Challenge FAQ
How do I qualify for the Tennessee Kids Serve Summer Challenge?
Participants are asked to devote a portion of their summer break to serving others by completing the following requirements:
1) Challenge participants must be a rising kindergarten through sixth grade student residing in Tennessee.
2) Challenge participants must complete a service activity from at least two of the provided eight categories and a minimum of two service hours.
3) Challenge participants must submit their completed service log along with photos of the child serving to the Office of the First Lady by August 9, 2024.
Each week, First Lady Maria Lee will highlight one service category on social media. Kids can follow along and complete an activity from the category she focuses on each week, or they can complete each category in the order and timeframe that works best for the child and family.
Upon registering for the challenge, families will receive additional information and a service log to return to the Office of the First Lady. Parents or guardians will need to help their child fill out the required contact information on the service log and submit it to the Office of the First Lady by August 9, 2024.
Service logs and accompanying materials can be completed using the online form or returned to the Office of the First Lady by:
Email: Tennessee.Serves@tn.gov
Mail: Office of the First Lady, 882 S. Curtiswood Lane, Nashville, TN 37204
Where do I find the guidelines and the service log?
The guidelines are available on our website.
The guidelines and service log will be made available for download after registering a child for the challenge.
What will students receive for participating in the challenge?
All students who complete the challenge will receive a certificate of recognition signed by First Lady Maria Lee.
Top participants of the challenge will receive an invitation to a carnival on Saturday, September 7 at the Tennessee Residence hosted by the Governor and First Lady.
How many service hours do I have to complete?
This year, there is a two-hour minimum requirement for service hours. Kids are also asked to complete a project from a minimum of two service categories. Service activities from the two chosen categories can be completed at leisure during the eight weeks of the challenge.
We still encourage participants to serve as much as possible! Feel free to complete more than two hours of service and two activities, or spend multiple days working on one project.
How do I track my service hours?
Service hours should be recorded on the service log provided for download after registration.
The logs can be submitted via mail, email or our new online form.
Do I have to use one of the examples listed under my chosen category in the guidelines?
No. Examples of service activities that fulfill each category are provided to be helpful; however, kids can choose to fulfill a service category in any way they prefer.
Where can I find opportunities to serve in my community?
Check out the First Lady’s website to find ideas for meaningful ways to serve your community.
We also recommend browsing the Tennessee Serves Volunteer Portal to find volunteer opportunities in your area that suit your interests and skill level.
What if I cannot access internet, a computer or printer to register online for the challenge?
Please contact the Office of the First Lady at 615-741-7846 to register by phone and receive challenge materials by mail.
Can I still register for the challenge after June 1?
Yes! Participants may register at any point during the challenge from June 1 – August 1.
Does doing my family chores count as service hours?
Family chores or acts of kindness toward family members will NOT count as service hours for this challenge. The challenge is designed to encourage kids and families to engage in serving their neighbors and community.
How do I share information with First Lady Maria Lee about my child’s summer service?
At the end of the challenge, we ask that the completed service log, photos of the child serving and any accompanying information be submitted using the online form or via email or mail to the Office of the First Lady.
During the challenge, parents and guardians can share photos of their child serving on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) with the hashtag #TNKidsServe or by emailing them to our office at Tennessee.Serves@tn.gov.
The First Lady may share these photos on social media or in the weekly Tennessee Kids Serve newsletters.
Be sure to sign up for the Tennessee Kids Serve newsletter to stay in the know throughout the challenge and receive
You can sign up for the Tennessee Kids Serve newsletter and follow along with First Lady Maria Lee on social media here:
TN Kids Serve Newsletter: Newsletter
Facebook: First Lady Maria Lee
Twitter: @MariaLeeTN
Instagram: @firstladymarialee
YouTube: First Lady Maria Lee
Flickr: First Lady Maria Lee