Adventure in America's Backyard
Public lands like national parks, forests, and waterways are ideal for fostering belonging and strengthening connections within military families. Unfortunately, many military families face barriers—like awareness, logistics, and participation—which limit their access to these resources. Despite the numerous mental and physical health benefits, a large portion of military families do not fully engage with these outdoor spaces.
Blue Star Families offers accessible outdoor recreation and education opportunities, ensuring that the unique challenges of military life do not prevent families from enjoying nature and its benefits.
Learn More About Our Programs
Outdoor Explorers For All
Offered in select chapter locations, this cohort-based program invites up to 15 families to participate in 5-6 engaging outdoor recreation and skill-building activities over 3-4 months. Explore, connect, and grow together in nature!
Military Families Outdoors
Enhancing military family wellness through outdoor adventures. MFO provides virtual and in-person programs that connect families to nature, fostering healthy lifestyles, environmental stewardship, and overall well-being. Click to learn more.
Blue Star Connect Outdoors
Bringing outdoor adventures to military families nationwide! With locations in 10 non-chapter areas, enjoy monthly drop-in engagements or join select cohorts for 5-6 outdoor recreation and skill-building activities over 4-5 months. Fun, connection, and nature await!
Outdoor Resources
Active duty military, Veteran, and Gold Star families are invited to our National Parks and with 430 parks across the country (100+ parks with military history) there is a park near you! They also enjoy special benefits, including a free America The Beautiful Pass, which can be obtained at most national parks that collect fees using a military ID.
Wellness and the Outdoors
Spending time outdoors is good for your health! Getting outside has been shown to support healthier brain function, decrease stress, boost physical activity and wellness, and increase overall well being!
Fostering Racial Equity in Outdoor Spaces for Military-Connected Families
In Partnership with REI Co-op
Every military-connected family deserves to find connection in the outdoors. That is why, at Blue Star Families, we are invested in developing a suite of outdoor programming that is diverse, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our military-connected community.
We acknowledge the historical exclusion of people of color in outdoor spaces and commit to doing the work to foster a sense of community and belonging for families of color in all of our outdoor program opportunities.
As we create connections with the land we inhabit, we recognize the hundreds of native tribes who are the traditional custodians and stewards and work to ensure that their presence, voices, and experiences are amplified and honored through Blue Star Outdoors.
The time is now to build more equitable adventures in the outdoors. Want to join forces on this mission?
Stories of the Outdoors
Embracing the Adventure: Our Family’s PCS Journey and the Road Ahead to National Parks
When our family received orders for a PCS move from the East Coast to the Southwest, we knew it would be an adventure. Little did we know just how true that would be. Our journey started with excitement and a hint of nostalgia as we packed up our lives and hit the road in our faithful red truck, “Victory,” towing our flatbed car trailer and carrying our dreams.
A Day of Coastal Discovery at Boneyard Beach
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!
Making Merry Memories This Holiday with a Family Holiday Hike
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 season is one of the most magical times of the year, filled with family gatherings, traditions, and, of course, delicious food! But as lovely as these moments can be, they sometimes