Dallas’ The Virtual Wild has been recognized with six industry awards since the first of the year for its GeoQuest AR Experience, created as part of a five-year partnership with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. GeoQuest AR has thus far been recognized by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) of Dallas with a Gold in GPS & Location Technology and a Silver in Augmented Reality. The Summit International Creative, Marketing, and Advertising Awards also honored GeoQuest AR in both the Interactive Media and Government/Non-Profit Marketing categories, while the American Marketing Association (AMA) DFW recognized it in Not-for-Profit Marketing and Innovative/Emerging Marketing Technologies.
“We love wins for creating experiences that inspire STEM careers, and It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas,” said Jay Rutherford, founder and managing director of The Virtual Wild. “For us, GeoQuest AR is a wildly successful experience that immerses girls into a digital scavenger hunt, allowing them to have fun and explore outside while learning about archeology and paths to pursue relevant STEM-based careers at the same time.”
GeoQuest AR lets girls look for digital fossils along the STEM Center of Excellence Trail, then dig for the “real” 3D printed fossils at the end of their journey. The Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas asked the digital agency for a girl-led interactive and physical installation to support their existing geology trail, an experience that needed to tell the story of the trail’s unique geologic history and encourage interest in STEM-related careers.
“We set out with The Virtual Wild to help girls see themselves as adventurers and explorers, informing their potential as STEM leaders and innovators,” said Ashley Crowe, Chief Program Officer of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. “We’re so happy to see the success of GeoQuest AR as we continue working with The Virtual Wild to add new technology, interactive exhibits, and engaging hands-on activities that give these leaders of tomorrow a glimpse we hope will shape their vision.”
AAF Dallas is the oldest civic organization in Dallas, acting as the “unifying voice” for 40,000 ad industry professionals and honoring advertising excellence. The Summit International Creative, Marketing and Advertising Awards recognize the best in web, design, video, advertising, interactive and social marketing from worldwide creative agencies. Each year, the AMA recognizes marketers who have conquered their craft.
Next up, The Virtual Wild and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas will debut their IF/THEN Ambassador Experience to further advance women in STEM by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers.
