Explore Your Own Backyard 14 Oct 11:15 AM (4 days ago)
Getting outside can provide much needed time together and stress relief for military families and it doesn’t have to cost anything! With the help of Blue Star Families, your family can enjoy a fun-filled afternoon in your own backyard, local park, or nearby trail.
On our Military Families Outdoors Resource page you will find everything you need to turn an afternoon outdoors into an adventure! Download each of the printables to encourage your family to get outside and explore!
Outdoor Activity Bingo: Features fun activities your family can do together!
Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt: Easy to “spy” outdoor foliage, birds, insects, and items; designed to be fun for the youngest members of your families!
Nature Journal: For kids (and adults) of all ages, with prompts to write or draw observations during an outdoor walk, picnic, or hike.
Outdoor Journal Prompt Sheets: After spending a day outside, have your child write about their experiences, describe what they saw, and develop writing and thinking skills.
Wild Animal Finger Puppers: For our youngest of outdoor adventurers, come home and print out the animal finger puppets and make even more memories. Also great for those rainy days when you can’t get outside.
Exploring the Outdoors Worksheet: This activity allows children to classify words and phrases into the correct categories to learn more about life in the outdoors.
Also check out this blog on 10 kid-friendly apps (all are free or low-cost) to add wonder, learning, and calm to your outdoor adventures.
Don’t forget to join the Military Families Outdoors (MFO) group in the Blue Star Neighborhood to hear about no-cost upcoming outdoor events in your area, learn more about the benefits of being outside, and read the latest MFO news!
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Military Families Outdoors Summer Wrap Up 9 Oct 1:47 PM (9 days ago)
This summer, Military Families Outdoors (MFO) invited military families across the country to step outside, slow down, and savor the season. Through our “Explore & Unwind: Summer Road Trips” campaign, families discovered new parks, trails, and adventures near duty stations and along PCS routes.
The post Military Families Outdoors Summer Wrap Up appeared first on Blue Star Families.
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Sarah Blansett Joins Blue Star Families as its First Chief Marketing Officer 6 Oct 8:58 AM (12 days ago)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Blue Star Families (BSF), the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to providing support to military and veteran families, announces the addition of Sarah Blansett as its first Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to joining Blue Star Families, Blansett served as publisher and vice president of Military.com.
In this new role, Blansett will lead the communications and marketing teams and collaborate across departments to deliver integrated strategies that strengthen and promote the Blue Star Families brand, expand the organization’s reach, and deliver growth in support of America’s military families.
“Blue Star Families is thrilled to welcome Sarah Blansett as our first-ever Chief Marketing Officer,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “As the former publisher and vice president of Military.com, Sarah brings unmatched expertise in reaching and engaging military audiences. We know families thrive when they connect with Blue Star Families, and we can’t rely on word-of-mouth alone to reach them. With Sarah’s leadership, robust communications, public relations, and media outreach will take center stage — ensuring more military families, and the communities that support them, can access and benefit from our programs, strengthening military families and our nation as a whole.”
Blansett ran daily operations for Military.com overseeing news and content teams, marketing, social media, customer service, and veteran employment initiatives. She was responsible for managing the brand through strategic partnerships, coordinating media appearances, and promoting the website through external channels and events.
As a proud veteran and veteran military spouse, Blansett will bring both professional expertise and personal experience in reaching military audiences. She served as a Public Affairs officer in the Navy as a reservist with assignments to the Navy’s Chief of Information office in the Pentagon, Fleet Forces Command, the Office of Community Outreach, and many others before retiring in 2017.
“I’m so honored to join Blue Star Families in this new role. I look forward to expanding our ability to connect with this audience to ensure every military family can take advantage of the valuable programming and resources Blue Star Families offers,” said Blansett.
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About Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, Reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, click here.
Media Contact
media@bluestarfam.org
(844) 202-7827, ext. 4
The post Sarah Blansett Joins Blue Star Families as its First Chief Marketing Officer appeared first on Blue Star Families.
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Building Community Together for Mental Illness Awareness Week 6 Oct 8:31 AM (12 days ago)
Every year during the first week of October, mental health advocates, professionals, and organizations across the country observe Mental Illness Awareness Week — a time dedicated to increasing understanding of mental health conditions, supporting those who are affected, and reducing the stigma that often surrounds mental illness.
And mental health affects all of us. One in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition.
This year’s theme, “Building Community: Supporting Mental Well-being Together,” could not be more aligned with our mission at Blue Star Families. As an organization committed to strengthening military families by connecting them with their local neighbors, we know firsthand how vital a strong, supportive community is to mental well-being.
Community is even more important for military families. Frequent moves, long separations, and the unpredictability of military life can contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and stress. That’s why building community isn’t just a theme for this week — it’s a daily mission for Blue Star Families.
What can you do during Mental Illness Awareness Week?
- Start conversations about mental health to break the stigma.
- Learn about mental health resources available to military and civilian families.
- Volunteer or donate to organizations that support mental health and military communities.
- Check in on a friend, neighbor, or colleague. A simple “How are you really doing?” can open the door to healing.
- Take a moment to browse the National Alliance on Mental Health website — they have so much information on support groups, resources, and more.
You can look to Blue Star Families this week and all year for support and resources! We have multiple ways to connect in your community and find mental and emotional support:
- Blue Star Support Circles: our virtual cohorts are designed to empower veterans and service members to identify and intervene in a crisis. The program connects participants with others in a peer-to-peer network while providing evidence-based training, resources, and referrals from our team and trusted partner organizations.
- Combat the Silence: our Emmy-winning campaign uses video to bring awareness to suicide prevention resources and bridge the gap between recognition and intervention within the military-connected community.
- Caregivers: this hub of information and resources helps to address the unique challenges of caregiving and teaches the value of self-care for caregivers. Whether it is a Caregivers Empowering Caregivers event or a digital resource, we are here to support you.
- Blue Star Neighborhood: join us in our digital neighborhood and find community for every age, branch, interest, and location! We also have perks for members, including free memberships to Headspace, a meditation and mindfulness app that supports mental health, and Spiritune, a music therapy app that utilizes music to improve and balance moods and emotional well-being.
We hope you take the time to care for your mental health during Mental Illness Awareness Week and more importantly, we encourage you to build your mental health with your community.
The post Building Community Together for Mental Illness Awareness Week appeared first on Blue Star Families.
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Blue Star Families, Joined By Leading Military and Veteran Organizations, Call on Congress to Fund the Government and Protect Military and Veteran Families 3 Oct 11:06 AM (15 days ago)
Group Urges the Swift Passage of the Bipartisan ‘Pay Our Troops’ Act To Bring Relief To Our Service Members and Their Families
[WASHINGTON, DC] — October 3, 2025 — Blue Star Families, the nation’s largest nonprofit serving military and veteran families, led a coalition of 27 military and veteran service organizations that signed onto its letter urging Congress to pass the appropriations bills needed to fund the government for Fiscal Year 2026. The coalition warns that repeated funding standoffs and potential shutdowns place devastating strain on service members, veterans, and their families while undermining national security. The group also calls on Congress to pass the ‘Pay Our Troops Act of 2026,’ and that passage must happen before October 13, 2025, when the next paycheck is expected.
In the joint letter to congressional leaders, the organizations write:
“A government shutdown is not simply a political or fiscal issue — it has direct and devastating consequences for those who serve and have served, as well as their families. Recent survey data show that 1 in 3 military families have less than $3,000 in savings, which can lead them to put expenses on credit cards or use payday loans during a shutdown. ”
“Government shutdowns put military families on the frontlines of needless hardship and they urgently need their pay reinstated,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO and co-founder of Blue Star Families. “This isn’t just about delayed paychecks—it’s about readiness, trust, and the future of our All-Volunteer Force. Undermining them weakens the very backbone of our national security.”
Blue Star Neighborhood Launches New Shutdown-Focused Resource Hub for Families
In response to the shutdown crisis, Blue Star Families has launched a new comprehensive online resource hub to support military families during the shutdown. Available on the Blue Star Neighborhood, families can find details and links to:
- Financial and career services
- Food and childcare information
- Service branch-specific shutdown resources
- Mental health and well-being support
The Blue Star Neighborhood resource hub can be accessed at thebsn.org and is free to join. Blue Star Families plans to roll out additional resources and community events in the coming days.
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About Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, click here.
Media Contact:
media@bluestarfam.org
(844) 202-7827, ext. 4
The post Blue Star Families, Joined By Leading Military and Veteran Organizations, Call on Congress to Fund the Government and Protect Military and Veteran Families appeared first on Blue Star Families.
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Blue Star Families supports our active duty service members, veterans, and their families 3 Oct 9:59 AM (15 days ago)
The Honorable Mike Johnson, Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives
The Honorable John Thune, Majority Leader, United States Senate
The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader, U.S. House of Representatives
The Honorable Charles Schumer, Minority Leader, United States Senate
Dear Speaker Johnson, Leader Thune, Leader Jeffries, and Leader Schumer:
On behalf of the nearly 20 million service members, veterans, and their families that we represent, we write to you today with an urgent request that you prioritize passing all appropriations bills necessary to fund the government for the full Fiscal Year 2026. The repeated reliance on continuing resolutions (CRs) and brinkmanship leading to potential shutdowns inflicts predictable, severe, and unnecessary harm on our military, veterans, their families, and the American people, while jeopardizing our economy and our national security.
A government shutdown is not simply a political or fiscal issue — it has direct and devastating consequences for those who serve and have served, as well as their families. Recent survey data shows that 1 in 3 military families have less than $3,000 in savings, which can cause them to put expenses onto credit cards or to use payday loans during a shutdown. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports, approximately 1.2 million veterans, more than 20,000 active-duty military families, and 213,000 National Guard and Reserve families depend on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. Any disruption to federal funding threatens access to these benefits, pushing already vulnerable families into crisis.
A government shutdown is not a negotiation tactic; it is a failure of leadership that immediately halts critical services, disrupts economic stability, and casts uncertainty over millions of lives. Predictable funding is essential for effective federal operations, allowing agencies from defense to public health to plan, execute, and deliver services efficiently. We urge you to conclude this essential business now, putting aside partisan differences to complete the full appropriations process and provide the stability the nation deserves.
Furthermore, we ask that Congress immediately ensure the financial stability of our dedicated service members and their families by protecting their pay during a government shutdown. Regardless of the broader funding debates, the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families must not suffer because Congress cannot agree on funding the government. We, therefore, urge swift passage of the bipartisan Pay Our Troops Act, which guarantees that military personnel — including Coast Guard personnel — receive their paychecks on time, without interruption, in the event of any funding lapse. Our commitment to those who defend this nation must remain steadfast and non-negotiable.
The nation is watching. We urge you to act with urgency and responsibility this moment demands.
Respectfully,
Air Force Sergeants Association
AMVETS
Blinded Veterans Association
Blue Star Families
Burn Pits 360
Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association, United States Coast Guard
Code of Support Foundation
Fleet Reserve Association
Gold Star Spouses of America, Inc.
Hire Heroes USA
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Military Chaplains Association of the USA
Military Family Advisory Network
Military Officers Association of America
National Military Family Association
Operation Homefront
Project Sanctuary
Secure Families Initiative
Service Women’s Action Network
The Enlisted Association (TREA)
Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS)
United States Army Warrant Officers Association
U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers & Enlisted Association
United States Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce
Veterans of Foreign Wars
With Honor Action
Download Our Letter »
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Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) and Blue Star Families (BSF) Announce National Partnership to Enhance Support for Military and Veteran Families 1 Oct 9:04 AM (17 days ago)
Faith Leader Military Awareness and Support Training during Blue Star Welcome Week launches CVN-BSF strategic collaboration
STAMFORD, Conn., September 30, 2025 – Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national not-for-profit integrated network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families, and Blue Star Families (BSF), a non-profit dedicated to strengthening military families, today announced a new national partnership to expand access to critical resources and support for the military and veteran community.
This collaboration establishes a framework for mutual referrals, ensuring military families can seamlessly connect with the mental health services offered by CVN and the diverse programmatic offerings of BSF. The partnership will also foster joint programming between CVN and its Cohen Clinics and BSF and its local chapters, and increase awareness of available resources. By combining their strengths, the organizations will amplify their collective impact to address the unique challenges faced by military families.
“We are proud to partner with Blue Star Families, an organization that has long been a champion for military and veteran families,” said Dr. Anthony Hassan, president and CEO of Cohen Veterans Network. “Together, we are building a stronger, more connected network of care that addresses the unique experiences these families face, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to thrive.”
Aligned with the launch of this partnership, the organizations will jointly host a virtual Faith Leader Military Awareness and Support Training during the sixth annual Blue Star Welcome Week on October 1 from 12:00-1:30 PM EST. Recognizing that faith communities are often a primary point of connection for families relocating to a new area, CVN developed this training to equip faith leaders of all denominations to better serve military and veteran families within their congregations. Blue Star Welcome Week is a national initiative by Blue Star Families, designed to help the more than 600,000 military families who move each year feel connected and supported in their new communities.
“It is an honor and a privilege to serve your country, but it can be tough, and when it’s hard, military and veteran families need support from providers who understand military life,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Star Families. “This landmark national partnership with Cohen Veterans Network will make it easier for the 380,000+ families in our membership to access mental health resources from a trusted partner when they want and need them. I am delighted to kick off this partnership during Blue Star Welcome Week, showcasing CVN’s innovative faith-based leadership training, which our research tells us is one of the most powerful connection points for military families moving into new communities.”
Since 2016, CVN has provided care to nearly 90,000 clients in over 800,000 clinical sessions. CVN addresses a range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, military transition challenges, adjustment issues, PTSD, anger, grief and loss, family issues, relationship challenges, and children’s behavioral problems. Care is available through the network’s 22 Cohen Clinics serving 20 states in-person and via CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy.
Learn more about the Faith Leader Military Awareness and Support Training here.
ABOUT COHEN VETERANS NETWORK
Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) is a 501(c)(3) national not-for-profit philanthropic organization for post9/11 veterans, active duty service members and their families. CVN focuses on improving mental health outcomes, operating a network of outpatient mental health clinics in high-need communities, in which trained clinicians deliver holistic evidence-based care to treat mental health conditions. It was established in 2016 by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen with a commitment of $275 million to build the network. Learn more about CVN at cohenveteransnetwork.org.
ABOUT BLUE STAR FAMILIES
Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, Reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, click here.
The post Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) and Blue Star Families (BSF) Announce National Partnership to Enhance Support for Military and Veteran Families appeared first on Blue Star Families.
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Trading the Daily Routines and Stresses of Military Life for the Serene Surroundings of the Boundary Waters 1 Oct 6:20 AM (17 days ago)
Explore the Boundary Waters and join MFO partner Wilderness Inquiry as they guide service members and their families into the healing power of nature.
The post Trading the Daily Routines and Stresses of Military Life for the Serene Surroundings of the Boundary Waters appeared first on Blue Star Families.
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Blue Star Families Gathers Communities Nationwide for Welcome Week 2025 29 Sep 8:01 AM (19 days ago)
National Effort Empowers Communities to Embrace and Connect With Local Military Families
[WASHINGTON, DC] — September 25, 2025 —Blue Star Families, the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to serving military and veteran-connected families, today announced the kickoff of Blue Star Welcome Week 2025, running from September 27 to October 5. This annual, nationwide effort calls on Americans to “Do Their Part” in helping military families feel valued, connected, and at home in the communities where they live and serve.
Every year, approximately 600,000 military families relocate and face settling into new communities. For those with school-aged children, the impact is especially profound: military kids change schools an average of 6–9 times before graduation, disrupting their education and social connections. While more than 70% of military families live off base in civilian neighborhoods, only 39% report feeling a true sense of belonging in their local communities, according to the Blue Star Families 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey.
“Military families bring strength and service wherever they go, but every move means starting over. It’s tough, but every community has the power to make it easier, if they know how,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Star Families. “That’s why we created Blue Star Welcome Week — to spark connections and to turn strangers into neighbors. We make it easy for organizations, schools, and neighbors to welcome military families into their new homes.”
Launched in 2020, Blue Star Welcome Week seeks to become a new American tradition, engaging communities from coast to coast through acts of welcome, local events, and national partnerships. From bustling city blocks to rural neighborhoods, thousands of Americans will join in to bridge the gap between military and civilian life.
Here are five simple ways Blue Star Families encourages you to Do Your Part to welcome military families and help kids feel at home in your community during Welcome Week and beyond:
- Welcome Military Kids. Meeting classmates, exploring new places, and joining community activities helps them feel they belong. With free access to parks and cultural attractions through Blue Star Outdoors and Blue Star Museums, you can turn small gestures like an invitation or shared meal into lasting connections.
- Attend or Host a Community Gathering. Organize or join a neighborhood coffee, block party, outdoor movie, or potluck to help military families meet new neighbors and begin building local connections.
- Support Military Spouses and Parents. Consider hiring a military spouse, connect them to professional networks, or volunteer at a military-impacted school to bridge the military-civilian divide.
- Learn About Military Families’ Lives. The 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey shows that frequent relocations often create significant financial strain, with many families taking months – or even longer – to recover from the costs of a move. Taking time to understand these challenges is the first step toward meaningful support and building stronger, more connected communities.
- Every Little Bit Helps. Make a gift to Blue Star Families to strengthen programs that connect, support, and empower military families. Your donation can fuel initiatives and research that drive lasting change – ensuring families feel a true sense of belonging in their communities.
Blue Star Welcome Week 2025 is supported by presenting sponsor Target, as well as craig newmark philanthropies, CSX, Disney, KBR, Starbucks Coffee Company, Chobani, Morgan Stanley, Leonardo DRS, BAE, OREO, along with many other corporations, private foundations, community small businesses, and nonprofit partner organizations. We’re deeply grateful for their contributions.
For more information and to get involved, visit bluestarwelcomeweek.org.
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About Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts. For more information, click here.
Media Contact:
(844) 202-7827, ext. 4
The post Blue Star Families Gathers Communities Nationwide for Welcome Week 2025 appeared first on Blue Star Families.
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Welcome to Your New Backyard: Finding Nature Near Your Duty Station 25 Sep 7:09 PM (23 days ago)
Moving to a new duty station brings change, but one thing you can always count on is the power of nature to help your family feel at home. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to recharge, a fun outing with the kids, or a chance to learn the history of your new community, the outdoors is waiting right outside your door.
The Military Families Outdoors (MFO) program has created guides for each of our chapter sites (plus some extra spots) that highlight local parks and natural spaces where military families can explore, recharge, and thrive. From historic battlefields to sandy beaches, mountain trails to city green spaces, these destinations offer something for everyone.
Check out these exciting, downloadable guides to find nature near you below and get ready for your next outdoor adventure!
From the sandy shores of Indiana Dunes to the glacier-shaped paths of the Ice Age Trail, Chicago families can balance big-city energy with outdoor escapes.
From red rock formations at Garden of the Gods to sledding the Great Sand Dunes, Colorado brings mountain adventure right to your doorstep.
From the birthplace of flight at Dayton Aviation Heritage to the ancient earthworks at Hopewell Culture, Ohio blends stories of innovation with wide-open skies
From Revolutionary War trails at Moores Creek to wild horses on the beaches of Cape Lookout, North Carolina’s landscapes invite both reflection and play.
From climbing Diamond Head’s volcanic crater to snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, Honolulu families can explore both island peaks and coral reefs close to home.
From kayaking the Timucuan Preserve to ferry rides at Cumberland Island, Jacksonville families can connect history with ocean breezes and sandy shores.
From the star-spangled history of Fort McHenry to the open fields of Monocacy Battlefield, Maryland offers spaces where families can learn, stretch, and breathe in fresh harbor air.
From wooded hikes in Rock Creek Park to the dramatic overlooks at Great Falls, the D.C. area offers green spaces and adventures just steps from monuments and museums.
From the sandy beaches of Fire Island to the historic encampments of Morristown, the New York area’s mix of coasts, harbors, and heritage sites brings nature close to home.
From the rocky coasts of Acadia National Park to the windswept sands of Cape Cod, New England blends rugged beauty with Revolutionary history.
From the fortress walls of Fort Monroe to the wild ponies of Assateague Island, this area offers history and seaside adventures side by side.
From island bluffs at Ebey’s Landing to glaciers and wildflowers on Mount Rainier, the Pacific Northwest offers both quiet escapes and mountain grandeur.
From the centuries-old Missions to tubing the Guadalupe River, Texas families can balance experiencing fascinating local culture with a splash of outdoor adventure.
From the desert wonderland of Joshua Tree National Park to the coastal cliffs of Torrey Pines, families can discover both California’s starry skies and ocean breezes.
From shaded trails at De Soto National Memorial to wild wetlands in the Everglades, Florida is filled with endless history, wildlife, and sun-soaked shores.
From misty peaks in the Smoky Mountains to the soothing sound of the rushing Obed River, Tennessee landscapes combine adventure with timeless beauty.
From iconic arches in Arches National Park to sandstone cliffs in Zion, Utah families can discover deserts, canyons, and caves that inspire wonder.
Your Nature Connection
Wherever you’re stationed, you’ll find outdoor places to pause, play, and connect. Active duty families can get an America the Beautiful Pass for free, unlocking access to national parks and public lands across the country.
Don’t forget to check out this map, created by the National Park Service, which features 400+ sites near the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs Facilities to find other places to explore beyond our Nature Near You guides.
Join other families in the Military Families Outdoors program or through Blue Star Families’ Blue Star Connect Outdoors group in the BSF Neighborhood to find nearby events and adventures and visit militaryfamiliesoutdoors.org for more information.
The post Welcome to Your New Backyard: Finding Nature Near Your Duty Station appeared first on Blue Star Families.
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