Wyoming State Parks is proud of the many partnerships we offer as part of our mission to improve communities and enrich lives. Throughout the state, our parks and historic sites partner with multiple Girl and Boy Scout troops, 4H chapters, military and veterans organizations, religious organizations, and a multitude of non-profit groups. Through the Every Kid in a Park program, we offer an opportunity for every Wyoming fourth-grade student to experience part of their cultural and natural heritage.

We reach our citizens who have specific interests by offering programs focused on topics like camping, hunting, fishing, bird watching, hiking, biking, and many others. Our historic sites offer hundreds of programs and tours throughout the year in an effort to ensure that the story of our proud history is preserved and shared. Recently we offered a learn-to-camp program for a population that would not otherwise have the resources or expertise to do so. With the help of our generous private and corporate sponsors, these families were able to keep the camping gear they used and learned with.  

Our latest partnership with the National Outdoor Leadership School and Wyoming Equality will provide an outdoor adventure opportunity for LGBTQ students from around the state. The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Camp is an opportunity for Wyoming GSA students to backpack seven days in the Wind River Wilderness and then spend four days completing service projects in Sinks Canyon State Park. The GSA Camp will run from August 4-14, and there is no cost for students to attend.

Inspired by the work of programs like OUT There Adventures and the Venture Out Program, GSA Camp is a continuation of our commitment to ensure that LGBTQ youth and allies are welcomed into our parks and leave with skills and competencies that will enrich their lives.

The health benefits of being outdoors are becoming more mainstream. A recent university study has shown that participating in outdoor recreation reduced PTSD symptoms by 29%.  We are currently partnering with ParkRX to work with doctors so they can prescribe visiting a state park.

“There are dozens of studies that confirm the mental health benefits of being outside and connecting with nature,” said Nick Neylon, Deputy Administrator for WYOPARKS, “and that experience is even more critical for this part of our constituency.”

The suicide rate among Wyoming teens is twice the national average, and according to the Wyoming Department of Health, Wyoming High School students who self-identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual are three times more likely to consider or attempt suicide than heterosexual students.

Wyoming State Park's participation in this program is supported by generous donations from people and foundations who support our youth programming and education efforts.

For more information about the GSA camp, please contact Ammon Medina of Wyoming Equality at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you are interested in partnership opportunities with Wyoming State Parks, please contact us at wyoparks.org.

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