Moving to a new duty station right before or at the beginning of summer break can feel like terrible timing. Others might have friends, favorite places to go to, and plans in place, while you're still figuring out how to even get to your house. As a military teen, I’ve learned that not every summer has a busy social calendar, and one may end up with excess free time. However, even if not always ideal, summer doesn’t have to be wasted just because you haven’t found your people

My family has been lucky enough to be stationed in Singapore for about 5.5 years total, across two tours, and we absolutely love it. Being stationed here is definitely different from other OCONUS duty stations, but there is so much that Singapore has to offer, especially considering it’s only about the size of Chicago and showing up on a map like a little red dot. Installation Amenities “It’s not a base, it's a place” is something we commonly say over here because of how sma

This article is part of the Bloom Spotlight series, where we aim to recognize current and former military teens who are doing amazing things. If you know a current or former military teen (regardless of age) who is impacting the military community in a way that deserves to be recognized, visit our Bloom Spotlight page . Leah Scarmeas is a senior in high school who is heavily involved and accomplished in pageantry. She holds the Miss South Carolina Teen USA title, achieved thr

Over the 18 years I’ve been a military brat, my family’s been stationed at Fort Leavenworth for about nine years (over three different times). Most recently, when we were told we’d be going back to Kansas, I was upset. Kansas… ugh. What’s there to like about Kansas? Well, as I’ve found out, there’s a lot to like about Kansas. Even in the small town of Leavenworth, which I can drive across in no more than 15 minutes, I have found an extensive amount of joy. Signature Cafes

Before entering the Naval Academy gates, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar would be like: rigorous workouts, military drills, and a glimpse into life as a midshipman. But nothing could have prepared me for how much I would learn about myself and the U.S. Navy in just one week. The Naval Academy campus felt like stepping into a world where tradition and discipline reigned supreme. The historic gray stone buildings, the perfectly t

From Hawaii to DC, and Pennsylvania to Texas, I'm no stranger to the "PCS Road Trip." With packing all the "essentials" - sleeping bags,...

New Year’s. A time of resolutions, reflection, and fresh starts. My family used to come up with a motto for each year – something broader than a resolution, something that we could aim for as individuals and as a family. One year it was "regaining equilibrium," another it was "managing transitions." The tradition petered out after 2015: “maximizing opportunities”. The inspiration was taking full advantage of with a two-year assignment in London, England. It was, after all, a.

Growing up at the intersection of military and civilian life, I've learned that identity is rarely a simple narrative. Living between two worlds—the military world and the civilian world—has profoundly changed my worldview. In the military world, service is more than a profession; it's a profound commitment etched into the fabric of daily life. Pride isn't just an emotion, but a lived experience of sacrifice, resilience, and collective purpose. Watching my father serve for al

At the intersection of family service and national policy, military teens have a complex but often unrecognized magnitude of expertise and past experiences. However, our experiences and wealth of knowledge are often not fully utilized. From a young age, I’ve understood that military-related decisions are made far away and by individuals who are far more important than myself. These policies drafted in distant conference rooms have rippled through our lives like silent waves,

The first three books of many for book club Military life involves a lot of time away from those you love – parents who are deployed, or who simply work such long hours that you only see them headed out or in the door; friends made and then lost when one or both of you moves on; extended family members nearby for a few years and then distant with the next move. Military life feels at times like being stretched thin, spread across state lines and time zones. Adding in the many

Ah, television, I love it and hate it. As a kid, I looked for people who were "like me." That kid in first grade who was playing with...

There are countless things to do in Japan - tasty things to eat, fun places to go, and amazing things to see. Here are my top four. #1 Mount Fuji: Mount Fuji is one of the biggest mountains in the world and one of the most popular tourist traps of Japan. The mountain is 12,388 feet (3,776 meters) and takes about 11.5 hours to climb. If you aren't an avid adventurer and just want to view Mount Fuji's beauty, the Fuji Five Lakes is a great spot. Hakone, a hot springs resort nea

Everyone talks about how moving halfway across the world, getting on a plane, and leaving your family and friends behind feels, but no...

The old year has ended, but winter continues in Midwestern and Northeast America. If you’re still looking for activities to fill your...

Service is a concept that all military families are intimately familiar with. We're familiar with it cause that’s why mom or dad are...

As we can tell by trees shaking their leaves and hot chocolate flying off the shelves, winter is coming. In the months ahead, some states...

Despite the other four places I’ve lived, Fort Bliss was, hands down, my favorite place to live. The just over three years I spent there...

If you moved to Carlisle this summer, welcome! For a great guide to in-town activities, check out this article by Nina A. for some tips...

Military social life is a concept that is commonly underestimated by the civilian eye. I grew up watching my parents transform into shiny...

Summer is at its peak, and the possibilities for fun are endless. In this two-part series, I've tried to find the best places to go...