News & Events

For the 4th year Kansas State Parks continued a successful partnership with the Sunflower Summer program. Since 2021 families participating in the Sunflower Summer program could redeem free admission to numerous events and attractions during the summer all across the state free of charge. Over the years each participating K-12 family was able to redeem one free daily vehicle permit per state park as well as participate in a variety of camping events across the state. Designed to encourage Kansas families to explore their home state, Kansas State Parks are proud to be a part of this program amongst 200 other attractions. In 2024, over 5,400 daily vehicle permits were redeemed by Kansas families to enter our State Parks.

The program was initiated towards the end of the Covid-19 Pandemic and encouraged families to get out and explore the State of Kansas. Administered by the Kansas Department of Education from 2021 through 2023, the program grew very popular among Kansans. With a change in funding in 2024, the Kansas Department of Commerce began managing the program. In an effort to expand the number of attractions, DOC cut funding to certain events the program had previously supported such as the Sunflower Campout at Kansas State Parks.

For three years the Sunflower Campout at Kansas State Parks earned its place as nearly the most coveted event of the program. Each year a limited number of families were able to experience a camping trip they wouldn't forget. With registration filling within the matter of a day or two each year, its popularity became evident. With funding being cut in 2024, it was unclear if the coveted campout would live on. Come May of 2024 a grant opportunity opened up through the Bronco Wild Fund which offered up to $20,000 in funding to outdoor recreation introductory programs hosted within America's State Parks. With a compelling narrative and review of the Sunflower Campout, the Bronco Wild Fund board selected Kansas State Parks as a recipient of a $15,000 grant to keep the program alive.

On July 25th and 26th the 4th annual Sunflower Campout was hosted at Clinton State Park. Forty families gathered to experience a day of outdoor recreation and a night under the stars. These 137 participants had the opportunity to try their hand at kayaking, fishing, archery and disc golf, as well as partake in several programs including those given by Pat Silovsky of the Milford Nature Center and volunteers of Monarch Watch out of Lawrence. A movie under the stars, crafts, a hike and other activities also kept campers busy throughout the day. Our attendees were kept fed by our amazing staff and volunteers from Eisenhower State Park who provided a stellar meal and a presentation of making homemade ice-cream that always wows a crowd. When it was time to leave, our campers took with them sleeping bags, other gifts from Ford and memories that will last a lifetime.

The 2024 Sunflower Campout would not have been possible without the help of numerous versatile staff and volunteers. I would like to send a huge thank you to Park staff from Clinton, Perry, Eisenhower, Hillsdale, Kaw, Prairie Center, Tuttle, Pratt and our Regional Supervisors, Pat Silovsky of the Milford Nature Center, Jim Miazga of the Fisheries Division, Volunteers of the Friends of Clinton State Park, Monarch Watch of Lawrence, Newell Brands, Coleman, and the Bronco Wild Fund.