Blue Star Connect Outdoors - Blue Star Families

The mission of Blue Star Connect Outdoors is to establish a steadfast and unchanging connection in a world of flux through fostering meaningful relationships with the outdoors. We aim to provide an optimal environment for building community ties, engaging in recreational activities, and embracing stewardship opportunities. We aspire to create an inclusive and welcoming space where military members and their families can cultivate a profound sense of belonging.

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Alternative Text for Our Core Values Graphic

The graphic is titled "Our Core Values" Text reads "Our core values guide our initiative, shaping its foundation and fostering a shared understanding of our cherished principles. These values anchor our actions and decisions, ensuring a purpose-driven approach to enhance military families' well-being and quality of life through meaningful outdoor experiences:"

Value 1 includes an illustration of holding hands. Text reads "Cultivating Belonging: Emphasizing outdoor spaces that foster belonging and connections for military families."

Value 2 includes an illustration of a person in a wheelchair. Text reads "Access to Outdoor Spaces: Ensuring greater access for undeserved military communities, promoting exploration of the natural world."

Value 3 includes an illustration of a wellness symbol. Text Reads "Mental Health and Wellness: Enhancing the mental health of military families through regular outdoor engagement, fostering a sense of community and emotional resilience.

Value 4 includes an illustration of a person hiking. Text reads "Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Promoting healthy habits within military families through activities like hiking, camping, and exploring.

Value 5 includes an illustration of a plant. Text reads "Environmental Stewardship: Commitment to educating military families about preserving and protecting the natural world."

Value 6 includes an illustration of two thought bubbles. Text reads "Positive Engagement: Emphasizing enriching experiences, promoting bonding, growth, and positive interactions with nature.

Our Core Values

Our core values guide our initiative, shaping its foundation and fostering a shared understanding of our cherished principles. These values anchor our actions and decisions, ensuring a purpose-driven approach to enhance military families' well-being and quality of life through meaningful outdoor experiences:

Cultivating Belonging

Emphasizing outdoor spaces that foster belonging and connections for military families.

Access to Outdoor Spaces

Mental Health and Wellness

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Environmental Stewardship

Positive Engagement

Locations

National Capital Region (D.C. & Baltimore)

Jacksonville, North Carolina

Whidbey Island, Washington

San Antonio, Texas

Melbourne, Florida

Miami, Florida

Norfolk, Virginia

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Colorado Springs, Colorado Kings Bay

Georgia/Jacksonville, Florida

For more information about events and event registration, please join the Blue Star Connect Outdoors Neighborhood group.

We invite you to dive into discussions, share your experiences, and post photos — let’s make this community a vibrant space together.

Join us in The Neighborhood

Illustration of Blue Star Connect Outdoors group on tablet. Image shows multiple Blue Star Connect Outdoors events

Resources

Design: NPS/Turner

Alternative Text for "Plan Like a Park Ranger" Graphic

The graphic is titled "Plan Like a Park Ranger" and listed ten tips for planning a trip to national parks with illustrations. It includes the social media hashtag "#PlanLikeAParkRanger". The top illustration is of a map pin point on a mountain range.

Tip 1 includes an illustration of a map with a pinpoint and marked trail. Text reads "Have a Plan...And a Backup Plan. For us, a park visit begins at home with a stop to NPS.gov. Park websites have ideas about where to go, what to see, and what to do, and most important, what we need to include in our planning. Flexibility and a backup plan are key, too, in case of changing weather conditions, road closures, etc."

Tip 2 includes an illustration of cars lined up at a park entrance station. Text reads "Pack Your Patience. During our visit, we try to enjoy the ride and allow for extra time to get from one place to another. This season, parks are already bustling. Like lots of places this year, we may not yet have the ability to offer the same level of service available as we emerge from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. And keep in mind that people who are not fully vaccinated must wear masks inside park buildings and in crowded outdoor areas."

Tip 3 includes an illustration of a trail near a signpost and trees. Text reads "Travel Off the Beaten Path. There are more than 400 national parks across the country. We love exploring the lesser-known ones. They can be a great option for travelers looking for all the beauty of nature, hiking trails, and rich history, with fewer crowds and lines."

Tip 4 includes an illustration of a tent. Text reads "Reservations May Be Needed. We love reservations. Many campgrounds and lodges in well-known parks and in nearby communities are already fully booked. Making sure you have a reservation guarentees you won't arrive at a park only to find out that you need an entrance reservation, there's no place to sleep, or a popular trail is closed."

Tip 5 includes an illustration of a park ranger hat. Text reads "Ask a Ranger. Have a question? Ask a ranger. (Yep, we ask other rangers about visiting their parks.) Rangers are here to help. We can answer questions, share park stories (we're always happy to point you to the nearest restroom), and we can let you know what activities are available and sites not to miss."

Tip 6 includes an illustration of a person's hands using a smartphone displaying a picture of a park. Text reads "Explore the New NPS App. We nerded out over our own app—it's very cool. You can even access it offline if you plan ahead! The new NPS App offers tools to explore more than 400 national parks...interactive maps, tours, accessibility information, and more. And we're adding new content all the time!"

Tip 7 includes an illustration of a person running after an airborn camera. Text reads "Keep Safety in the Picture. We love to take photos. (Have you seen our Instagram?) But we like surviving the process, too—so we're careful to take them where it is safe. Some popular trails and views may be especially crowded this year, so an unobstructed photo might require a bit of a wait."

Tip 8 including an illustration of two bison. Text reads "Don't Pet the Fluffy Cows. Bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run up to 35 miles per hour—and they can really hurt you. We can't run that fast and are pretty sure you can't either. Keep your distance from wild animals, never feed the wildlife, and when taking pictures, use your zoom and give them room."

Tip 9 includes an illustration of a thermal pool. Text reads "Leave Only Footprints. We know that each of us—rangers, volunteers, visitors, everyone—plays a vital role in protecting YOUR national parks. Whether it's carrying out what we brought in (including our pooch's...well...you know), leaving the spots we visit as we found them, or staying on the trail, we're careful to respect these incredible places."

Tip 10 includes an illustration of a person walking a dog. Text reads "Ruffing It? This one's for the dogs. Many parks allow pets on leashes and in campgrounds, some even have kennels. But sometimes these furry friends are best left at home. Discover what you can (and can't) do with your pet and follow the B.A.R.K. principles."

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!

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

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…

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!

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…