LARAMIE — The University of Wyoming Extension has partnered with the Wyoming Department of Health to offer a free self-paced wellness program encouraging outdoor exploration and healthy living. 

The three-month “Ready, Set, Thrive” program is open to Wyoming residents of all ages interested in getting outdoors with friends and family, embracing new wellness practices, and nurturing creativity.

Ready, Set, Thrive is designed to incorporate all six pillars of wellness: physical activity, nutrition, social connection, mental well-being, creativity and preventive screenings.

From July through September, registered participants receive a monthly list of suggested activities via email. Activities range from exploring a new walking route, making fruit smoothies and monitoring blood pressure to planting herbs, pressing flowers and attending a county fair.

“We want people to get inspired and discover something new that can support their wellness and help them thrive,” says Sarah Fields, prevention specialist in the Wyoming Department of Health’s Chronic Disease Prevention Program.

Family units — whether that’s youth and caregivers, a group of neighbors, or students living in the same dorm — are encouraged to join the program together.

“Hopefully, participants can improve the overall condition of their health, their awareness of what they can do, and create those shared memories and family engagement,” says Joshua Bliss, Natrona County 4-H educator. 

Participants can join the program at any time in July, August and September. To register, visit bit.ly/ready-set-thrive-26.

Each month, registrants who participate in at least four of that month’s activities and submit a completion form will receive a small prize. Activities can be completed at any time of the month.

Those who complete at least four activities each month and submit completion forms for all three months will receive an annual day-use pass for Wyoming State Parks.

The pass covers day-use fees for one vehicle for all Wyoming state parks and historic sites. It does not cover other fees, such as camping fees. 

Ready, Set, Thrive is modeled after the UW Extension program Ready, Set, Explore, an annual initiative encouraging families to get outdoors and be creative during the fall, winter and spring months. 

“I’m hoping [Ready, Set, Thrive] is an excellent success and we can continue this type of partnership,” says Bliss, who helps organize both programs. “It’s going to help us reach people we might not have reached before as well as continuing to offer service to those who love Ready, Set, Explore.”

Ready, Set, Thrive is supported by UW Extension; the Wyoming Department of Health, Public Health Division, Chronic Disease Prevention Program; Wyoming State Parks; and other partners.

To learn more, email phd-ready-set-thrive@wyo.gov or call 307-777-6011.