the total number of eligible entries received and will be no greater than 1:20,000. One-Hundred Thousand (100,000) Second Prizes: Each Second Prize is an Avengers Trading Card. Approximate retail value of each Second Prize is $0.10. Odds of winning a Second Prize: 1:100.

Approximate retail value of all available prizes is $19,495.00. Limit (1) one First Prize per person.

How To Win / Prize Drawing / Selection of Winners: If you receive an Avengers Trading Card with your game piece, you are a Second Prize winner. All other prizes will be awarded via random drawing. On or around September 5, 2012, a random drawing will be conducted by an independent organization to select the one (1) Grand Prize winner and five-hundred (500) First Prize winners from among all eligible entries received during the Promotion Period. The decision of the judges will be final and binding in all matters.

The potential Grand Prize winner will be notified by email, phone and/or mail on or about five (5) days after the drawing. First Prize winners will be emailed instructions on how to download the Marvel Avengers application online using the email address provided during Game registration. Once the First Prize email has been sent to a First Prize winner, the prize is considered “awarded”. Return of any prize notification or prize mailing as undeliverable will result in disqualification. All potential winners are subject to verification before any prize will be awarded.  In the event that any potential Grand and/or First Prize winner is disqualified for any reason, an alternate winner will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries received during the Promotion Period. Allow 6-8 weeks for prize fulfillment.

Conditions of Participation: All costs and expenses incurred in connection with redeeming, accepting, or using a prize that is not specifically provided for herein is solely the responsibility of the applicable prize winner. Entrants are solely responsible for participating in the Game during the Promotion Period and properly claiming a Grand or First prize if selected as a winner. No cash equivalents, prize substitutions or transfer of prize permitted except that Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value in the event that an offered prize is unavailable. By participating, entrants agree to these Official Rules and the decisions of the judges which are final and binding in all respects, and to release Land O’Frost, Inc., Marvel, and all other companies associated with the “Land O’Frost / Avengers Game” from all claims or liability relating to your participation or acceptance or use of prizes, and their affiliates, parent companies, subsidiaries, divisions, and advertising or promotion agencies. Neither Land O’Frost, Inc, nor its affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, advertising or promotion agencies are responsible for incorrect game piece or Promotion Code printing. Acceptance of a prize shall be construed as and signify the winner’s agreement and consent that Sponsor may use the winner’s name, voice, likeness and/or prize information, without limitation, for promotional purposes without further consideration, review, approval or payment, where allowed by law. All Game materials subject to verification.  Grand Prize winner will be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility/Liability & Publicity Release/Prize Acceptance Form within fifteen (15) days of first attempted notification. Noncompliance with this time period may result in disqualification and forfeiture of prize and an alternate may be selected. The Grand Prize winner’s travel companion(s) will be required to sign and return a Travel Companion Liability Release (if under 18, their parent or legal guardian) prior to ticketing. The reporting and payment of any tax liabilities, if any, incurred by a winner as a result of this Game and on any prize won is the sole responsibility of the winner.

Internet: Sponsor not responsible for lost, late, mutilated or illegible entries nor for electronic transmission errors resulting in omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or limitations of any kind, or inaccurate transmissions of or failure to receive entry information by Sponsor or presenter on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website or any combination thereof. If for any reason the Game is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of the Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Game, the Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Game and to award the Grand and First  prizes via a random drawing from among all valid eligible entries received up to the point of the action taken by the Sponsor. Caution: Any attempt by any person to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of the game is a violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserve the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent of the law.

Confidentiality: For information about how the Sponsor uses your personal information, please see its privacy statement, located at http://www.landofrost.com/about/privacy.html.

Winner’s List: For the name, city and state of the Grand Prize winner, mail a self-addressed, stamped envelope to ““Land O’Frost / Avengers Winners List Request,” Henson Consulting, Inc., Attn: Katie Cosgrove, 111 W. Wesley Ave, Suite 5, Wheaton, IL 60187 to be received by September 30, 2012.

Sponsor: Land O’Frost Inc., 911 Hastings, Searcy, AR, 72143.

AVENGERS and IRON MAN are registered trademarks of MARVEL and is used by permission for promotion purposes only.  MARVEL is not a sponsor of this promotion.

^®Apple, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc. Apple, Inc. is not a sponsor or co-sponsor of, has not endorsed, and is in no way affiliated with this sweepstakes.

1. Appreciate the little things.

Spend 10 minutes before bedtime writing down three positive outcomes from the day, along with reasons the endeavors were successful. (It’s evolutionarily instinctive to focus on negativity; the humans who survived were the ones who saw trouble coming.) “The mind is like your tongue swishing around life, looking for a cavity,” says Seligman. Instead, focus on what’s going right—and savor it.

2. Find a happiness partner.

When you’re trying something new to improve your life, share your achievements with a friend, says Seligman, who’s part of an online community committed to walking 10,000 steps each day. “When I find myself at only 9,000 steps, I walk more because I know my friends will ask for an update,” he says. Your partner or support network can provide advice and reinforce good behavior.

3. Know your hot-button issues.

Everyone possesses a few deeply held beliefs that lead to overreaction in response to daily incidents. Are you always making the same mistakes? Do you experience extreme emotions about things that should be no big deal? You may want to delve into your history to see what’s simmering underneath the surface. “This one can be hard to do on your own,” Seligman says. If your personal life is complicated or difficult, enlist help—either from good friends or a therapist.

4. Drop everything and move.

Or walk, or meditate. Most of us are at the bottom of our energy cycle—tired, grumpy, inattentive and pessimistic—at midafternoon, says Seligman. Recharge yourself by changing up your routine. “It’s not just kindergartners who need breaks,” he says. (In fact, they benefit us even more as we get older.) Stand up and stretch, do jumping jacks or, yes, even dance; vigorous movement refreshes your mind and wards off fatigue.

5. Be a cheerleader.

When a person shares something good that happened, respond constructively. For example, if your daughter shows you the new shirt she just bought, say, “That will look great with your jeans,” rather than, “Was it on sale?” Being perceived as a positive person will also improve relationships beyond your family. “People will like you more because you make them feel good,” says Seligman. “That in turn will make you feel great.”

FamilyCircle.com

Share your get-happy secrets at familycircle.com/happiness

72 JAN 2012 familycircle.com

Time to plan a family vacation with a real wow factor. Rent a houseboat, go white water rafting, sleep in a treehouse—the sky’s the limit.

1. PARK-HOP IN AN RV

Grand Teton & Yellowstone Parks, Wyoming

Tracks & Trails greatly simplifies the process of vacationing at a National Park in a motor home, taking care of RV rentals, campground bookings and more. The 7- to 10-day Best of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks trip (offered May to September) begins and ends in Jackson, Wyoming. In Yellowstone, spot wolves, elk, bison, grizzlies and the famous Old Faithful geyser; at Grand Teton, go canoeing on Jenny Lake, where the mountains are reflected in the mirrorlike surface of the water. (Yes, really.)

Gearing up: ‹ You can’t change lanes quickly in an RV: Designate a navigator with binoculars in the passenger seat to help you anticipate exits and turns. Aim to reach campsites well before dark.

Cost: ‹ Rates start at $4,210 for a family of 4, including RV rental, campground reservations, itinerary, hotel stay, guided tour of Yellowstone with lunch and admission to Grizzly Discovery Center. Call 800-247-0970; tracks-trails.com.

What’s nearby: ‹ Jackson Hole is a classic frontier town. Catch mock shoot-outs in the square, and watch cowboys at Jackson Hole Rodeo (adults, $15; kids 4-12, $9; jacksonholerodeo.us).

More options:

• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado →American Wanderer customizes guided family trips from Denver, May to June and mid-August to mid-October. Four-night trips start at $1,100 for a family of 4, including RV and all meals. Rvcampforkids.com

• Or rent your own RV → (see gorving.com for dealers and routes), and head to:
  • Outer Banks, North Carolina → Sleep at Cape Hatteras KOA campground; sites range from $70 to $90 per night. Koa.com/campgrounds
  • Santa Barbara, California → Park at Ocean Mesa Campground, overlooking the Pacific; RV sites are $70 to $90 per night. Oceanmesa.com

2. PILOT A HOUSEBOAT

Lake Powell, Arizona & Utah

Houseboats are especially fun to share with friends or extended family (picture an RV on water!). They can accommodate up to 12, with kitchen, family room, multiple bedrooms, waterslide, and deck mats for sleeping under the stars. Rent one on Lake Powell, which flows past the red rock towers of Glen Canyon Recreation Area, only accessible by water. Drop anchor on a secluded beach, your home base for exploring. Hike over rocks where dinosaurs and Navajos once walked. Kayak to hidden coves and watch the sunset turn the rocks different colors. Then light a campfire and enjoy the meteorite show.

Gearing up: ‹ Your houseboat awaits at Wahweap Marina near Page, Arizona, after a 3-hour instructional orientation. Buy groceries and firewood beforehand, and bring fishing poles, if you’ll be catching your dinner.

Cost: ‹ Three-day rentals on the 46-foot Voyager XL range from $1,686 in budget season (mid-October through mid-May) to $2,248 in summer. Kayaks, $46 per day; jet skis, $335 per day. Call 888-896-3829; lakepowell.com.

What’s nearby: ‹ The area around Page is rich in Navajo culture. Follow a guide through Antelope Canyon, with its spiral- carved rock formations and cathedral-like atmosphere (adults, $20; kids 6-12, $15; navajotours.com). Learn traditional dances at Navajo Village Heritage Center (adults, $30; kids 11-17, $20; navajovillage.com). Then head to a National Park: Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon are less than 3 hours away (nps.gov).

More options:

• Lake Cumberland, Kentucky → 3-day rentals ona 60-foot houseboat start at $795. Houseboating.org

• Suwannee River,Florida →Miller’s Marina offers 2-day trips on a 44-foot vessel, starting at $599; $1,495 for a week. Suwanneehouseboats.com

• Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri → 3-day rentals on a 56-foot houseboat start at $1,875. Lakeoftheozarksmarina.com

3. RIDE THE RAILS & RAPIDS

Nantahala River Gorge, North Carolina

The Nantahala River has phenomenal white-water rafting—see it two ways on the Wildwater Raft & Rail adventure. First, board the vintage Great Smoky Mountains Railroad train in the morning, for a 2-hour tour that takes you across the 100-foot-high Fontana Trestle and alongside the river as paddlers zoom by. A bus meets your train and transports you to the river entrance, where guides give you gear and lessons, then lead you on a 3-hour thrill ride. When you finish, dry clothes, hot showers and a hearty meal await.

Gearing up: ‹ Wear bathing suits under quick-dry shorts (rental wet suits are also available). Take towels, snacks and a change of clothes, and eat a good breakfast—lunch isn’t until after the rapids ride.

Cost: ‹ $82, adults; $65, kids under 12. Stay over at Falling Waters Resort, from $54 per night (fallingwatersresort.com). Call 866-319-8870 or go to wildwaterrafting.com.

What’s nearby: ‹ Hike, bike or horseback-ride through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where trails overlook stunning waterfalls and vistas. Settle into a 2-bedroom cabin at Nantahala Village, starting at $160 per night from mid-June to mid-August (nvc.com) or camp out (see greatsmokies.com for sites). For Native American culture and crafts, check out Oconaluftee Indian Village (adults, $15; kids 6-12, $6;  cherokee-nc.com). Need some theme park action? Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is only 90 minutes away.

More options:

• American River, California →ARTA’s 2-day guided camping trips are best for beginner- and intermediate-level paddlers. Starting at $232 for adults and $170 for kids 17 and under. Arta.org

• New River Gorge, West Virginia →Guided 2-day rafting/camping trips from Class VI Mountain River on the gorge start at around $315 per adult (including meals); kids 12–16 (must be at least 12 years old to participate), $285. Class-vi.com

• Salmon River, Idaho →Row Adventures’ 4-day family trips through Salmon River Canyons feature beach camping, and stop at pioneer homesteads and Native American sites; starting at $1,245 per adult; $1,055 for kids under 16. Rowadventures.com

4. CLIMB A TREE

Out’n’About Treehouse Treesort Cave Junction, Oregon

Turn over a new leaf by staying in Out’n’About Treesort’s unique treehouses. Most sleep 4 or more; all have fridges; some have sinks and toilets (there’s a ground-level bathhouse too). Spend your day hiking, swimming in the freshwater pool, or playing volleyball or basketball. Try the zipline course, trail rides and guided rafting, for an extra fee. Breakfast is served daily; you’re on your own for lunch and dinner—grills and stoves are available, and restaurants are 15 minutes away.

Gearing up: ‹ Plan to visit from mid-June through mid-September, for the best chance at mild, dry weather. Pack a flash- light, bug repellent and a first aid kit, plus beach towels for the pool.

Cost: ‹ Treehouses start at $120 per night; including breakfast. Zipline is $45 per person; horseback-riding, $35 per person; rafting, $60 per person. Call 541- 592-2208 or go to treehouses.com.

What’s nearby: ‹ Oregon Caves National Monument is just 30 minutes away (adults, $8.50; kids under 16, $6; nps.gov). Kids over 15 can crawl through the off-trail caving tour wearing lighted helmets ($30). Also hike Oregon’s spectacular coastal trails or through California’s Redwood National Park, both less than 90 minutes away.

More  options:

• Live Oak, Florida →The treehouse at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, on Florida’s Panhandle, sleeps 4 and overlooks the bluegrass concert stage. $165 per night with 2-night minimum. Musicliveshere.com

• Hot Springs, North Carolina →Hot Springs Treehouse Cabins in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville have satellite TV, DVD players and handmade willow and log furniture. Starting at $125 per night, $750 per week. Hotspringstreehousecabins.com

• Snowden, Washington → Lothlorien Woods Hide-a-Way sleeps 4 (kids under 12 need prior approval) and is close to the Columbia River Gorge. Starting at $135 per night. Lothlorienwoods.com