Basin Recreation’s new partnership with Utah Every Kid Outdoors encourages youth to explore nature

Every Kid Outdoors encourages kids to explore nature. Photo: Noah Nothman // UnSplash

PARK CITY, Utah — Basin Recreation announced a new partnership with Utah Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) in an effort to help children and families spend more time outside exploring the natural world of Summit County.

The free adventure challenge program encourages kids to complete outdoor-themed activities and challenges throughout the year.

Basin Recreation Community Outreach Supervisor Travis Engvall said the organization immediately saw the program as a natural fit for Summit County when staff first learned about it.

“Basin Recreation learned about the EKO program during its second year and immediately recognized it as a great fit for our community,” Engvall said. “Basin Recreation’s mission is to inspire lifelong recreation, and there is no better time to begin learning the benefits of getting outside than at a young age.”

Participants complete activities using an adventure passport that families can pick up for free at Basin Recreation’s public office or at The Fieldhouse. Completing challenges is rewarded with experience-based prizes like ski lift tickets, state park passes, and other recreation opportunities, according to Engvall.

Engvall said Summit County’s culture of outdoor recreation makes it an ideal place for the program.

“The community in Summit County is incredibly active,” he said. “Whether it’s biking and hiking our amazing trail systems or hitting the slopes during the winter, outdoor recreation is a huge part of what makes this place so special.”

The program arrives as local organizations continue looking for ways to connect younger residents with outdoor experiences and public lands while promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental stewardship.

In addition to self-guided challenges, Basin Recreation plans to host several programs tied to the initiative throughout the year.

Returning events will include the Start of Summer Color Run, Backyard Campout, and Basin Recreation adventure camps. New offerings are also planned, including bird-watching programs with ranger staff, biology-focused “Creek Critter Bio Survey” events, and sustainable seed hikes.

“The best part about this program is that the possibilities are endless,” Engvall said. “Kids and parents can get as creative as they want while completing the adventure challenges.”

Unlike many recreation programs, participation in EKO is entirely free.

Engvall encouraged families to stop by and pick up a passport to begin exploring.

“I’d encourage every Summit County parent to pick up a passport at either The Fieldhouse or Basin Recreation’s public office and see what adventures the passport leads them to,” he said.

For more information about the program or any of Basin Recreation’s programs, visit Basin Recreation or Utah Every Kid Outdoors.