Blue Star Stories

Welcome to our blog where you'll find the stories from the lives of our Blue Star Families.

A Day of Coastal Discovery at Boneyard Beach

November 20, 2024

Our weekend camping trip took an exciting turn when strong winds led us to explore the stunning Boneyard Beach at Big Talbot Island State Park instead. After a fun lunch with the Wilderness Inquiry crew, we ventured along the beach, spotting wildlife and even identifying some insects with the kids. Families embraced their adventurous sides, climbing the massive driftwood trees scattered along the shore — a perfect opportunity for some memorable photos!

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Celebrating Thanksgiving: Fun Activities for Military Families Away from Home

November 15, 2024

By Jillian Johnson Many military families find themselves separated from their loved ones during the holidays, which can be especially tough. When a service member is deployed, those feelings of loneliness and longing really hit home. The holiday season often magnifies that desire for connection, making it all the more important to find creative ways…

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Three people wearing winter weather clothing and snowshoes. Person on the right is a small child. In the background are evergreen trees and the ground is covered in snow.

Making Merry Memories This Holiday with a Family Holiday Hike

November 12, 2024

By Sheila Rupp Crunching leaves under my feet is my favorite soundtrack this time of year. Add in the smell of pine in the mountain air and it’s complete perfection. Many people think of hiking as a spring and summer activity, but fall and winter are my favorite times to hit the trail. The holiday…

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A group of adults and children gathered outdoors in a park wearing life jackets. One adult, standing on the left, is raising her hand and explaining something to the group.

Unlock Outdoor Adventures: Explore the Features of the Military Families Outdoors Website!

October 24, 2024

Planning new outdoor adventures just got a whole lot easier for service-connected families! The brand-new Military Families Outdoors (MFO) website is packed with resources and information for all families, whether they are seasoned outdoor adventurers or they are just getting started. What is the Military Families Outdoors Program? Military Families Outdoors, administered by the Defense…

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Blue Star Connect Outdoors Bat-Viewing Event

A Spooktacular Night Under the Bats with Blue Star Connect Outdoors

September 30, 2024

Spooky season is upon us, making it the perfect time to get outdoors and learn about some of the creatures that often haunt our imaginations. Last week in San Antonio, Texas, Blue Star Connect Outdoors hosted a bat-viewing event at Bracken Cave Preserve, where participants had the chance to witness the largest bat colony in the United States take their nightly flight!

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Fortinet Donates $10,000 to Blue Star Families

Securing Futures: How Fortinet and Blue Star Families are Paving the Way for Veterans and Military Spouses in Cybersecurity

September 26, 2024

Cybersecurity has become one of the fastest-growing fields, offering military spouses and Veterans a wealth of new career opportunities and the chance to build successful careers in a rapidly evolving industry. Thanks to targeted training programs from Fortinet, these individuals can now gain the skills and certifications needed to excel in this sector a…

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Blue Star Welcome Week: Coming to a Community Near You!

September 13, 2024

What does feeling welcome look like for you? Is it being greeted at the door by your spouse after a long day of work? Maybe it’s finding a local café where the barista remembers your name and your usual coffee order, or being invited to your neighbor’s barbecue.

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Yosemite National Park mountains, waterfall and terrain

Our Military Family’s Trip to Yosemite National Park

September 12, 2024

As outdoor enthusiasts together with my husband, we have always enjoyed spending time in nature and traveling to new destinations. We used to be the spontaneous couple who took a weekend camping trip on a whim and traveled through Europe with just a backpack.

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Memories from Yellowstone with Military Families Outdoors

September 6, 2024

This summer, as part of the Military Families Outdoors program, hundreds of families were able to experience fun-filled adventures and nature-based activities in our national parks, public lands, and waterways. On a recent extended day excursion to Yellowstone National Park, families hiked around…

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