UW Extension program incentivizes Wyo families to get outside together

WYOMING — The University of Wyoming Extension (UW) is bringing back its “Ready, Set, Explore” program, a set of free activities open to the public running from October to May that inspire Wyomingites to enjoy the great outdoors with loved ones.

The program launched last year in an effort to inspire families to spend quality time together outdoors. Those who register will receive eight project packet links; each month’s syllabus includes an outdoor activity, a journaling prompt, tips about health and nature, a snack idea and a handout about a natural resource. October’s packet includes suggestions to go on a fall scavenger hunt, decorate pumpkins and build a scarecrow.

Participating families (which can be composed of parents, siblings, friends and/or neighbors) are asked to complete at least four of the activities in the packet, answer a series of questions about them, email in those answers and submit photos of themselves completing the tasks. Upon completion of those steps, participants can receive a small nature-themed prize each month.

Groups who participate in the program for at least four of the eight months will receive an annual day-use pass for Wyoming State Parks. Organizations supporting this program include Wyoming’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Wyoming Bureau of Land Management, the Wyoming Enrichment Network, the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts, the Wyoming Natural Resource Foundation and the University of Wyoming Cent$ible Nutrition Program.

UW educators Hailey Sorg, Josh Bliss, Joddee Jacobsen, Gretchen Gasvoda and Jedidiah Hewlett lead the curriculum.

“Ready, Set, Explore [gives] families a reason to slow down, step outside and connect — with nature and with each other,” Sorg said in a press release. “We’ve heard from participants how much joy and calm it brought to their busy lives.”