PHOENIX - Families eager to discover the fun and benefits of outdoor recreation will soon have access to even more camping equipment through the Arizona Family Campout Program, thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF).

The funding, administered through the Arizona Parents Commission on Drug Education and Prevention, will allow the award-winning program run by Arizona State Parks and Trails to support more families statewide and provide opportunities for more Arizonans to learn valuable outdoor and life skills together.

“The GOYFF is proud to support our fellow state agencies and their programs that make a real difference in families' lives across the state,” said Tonya Hamilton, director of the GOYFF. "Encouraging safe outdoor experiences helps build confidence, brings families closer together, and nurtures a lasting love and appreciation for the breathtaking natural beauty of our state.”

Designed for families with little or no camping experience, the Family Campout Program provides all equipment and instruction for a safe, guided weekend adventure. Depending on the park location, participants can enjoy activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, archery, paddleboarding, and fishing. They also learn how to choose a campsite, set up a tent, cook simple meals, and build and safely extinguish campfires. Each campout also includes a service project that helps improve the host park.

“Funding for this program is vital to introducing the outdoors to more families who may not have been raised with these experiences,” said Michelle Thompson, deputy assistant director at Arizona State Parks and Trails. “Arizona State Parks and Trails strives to connect people to the outdoors and teach them how to recreate responsibly, and this program has positively impacted so many people already. The grant funding will help us continue to build the program and provide amazing experiences to more families.”

Since its launch in 2013, the Arizona Family Campout Program has welcomed more than 2,500 families to explore state parks through guided camping experiences. In 2024, the program earned the Environmental Excellence Award from Arizona Forward. As the program grows, Arizona State Parks and Trails hopes to:

• Add three additional family spots at each scheduled event in 2026.
• Provide additional events for foster or adoptive families.
• Waive participation fees for qualifying families to eliminate cost barriers.
• Purchase new equipment, including coolers, backpacks, paddle boards, kayaks, tents, camp chairs, fishing gear, life vests, bike tools, and cooking supplies.
• Cover ranger overtime costs to safely support expanded programming.

Campouts are held in spring and fall at state parks across Arizona, including locations not typically open for overnight stays. Some events will also be scheduled near metropolitan areas to reduce travel barriers for families. For more information about the Family Campout Program, visit AZStateParks.com/Family.

Connecting people to the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona state parks and natural areas, trails, Off-Highway Vehicle program, and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. 

PRESS CONTACTS: Michelle Thompson (ASPT) at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov, Olivia Christiani (GOYFF) at (602) 206-5504 - Email: goyffcommunications@az.gov