No Bummer Summer Returns for a 2nd Year of Fun Across the Heartland Communities

The Heartland Community Foundation is bringing back the Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenger for a second year of summer fun, encouraging kids and teens across the 
Heartland to stay active, explore their communities, and create lasting memories all summer long.

From June 1 through July 31, children and teens of all ages, living in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, are invited to complete a variety of exciting activities, adventures, and community-centered challenges — all aimed at creating a memorable and active summer. From random acts of kindness and sidewalk chalk art to backyard obstacle courses, dance videos, and sports challenges, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Participants simply complete a challenge, snap a photo, and text it to 785-639-8700 with their name and hometown. Each completed challenge earns one entry into the end-of-summer prize drawings, with winners announced in August! Participants are encouraged to complete as many challenges as they would like —more entries mean more chances to win.

Two challenge lists are available:

• Core Challenges: 21 creative and fun activities participants can complete anywhere 
  throughout the summer.
• Bonus Challenges: 23 location-based activities that highlight parks, libraries, fairs, trails, and 
  community projects supported through Heartland grant funding across Ellis, Rooks, and 
  Trego counties.

The Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge was created to help youth and families discover new places, support our local communities, and make lasting summer memories while showcasing projects made possible through Heartland Community Foundation grant dollars.

Special thanks to Nex-Tech Wireless, proud sponsor of the 2026 Heartland No Bummer Summer for prizes and for facilitating the dedicated phone number for this challenge! Flyers with full challenge lists are available here, on the Heartland Community Foundation’s Facebook page, online at www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org, or stop by a local HCF office.
Let’s make it a No Bummer Summer in the Heartland — and don’t forget to take photos along the way and text them to 785-639-8700 for a chance to WIN!

Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge Rules:

• Open to children and teens who live in Ellis, Rooks, or Trego counties.
• The Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge runs from June 1 to July 31, 2026.
• Complete a challenge, snap a photo, and text it with your NAME and HOMETOWN to 785-
  639-8700.
• Each completed challenge = 1 entry in the end-of-summer prize drawing.
• You can complete as many challenges, in any order, as you want — more challenges = more 
  chances to win!
• Entries are counted per child, not per family/group. Each participant submits their own 
  photos to earn entries.
• By submitting a photo, you give permission for it to be shared on our social media or in 
  promotional materials.
• Winners will be announced in August and contacted by text.
• Keep it safe, respectful, and fun — be creative! 

Click downloadable flyers below.