Contacts: Wyoming State Parks Deputy Director Nick Neylon, 307-431-4866; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Department of Family Services Public Information Officer Kelly Douglas, 307-777-6203; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Wyoming State Parks and the Department of Family Services Launch Backpack Program for Foster Families
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – June 2, 2025 – Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) and the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) are proud to partner on a new program designed to inspire foster families across the state to explore the outdoors and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of nature.
"We're incredibly proud to be part of this effort to connect foster families with the transformative power of Wyoming's public lands," said Nick Neylon, deputy director of Wyoming State Parks. "Our state parks and historic sites offer opportunities not only for outdoor recreation, but also for learning, reflection, and shared experiences. Whether families are hiking a scenic trail or exploring the stories preserved at a historic site, these places can spark connection, curiosity, and a deeper sense of belonging. We hope this program helps foster families feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow together while discovering our state's rich natural and cultural heritage."
Thirty park passes have been delivered to DFS offices around the state, where they are available for foster families to check out for one week at a time. The passes allow everyone in the vehicle to access the state park or historic site.
“We are grateful to our foster caregivers, who provide safety, empathy and stability to 463 children and teens in Wyoming who are temporarily in care,” said DFS Social Services Administrator Kristie Gordy. “Our foster families treasure the time they have with their foster children and teens, and they are already planning trips with the passes.”
The day-use passes are part of a kit that foster families can borrow. The kit includes an "Adventure Backpack" filled with maps, brochures, outdoor activity supplies, tools, and resources to make outdoor adventures more accessible and enjoyable for foster families at Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites across the state.
Modeled after the successful Wyoming State Parks Library Backpack Program, the program reflects a shared commitment between the two agencies to support whole-family wellness and to remove barriers that may prevent foster families from spending quality time together outside.
"At the Department of Family Services, we're always looking for meaningful ways to support the well-being of the children and families we serve," Gordy said. "This partnership with Wyoming State Parks allows foster families to step outside, recharge, and experience the joy of being together in a new setting. This is a wonderful gift.”
A second phase of the program will launch in the coming months, adding a creative dimension to the Adventure Backpacks. The Wyoming Arts Council will incorporate artistic components and hands-on activities designed to inspire imagination, encourage observation of nature, and foster creativity as families explore the outdoors together.
For more information on Wyoming State Parks, visit wyoparks.wyo.gov. Foster families can contact their local DFS office for questions about accessing an Adventure Backpack. Find a regional office in your area at dfs.wyo.gov.
Contacts: Wyoming State Parks Deputy Director Nick Neylon, 307-431-4866; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Department of Family Services Public Information Officer Kelly Douglas, 307-777-6203; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
