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 the Midway Geyser Basin and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, which is known for its yellow-banded bluffs and 50 species of wildflowers. At night, they swapped jokes, stories, and s’mores around the campfire. During a six-day trip into this pristine land of mountains, lakes, and geysers, families were able to experience Yellowstone together and leave with lifelong memories.
The Military Families Outdoors program is committed to providing outdoor access to active-duty service members and their families so that all military communities have equitable access to the transformative benefits of the natural world. Time spent in the great outdoors offers these families a rejuvenating escape from the pressures of the outside world and a time for connection, restoration, and memory-making together.
The Schneiders and Monroes are heading back to Billings now after an absolutely amazing experience. This trip was priceless and the amount of memories we created through the week will stay with us forever. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for this opportunity and experience – a true family event.”
— Bryan, Jenn, Sam, and Jessica
Active-duty military and veteran families are invited to the U.S. National Park sites — more than 430 park sites across the country. They also enjoy special benefits, including a free annual Military America the Beautiful Pass, which can be obtained at most national park sites that collect fees using a military ID.
Military Families Outdoors is administered by the Defense Health Agency and the National Park Service and brings together the expertise of Blue Star Families, Wilderness Inquiry, YMCA of the USA, and The Center for Health & Nature to provide engaging outdoor wellness experiences for service members and military families across the country.
Learn more about this amazing program.
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