Adventure Backpack kits available to foster families

The Wyoming Department of Family Services and Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources have launched a new program for foster care providers. 

Wyoming State Parks Deputy Director Nick Neylon announced the backpack program during a recent meeting of the State Parks Commission. 

“We’re incredibly proud to be part of this effort to connect foster families with the transformative power of Wyoming’s public lands,” said Neylon. “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.”

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. 

Wyoming Department of Family Services Foster Care Coordinator Kristie Jacobsen is delighted to share state parks passes with foster care providers in her district, which includes Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park and Washakie counties. Providers can check out passes along with a backpack, field guide and explorer kit from DFS offices in Cody, Greybull, Lovell, Powell, Thermopolis and Worland.

“My foster parents are really excited,” Jacobsen said. “They are already planning trips they’d like to take with their kids. This is such a neat way to support kids in care along with their foster families. We are grateful to Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources for this gift.” 

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.  

FOSTER HOMES NEEDED 

In April, DFS counted 463 children and youth in pre-adoptive, relative and non-relative foster family homes statewide. 

“We have great foster parents who are so skilled. We absolutely appreciate them, and we love them. But we need more foster homes, especially providers who can care for children with complex needs, for sibling groups and for teenagers,” Jacobsen said.

Jacobsen explained that foster care providers who are not related to the children in their care must be certified, which means they have gone through training and background checks to become providers, and they receive financial reimbursement through a subsidy to help take care of the child. All providers understand that the care they are providing is most often temporary because the child will often return home to their biological parent.

“It’s a mindset that you are going to help this child and embrace them into your home for as long as you can and just give them some skills for their journey,” Jacobsen said. 

When children are unable to stay safely at home, being with someone they know is the next best option. Children do better when they can remain in their community, stay in their schools, and maintain their friendships and connections to their hometown.

If you are interested in learning about becoming a foster care provider, visit the DFS website or contact Jacobsen at 307-548-6503.