Idaho Foster Families Invited to Winter Event

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Published January 21st, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation are hosting a winter event for foster, kinship, and adoptive families on January 24, 2026. The event aims to provide seasonal outdoor activities and programming tied to America's 250th anniversary, while also highlighting the ongoing need for foster parents in Idaho.

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What changed

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation, is hosting a "Fostering Family Adventures" event at Eagle Island State Park on January 24, 2026. This event is specifically for Idaho foster, kinship, and adoptive families and will feature winter activities, s'mores, hot chocolate, and educational programming related to America's 250th anniversary.

While this is primarily a community outreach and engagement event, it also serves to remind the public of the ongoing need for foster parents in Idaho. Regulated entities are not directly impacted by this notice, but it reinforces the state's commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families. No compliance actions are required for regulated entities.

Source document (simplified)

Eagle Island State Park to host winter event for Idaho foster families

January 21, 2026

Author DHW Communications Idaho foster, kinship, and adoptive families are invited to a special winter event at Eagle Island State Park that blends seasonal outdoor activities with programming tied to America’s 250th anniversary.

Fostering Family Adventures at Eagle Island State Park will be held Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is designed to bring families together for seasonal outdoor fun, shared learning, and meaningful connection. The park remains open to all visitors, but event offerings are focused on Idaho’s foster, kinship, and adoptive families.

Planned activities include snow tubing along with a s’mores station, a hot chocolate bar, a coloring station, and winter-themed history activities. Families will also have the opportunity to participate in the Junior Ranger program led by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

“Foster and kinship families play an important role in the well-being of children across Idaho,” said Laura Denner, family and community partnerships administrator with the Department of Health and Welfare. “Events like this give families a chance to connect with one another, enjoy Idaho’s outdoor spaces, and create lasting memories through community.”

The event will also connect families to broader history through winter programming tied to America’s 250th anniversary, encouraging learning and exploration alongside outdoor recreation.

“Eagle Island State Park offers a welcoming setting for families to enjoy winter recreation and spend time together outdoors,” said Susan Buxton, director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. “Fostering Family Adventures celebrates the strength of Idaho families while encouraging people of all ages to explore and enjoy our state parks year-round.”

Fostering Family Adventures is a cooperative effort spearheaded by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Health and Welfare, with crucial financial and logistical partnership from Idaho Business for the Outdoors.

Additional contributors for the Eagle Island event include Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Cabela’s, the Idaho State Historical Society, Capital City Kiwanis, Gateway Parks & Trails, and additional local partners.

Families are encouraged to dress for winter weather and wear footwear suitable for snow and outdoor activities.

Idaho needs 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, William.Armbruster@idpr.idaho.gov

AJ McWhorter, Department of Health and Welfare, AJ.McWhorter@dhw.idaho.gov

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

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship. Learn more at parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.