RSS
Home
Free camping for foster families in Washington State Parks
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Camping is good for everyone. Photo by the contented.
Families can now take their foster children camping for free in Washington State Parks. This program began last year when Washington State legislature and Governor Christine Gregoire passed the law. With summer in full swing, now foster families can take time to enjoy these new benefits.
As a way to thank foster families, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Children’s Administration coordinated this joint effort.
Their goal was to create a program that strengthened ties between foster family members as getting out and enjoying camping with family is definitely a great way to bond. With the current economic situation making many people cut corners financially, camping doesn’t have to be cut out for foster families.
Foster families can save $19 - $33 a night depending on where they’re staying. If a foster family reserves a campsite, they do have to pay the $8.50 reservation fee, however that is their only charge.
Licensed foster parents must provide foster parent identification or a foster home license in addition to a driver’s license or other photo I.D. at the time of registration. If reserving over the phone, mention that you are participating in the foster family program and that you would like to receive camping benefits. Upon arrival at the park, provide the proper identification.
This new benefit applies to relative caregivers as well. Relative caregivers are related caretakers for children that are unable to live with their parents. To acquire the foster camping benefits, they must provide relative caregiver identification and driver’s license when checking in at the state park. To obtain a relative caregiver identification card, contact Dinah Martin at the Children’s Administration at 360-902-0740.
For reservations call 1-888-CAMPOUT (or 1-888-226-7688) Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. or visit www.parks.wa.gov.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
