OLYMPIA -- June 12, 2008 -- Foster children and children who live with unlicensed relative caregivers are entitled to free campsites in Washington state parks through a new program just begun this summer.

This can mean a huge savings. Campsite fees, which range between $20 and $37 a night, depending on the campsite, are waived for qualifying families. The reservation fee of $7 to $9 still applies.

The free campsite program is the result of a law passed by the Washington State Legislature and signed by Gov. Chris Gregoire. The law allows for reduced prices or free passes for Washington foster parents and relative caregivers of children when they camp with the children in their care. Bill sponsors were Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, and Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla.

The program is coordinated jointly by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Children's Administration.

"We are very excited about getting this program started," said Rex Derr, State Parks director. "We know that many foster families already enjoy their state parks, and we're happy to welcome new families to explore and enjoy. Besides offering camping and healthy recreation opportunities, many parks offer campfire programs and interpretive activities that are especially appealing to families with children."

"The free campsites are another way to express our appreciation to foster parents and relative caregivers," said Children's Administration Assistant Secretary Cheryl Stephani. "Fun activities such as camping have a special meaning for foster children who may be visiting a state park for the first time."

Camping is available in 84 state parks, with more than 50 parks offering camping by reservation and the remainder offering camping first-come, first-served.

For information about parks, visit www.parks.wa.gov or call the State Parks Information Center, 1-360-902-8844, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. To reserve a campsite at a reservation park, free campsite program participants need to call 1-888-CAMPOUT or 1-888-226-7688, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.

To be eligible for the passes, licensed foster parents must provide a foster parent identification or a foster home license in addition to a photo ID such as a driver's license when registering in any state park. To make the reservation, participants tell the operator they are a caretaker in the program and then show the appropriate ID upon arrival at the park.

To be eligible, relative caregivers must officially be caring for foster children who are in the custody of the state and must provide a special identification card obtained from Children's Administration. This card is only given to DSHS relative caregivers in the foster care program prior to making reservations or arriving at a Washington state park.

Advance reservations for camping are recommended; reservation campsites for summer weekends fill up fast. There are typically many available campsites on summer weekdays. Qualifying families also may use watercraft launches and pump-outs for free during their camping stay in a park.