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More than 100 people camped for free and learned all about the great outdoors July 13-14 at Eisenhower State Park thanks to the 2023 Sunflower Summer program.
Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson visited the state park campsite in Osage County on Thursday afternoon for the Sunflower Summer Family Campout. He greeted visitors and talked with campers.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is one of the partners for the Sunflower Summer program. Tents were provided for more than 30 families during the campout. Families had to preregister for the event. Thursday night included dinner and a variety of outdoor activities.
The Department of Wildlife and Parks also hosted one-night free camping opportunities for families in June at Milford State Park, Cheney State Park and the Historic Lake Scott State Park.
Sunflower Summer is an educational program that promotes learning and family engagement during the summer by allowing families free access to museums, zoos, historic landmarks, outdoor locations and other attractions. It kicked off this year on May 26.
In 2021, there were 71 venues. That number increased to 90 for the 2022 program. For 2023, more than 100 venues are taking part. Venues develop learning activities to supply directed learning that engages both children and adults.
The Sunflower Summer Program, which is being funded by federal COVID-19 money to offer summer enrichment activities for Kansas students, will run through Aug. 13 or until funding runs out, whichever comes first.
Nearly 153,243 students and adults have visited venues so far this summer as of Sunday, July 9. There were 33,124 visitors to Sunflower Summer venues last week, the largest attendance week ever for the program, which started in 2021.
For more information, visit www.sunflowersummer.org.
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