CASPER, Wyo. — The University of Wyoming Extension recently created a new program designed to inspire outdoor adventures and help families connect.
The “Ready, Set, Explore” program is free and open to interested Wyoming families.
Every month, registered participants receive a list of activities via email. Each packet includes an outdoor activity, tips about health and nature, a handout on a natural resource, a snack idea and a journaling prompt.
Families are asked to complete at least four activities from the packet, then answer a series of questions. They email these answers as well as pictures of their family completing the tasks to the Ready, Set, Explore team, and in return participants will receive a small outdoors-themed prize.
Ready, Set, Explore is led by UW Extension 4-H educators Josh Bliss and Gretchen Gasvoda, agriculture and natural resource educators Dagan Montgomery and Jedidiah Hewlett, community vitality and health educator Joddee Jacobsen and Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Initiative educator Hailey Sorg.
The organizers of Ready, Set, Explore highlight the program’s flexibility. Families are not limited to parents with young children. Any group of people who care about each other can participate.
“You have the freedom to do these activities at your own pace throughout the month,” Bliss said.
Participants may also retroactively complete projects from past months. To view the packets for October and November, visit the program’s website at bit.ly/ready-set-site.
The program launched in October 2024 and runs through April 2025. November’s activities included creating a fall wreath, reading a book about nature and going on a gratitude walk. To register, people can go online here.
Families who participate in Ready, Set, Explore for four of the seven months will receive an annual day use pass for Wyoming state parks. The pass covers day use fees for one vehicle for all Wyoming state parks and historic sites. It does not cover other fees, such as camping fees.
The Ready, Set, Explore program is supported by Wyoming State Parks, Wyoming’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Wyoming Bureau of Land Management.
People should contact Josh Bliss at 307-235-9400 or jbliss2@uwyo.edu for more information.
