Passport program goes into second year with planetarium experience, sand dunes, and increased foster family participation
BOISE, ID – 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/
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.
