Published: August 26, 2025
Summer is the perfect time for families to explore the outdoors together, whether close to home or somewhere new. For military families, these shared adventures can be especially meaningful, offering a chance to slow down, reconnect, and recharge in the midst of busy, transition-filled lives.
That’s exactly what programs like Blue Star Connect Outdoors (BSCO) aim to support. BSCO is part of the broader Military Families Outdoors (MFO) initiative, which helps military families build community, resilience, and joy through nature-based experiences, from local park outings to kayaking trips and beyond.
For Olena Steinmetz and her family, those experiences came at just the right time.
When they moved to San Antonio, TX, the Steinmetzes were no strangers to the challenges of military life. With her husband’s 17 years of Air Force service, seven deployments under their belt, and three teenagers at home, Olena and her family had experienced both the strength and strain that come with constant transitions. So when she discovered BSCO, she saw an opportunity to deepen her family’s connection in a new and lasting way.
Turning a day of exploration at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park into a lasting family memory
“Being outdoors as a family brings a sense of healing,” she said. “It’s something I think we all need.”
Moments That Make a Difference
Over the last few years, the Steinmetz family has participated in everything from kayaking at Fischer Lake to park exploration via the iNaturalist app, and even an animal encounter hosted at the public library. They’ve explored Natural Bridge Caverns and walked the grounds of the San Juan Mission, discovering new places in their community and reconnecting with each other in the process.
Discovering the wonders of nature together at Natural Bridge Caverns
One recent MFO outing took the family to Bracken Cave where they gathered to observe the bats. While simple, the experience left an impression. “It reminded us how beautiful this world is, and that there’s something greater than ourselves,” Olena reflected.
One memory that stands out? Volunteering at the San Antonio Food Bank to harvest fresh produce and package it for community members in need.
“We picked radishes, bundled them, packaged them, and we were told it would literally be going out to families within a few days,” Olena recalled. “The deep sense of realization that we were contributing to the community spoke to our family.”
A small act of service, a big lesson in giving back
That day sparked something lasting. Since then, her children have continued to volunteer, and her son is now interested in training for more skilled volunteer roles at the same food bank.
Rooted in Resilience
For the Steinmetzes, these moments together strengthen family resilience, especially when they’re preparing for separation. As her husband left in July for a yearlong unaccompanied tour, Olena said the shared experiences they created leading up to his departure became even more important.
“As we were in this process of getting ready for him to head out, we were actively participating in events that BSCO offers,” she explained. “It helped us apply what we were learning about resilience, and creating those memories enabled us to continue building it.”
From Stress to Stillness
Olena also understands the science behind why time outdoors is so restorative. She teaches yoga and guided meditation for active-duty service members as part of Army North’s Commander’s Ready and Resilient Council Sleep Readiness Initiative. Through this program, she supports both physical and mental well-being through PT-style yoga classes and meditation.
Olena leads military families in yoga, sharing tools for strength, rest, and resilience
Drawing on both her training and personal experience, she sees a clear connection between the calming effects of movement, mindfulness, and spending time in nature.
“Nature vibrates in alpha wavelengths,” she said, “and alpha wavelength is a meditative state.” That natural rhythm, she emphasized, can allow the body to release stress and promote overall well-being.
“It’s Healing, and It’s Needed”
Although she only discovered BSCO a few years ago, Olena says their programming quickly became something her family looks forward to.
“What stood out was how these events create space for families to slow down and connect outside,” Olena said. “It’s healing, and it’s needed. And it’s so valuable to have an organization that incorporates that component into their programs.”