The Idaho State Park Foster Family Passport program provides a park pass at no cost for foster families for all Idaho state parks, as well as special Fostering Family Adventures events. These activities range from learning practical outdoor skills, science-based experiences, and the opportunity to be an Idaho State Park Junior Ranger.
This is the second year that the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) have joined forces with Regence BlueShield of Idaho and Idaho Business for the Outdoors (IBO) to cover the cost of state park passports for foster families.
The program kicks off this weekend with Fostering Family Adventures: Bruneau Dunes State Park. Foster families will gather to enjoy an expert-led planetarium show at the Bruneau Dunes Observatory, see the park’s famous 470-foot-tall dune, and learn what it takes to set up a campsite.
“Our mission includes fostering experiences that renew the human spirit and bring communities together,” said IDPR Director Susan Buxton. “Providing extra support and access to these experiences for foster families is our way of saying we are all members of Idaho’s family – and Idaho state parks are an outdoor home for everyone.”
“We’re thrilled to help offer a day where Idaho’s foster families can relax, connect, and enjoy something special as a family,” said DHW Family and Community Partnerships Administrator Laura Denner. “Events like this are a small way we can say thank you—and help families thrive.”
Foster Family Passport kickoff event details
Saturday, May 3
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Bruneau Dunes State Park
27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Road
Bruneau, Idaho, 83604
RSVP for foster families: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1303068987419
The second year of the passport program comes after Gov. Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1028, which is a $23 million investment in DHW’s child welfare division. These funds will help provide support to keep families together and deliver resources to those who enter foster care. The Foster Family Passport is an excellent resource for these families.
Media
Please RSVP if covering the event in-person. Contact Robbie Johnson, IDPR Communications, at Robbie.Johnson@idpr.idaho.gov, 208-631-7536 or AJ McWhorter, DHW Communications, at AJ.McWhorter@dhw.idaho.gov or 208-830-8047.
Video and photos
View broadcast-quality video and photos of what Foster Families will experience at Bruneau Dunes State Park. Photos and video from the kick-off event will also be made available on May 3. Visit the Idaho Family Passport Dropbox for downloads.
Additional sponsors
Special thanks to these additional sponsors who are helping make Fostering Family Adventures: Bruneau Dunes possible: Capital City Kiwanis Club, Charles Schwab Boise Branch, Idaho Botanical Garden, Micron, Idaho Department of Fish and Game.