Calling all kids!
Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Inc. invites students and photo retailers across the country to be part of a Nation of Neighbors with the new Fujifilm PhotoPals program.For the fifth year, in 1997, Fujifilm PhotoPals and Scholastic Inc. are bringing the PhotoPals program to kids throughout the nation with a curriculum incorporating the magic of photography, writing and communication.
This year, kids can participate in the new Nation of Neighbors program, which encourages learning about geography, culture and photography.
The Fujifilm PhotoPals program takes the conventional pen-pal concept to a new level by matching students from third-, fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms with other students across the country to exchange photos and essays.
In the first four years, more than 340,000 students and more than 11,000 classrooms have participated in the Fujifilm PhotoPals program in the United States. This year, the Fujifilm PhotoPals/
Nation of Neighbors program extends its reach to include sixth-grade classrooms and students.
Classrooms across the country can enter the Fujifilm PhotoPals/
Nation of Neighbors Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes are open to grades three to six, and classes are asked to submit their sweepstakes entry form confirming that they've corresponded at least once with their PhotoPals classroom match. There will be one winning class, with their teacher receiving a Fujifilm Discovery 270 Zoom 35 mm camera and each student a Fujifilm Smart Shot 35 mm camera.
Individual students can also enter the sweepstakes by submitting an entry form, stating they have corresponded at least once with their PhotoPals match. One winning family will earn an all-expenses paid trip for four to the Major League Soccer All-Star game in July 1997.
Participating teachers receive PhotoPals introductory packages, including a "Teacher Guide" with specific suggestions for classroom discussions and activities, coupons for film and Fujicolor QuickSnap one-time use cameras.
Fujifilm coupons are also included in a "Parent Guide" to help parents get involved with their picture-taking. There's a toll-free number for signing up - (800) 817-2200 - so classrooms and students can start meeting their Nation of Neighbors quickly and find their PhotoPals match.
Retailers can also get involved with the program by becoming an official "PhotoPals Processing Center" for local schools participating in the program, offering discounts on photofinishing services or helping students become better picture-takers by sending a representative from the store into the classrooms to offer tips on photography.
Retailers can contact Hillary Deutschman (212) 768-0550 to find area schools participating in Fujifilm PhotoPals/Nation of Neighbors program.