Do you have a photo that captures the spirit of the Award? We’re inviting Award Leaders and Virtual Award Centre Participants across Canada to submit photos that show the Award in Action. Whether it’s a young person reflecting on their progress, being supported by a mentor, or collaborating with a team – we want to showcase the impact of the Award across Canada!
We’re looking for photos showcasing…
Group volunteering, cooking together, planning a route
peer check-ins, a coach offering guidance
journaling, tracking progress, quiet thinking after an activity
Your Award Centre could win one of three $300.00 gift cards of your choice, a prize awarded to the top photo in each category. Submission deadline is October 7, 2025.
Submit your entry here Contest Rules Photo Consent Form
How to enter:
Snap a Pic
Capture a real Award moment that fits one of the contest themes.
Get Permission
Make sure anyone who’s clearly visible in your photo has given the OK to be included. Download the Photo Consent form here.
This contest is a great way to:
- Celebrate your participants and highlight their journey
- Build awareness in your school or organization
- Engage your group ahead of Award Awareness Week!
Consent is key — but the process is simple. You can either:
- Upload signed consent forms, OR
- Confirm that they are on file at your Centre (you don’t need to submit them unless requested)
Need help? Check out the Photo Contest Toolkit (coming soon) or reach out to [email protected]
Excited to share your story? Talk to your Award Leader about submitting a photo on your behalf!
If you’re part of the Virtual Award Centre (VAC), you can submit your photo using the VAC-specific form provided by your Award Leader. Don’t forget to include a completed consent form for anyone recognizable in your photo.
We’re awarding three $300 gifts cards of your choice (subject to availability) — one for the top photo in each category.
- The prize will be awarded to the Award Centre that submits the winning photo.
- VAC participants who win will have their prize split as a discount toward their next level registration.
- PLUS: All eligible VAC entries are entered into a $100 gift card draw
Finalists will also be featured on our website and social media channels.
Contest Launch: June 18, 2025
Submission Deadline: October 7, 2025
Judging Period: October 8–15, 2025
Public Voting: October 21–26, 2025
Winners Announced: November 4–8, 2025
A panel of judges will review all eligible entries and select finalists based on the following weighted criteria:
Connection to Theme: 30%
Visual Impact & Storytelling: 30%
Composition & Technical Quality: 20%
Public Vote (via social media): 20%
Judges will also aim to showcase a diverse range of Award Centres from across Canada.
Finalist photos will be shared on Award Canada’s Instagram and Facebook accounts (@dukeofedcanada) during Award Awareness Week, October 21–26.
Voting Schedule:
- Teamwork in Action
Oct. 20 (12:01 p.m.) – Oct. 22 (11:59 a.m.) ET - Mentorship in Action
Oct. 22 (12:01 p.m.) – Oct. 24 (11:59 a.m.) ET - Goal Setting & Reflection in Action
Oct. 24 (12:01 p.m.) – Oct. 26 (11:59 a.m.) ET
Anyone can vote by commenting on their favourite photo. Votes count toward the results so make sure your network is ready to show their support!
How Voting Works:
- One post per category will be shared on Instagram and Facebook, as a carousel (multiple images in one post).
- Each photo = one finalist, clearly labeled (e.g., Finalist 1, Finalist 2, etc.).
- Voters comment with the number of their favorite finalist to vote (e.g., “Finalist 2”).
- Only one vote per person per category per platform will be counted.
- Voting is open for 48 hours per category, following the schedule listed.
