Foster families celebrate at Farragut State Park

Farragut State Park hosted north Idaho foster families last Saturday, Aug. 29, for a day of fun, learning, and togetherness. The event was the latest installment of a program that began last year. Foster Family Adventures, offered by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and Department of Health and Welfare, invites foster, kinship, and adoptive families to explore the beauty and nature of Idaho while learning recreational and outdoor skills.

The Mayfly Project, founded in 2015 with the vision of using fly fishing to support children in foster care, hosted a hands-on workshop teaching kids how to tie flies.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game taught fishing basics and educated families about fish native to Idaho. Youth had the opportunity to practice casting and reeling in fish (plastic fish "swimming" atop the grass) and then redeemed their catch for prizes.

Idaho Parks and Recreation staff led a nature hike that doubled as a nature-themed scavenger hunt. The feathers, leaves, and holes spotted by kids provided abundant opportunities for discussion and learning.

Farragut State Park was a World War II naval training station. Attendees could tour the now-restored brig and a museum highlighting the rich history of the area.

Parks and Recreation Director Susan Buxton and Health and Welfare Director Alex Adams both attended and thanked foster families for making the selfless choice to support Idaho's youth.

Idaho Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d'Alene, attended to show his support, noting that the state plays a crucial role in the lives of foster children and "provides a stable place for kids in really rough times."

Redman spoke of the need for foster parents in Idaho and across the country. When asked how others could help and get involved, Redman said, "Be obedient to the calling. There is no greater good than to help a young child."

To learn more about foster parenting, call 211 or visit Health and Welfare's foster parent webpages.

To learn how you or your business can support foster parents and events like this, call the Division of Family and Community Partnerships at 208-334-0641.

Fostering Family Adventures is a cooperative effort spearheaded by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho Business for the Outdoors, and Regence BlueShield of Idaho.

Additional sponsors and contributors include the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Mayfly Project, Fostering Idaho, Scheels, Museum of North Idaho, Trader Joe's, and the Idaho Potato Commission.

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

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