Horror story contest announced

R.L. Stine, the author of the famed “Goosebumps” book series, has teamed up with Volunteer USA to announce a Very Scary Story Contest for young readers.

Students in grades 4-7 in Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry and Glades counties are invited to participate in the contest, aimed at promoting the joy of reading among children and their families.

For the Very Scary Story Contest, students are asked to write their own scary story set in HorrorLand Amusement Park as the first characters settle in for their visit to the park in Stine’s bestselling book, “Goosebumps HorrorLand: Revenge of the Living Dummy.”

“My books are all about getting the readers’ imagination churning,” said Mr. Stine. “I can’t wait to see what terrifying rides and games the kids dream up for HorrorLand, the Scariest Place on Earth.”

Entries must be submitted electronically by Jan. 10 to contest@volunteerusafund. org.

Contest winners, accompanied by their parents, will be recognized at a breakfast and reading event during Volunteer USA Foundation’s Celebration of Reading scheduled for Feb. 12 in Bonita Springs. The students will be R.L. Stine’s guests of honor at the breakfast, part of an annual event hosted by former Gov. Jeb Bush to support successful family literacy programs in the southeast.

For more information regarding contest rules, judging guidelines, prizes and classroom activities, visit www. VolunteerUSAFoundation.org or call 850-559-2208.