Hello everyone!
I don't think your should modify your story just to make it "more sci-fi." Science fiction and fantasy are very broad categories, and I think your original premise fits.
Thanks! It's a very exciting setting. Part Tom Sawyer, part Cthulhu, Maybe a smidgen of Harry Potter? I hope you like it, whether it wins or not.
This is a fantastic story idea! Can't wait to read it. Best of luck in the Nerdist contest :)