Blue Star Stories
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!
Read moreCelebrating Thanksgiving: Fun Activities for Military Families Away from Home
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…
Read moreUnlock 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…
Read moreA Spooktacular Night Under the Bats with Blue Star Connect Outdoors
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!
Read moreSecuring Futures: How Fortinet and Blue Star Families are Paving the Way for Veterans and Military Spouses in Cybersecurity
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…
Read moreBlue Star Welcome Week: Coming to a Community Near You!
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.
Read moreAn Unforgettable Evening of Sunset, Sand, and Ghost Crabs!
There’s something magical about being by the ocean at sunset, and our recent Blue Star Connect Outdoors event at Ecological Marine Adventures (EMA) was no exception! On May 29th and 30th, military families gathered at Surf City, North Carolina, for an evening of fun, learning, and adventure that will be remembered for years to come.
Read moreSunset Hike and Nature Adventure: Blue Star Connect Outdoors Hosts Military Families at Eisenhower Park
The Blue Star Connect Outdoors team’s dedication to organizing such enriching events ensures that military families have access to memorable experiences that celebrate the beauty of the natural world. San Antonio’s Eisenhower Park served as the picturesque backdrop for a sunset hike with Blue Star Connect Outdoors, where military families gathered for an evening of adventure and learning.
Read moreEmbracing New Beginnings: Starting Something New After a PCS Move
A PCS move is not just about packing up belongings and finding a new home; it’s about starting over in an unfamiliar place. This transition involves much more than logistical planning; it involves adjusting to a new culture, establishing a new routine, and integrating into a new community. For many families, the thought of starting…
Read moreOutdoor Explorers for All: Changing the Game for Military Family Outdoor Adventures
by Jillian Johnson In the latest episode of Blue Star Stories, I had the pleasure of chatting with Kailey Brown, the Program Manager for Outdoor Explorers for All at Blue Star Families. Kailey’s passion for connecting military families with the outdoors shines through as she discusses the program’s diverse activities and experiences. Read on for…
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