Due to the current economic climate resulting in significant budget cuts to state government agencies, the Inside Out – Family/Youth Camping program has not been funded for the 2009 – 2011 budget cycle. Applications for this program are not being accepted at this time.
The great outdoors. There’s nothing like it. Washington state parks offer recreation
opportunities in all kinds of settings, from beautiful seascapes and deep forest campgrounds
to mountain trails, lakes and canyons. Visit state parks to experience the joys of outdoor
recreation, by hiking and camping, biking and boating, swimming, skiing, windsurfing – or
just relaxing and unwinding with nature all around you.
History of Inside Out, Family/Youth Camping Program
The Washington State Park and Recreation Commission encourages everyone to
get out and enjoy their state parks. The Inside Out Program was designed to ensure that
everyone – even those who have not yet discovered a connection with nature – feels welcome
to get out and enjoy, explore and experience parks. The mission of Inside Out is to encourage
all cultures to enjoy the great outdoors. Recent studies have indicated that people of color
may more often experience cultural barriers and accessibility issues that mean they are less
likely to visit parks. African American people are the most underrepresented as visitors to
state parks. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to ensure a
legacy of state parks for all.
Program overview
Inside Out provides opportunities for participants to enjoy the variety of
activities and experiences available in state parks. The program also promotes stewardship
and highlights parks, recreation and natural resources career options.
Participants sign a three-year contract with Washington State Parks and agree to
participate in three overnight trips a year that will include a variety of activities.
Staff work with participants to discuss interests, choose activities, set trip dates and
coordinate travel. Participants may decide to take trips on their own, as well. Trips are
scheduled in different seasons to highlight year-round experiences available in state parks.
Overnight trips include tent camping and overnight stays in yurts,
cabins and vacation houses. These trips introduce participants to the wide variety of
overnight accommodations available in state parks across Washington. The program provides
equipment for overnight trips as needed.
Activities in the program include a variety of active options, such as
boating, hiking, swimming, biking, skiing, backpacking, snowmobiling, kayaking, canoeing,
rock climbing, snowshoeing, snowboarding and others. Staff work with participants to choose
the best activities and provide equipment, as necessary.
Fees
Travel, camping, overnight stays, equipment, meals and other recreational
equipment rental are all provided at no cost to participants, through funding received by
Washington State Parks through grant organizations.
Who may participate?
The pilot program is currently open to Washington state African American
families and youth. Because research showed African Americans are the most underrepresented
population in parks, the program identified this group for the pilot. The long-term goal is
to offer the program to everyone.
How to participate?
For more information about how to participate in the program, send an e-mail to
insideout@parks.wa.gov or call (360) 586-6609.