Ruckus Nation is an online competition that challenges participants to imagine innovative products (e.g., games, devices, toys, and/or web-based, digital, or mobile solutions) that will increase physical activity among kids ages 11 to 14.

Hundreds of people from around the world have registered to compete in Ruckus Nation. Now, we're inviting people to serve as judges and help select winners. Judging is an online process that takes place in early December 2007. Think you can help identify the best ideas to get kids moving? Register to be a Ruckus Nation judge!

HopeLab, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of young people with chronic illness, is sponsoring the contest. There will be more than $300,000 in cash and prizes for winning ideas. People of all ages may enter. Ruckus Nation contestants may even see their ideas come to life: The best product ideas will be prototyped, tested, and broadly distributed to young people.

For more information, please visit www.ruckusnation.com.  To register as a judge, click on "Register Now" and follow the instructions to sign up as a judge.

Please note: You can not participate as a Ruckus Nation judge if you or an immediate family member has entered Ruckus Nation as a contestant.

Ruckus Nation is sponsored by HopeLab (www.hopelab.org) and cosponsored by the Pioneer Portfolio of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (www.rwjf.org).

(I'm sending this to you, but among you, there is a rich well of talent and experience about children, play, and playspaces. Share it -- and, in the process, you might just see some really interesting ideas. Amy)