Foster families invited to Fostering Family Adventures event at Massacre Rocks State Park near American Falls

Foster and kinship families, and children across Idaho, are invited to a spring afternoon of outdoor exploration, hands-on learning, and connection at Massacre Rocks State Park on Saturday, May 2.

Fostering Family Adventures will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the park and is designed primarily for foster families and foster children, while also welcoming other families from the community to participate. Those interested are asked to please RSVP at EventBrite.

The event blends recreation with education, offering a wide range of activities that highlight Idaho's natural environment and history. Participants can explore topics such as geology, wildlife, and the Oregon Trail while enjoying time outdoors together.

Activities include sessions on campfire skills and outdoor survival tips, fishing basics, disc golf, and hands-on exploration of wildflowers and fossils. Families can also learn about snakes and reptiles native to Idaho, discover the state's prehistoric past, and take part in Junior Ranger programming led by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation staff. Additional offerings include a coloring station and a themed photo booth.

"Foster families do so much every day to support children, and this event is a chance to give something back," said Laura Denner, administrator for the Division of Family and Community Partnerships at the Department of Health and Welfare. "It's about creating a fun, low-pressure environment where families can explore, learn, and spend time together outdoors."

Massacre Rocks State Park, located along the historic Oregon Trail corridor, provides a unique setting for the event, combining outdoor recreation with opportunities to learn about Idaho's past. The park is approximately 30 miles west of Pocatello and 80 miles east of Twin Falls on US Interstates 84/86.

"State parks give every family the opportunity to connect with the great outdoors and learn from and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes that our state has to offer," said Susan Buxton, director of Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. "Massacre Rocks State Park has a rich geological and pioneering history; it provides one-of-a-kind learning opportunities for foster families and all those who visit."

Fostering Family Adventures is a collaborative effort between the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Health and Welfare, with critical financial and logistical support from Idaho Business for the Outdoors.

Additional support comes from Capital City Kiwanis, Idaho State Historical Society, Idaho State University, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Idaho's children need foster parents

Idaho continues to need foster families willing to provide safe, supportive homes for children. Those interested in fostering can learn more by calling 211 or visiting the Department of Health and Welfare's foster care webpage. Even providing care for one child for one season can make a meaningful difference.

Media contacts:

• Will Armbruster, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, [email protected]
• AJ McWhorter, Department of Health and Welfare, [email protected]

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.