Summer in a Guard family can feel a little like playing Tetris on hard mode. Between Annual Training, drill weekends, family plans, and trying to keep the kids from going full gremlin, the “summer break” part doesn’t always hit the way it does for everyone else. Still, even in the chaos, there’s room for good moments. 

Honestly, we survive by staying flexible. Sometimes that dream vacation turns into a backyard camping night with sticky s’mores and a Hatch noise machine…and that’s okay. Local splash pads, rec centers, and short day trips can make things feel special without the hassle. Military discounts definitely help too — your ID is lowkey magical when it comes to hotels and amusement parks.

If you haven’t checked in with your state’s Joint Family Programs lately, do it. A lot of them offer summer camps, family days, and community events are actually fun and not just something to fill the calendar. These programs are here to support connection, fun, and resilience. Plus, they get what Guard families are juggling, it’s support that doesn’t feel like a lecture. 

If you’re holding down the fort during AT, structure saves lives. We keep it simple over here, park in the morning, something messy in the afternoon, movie at night. Mac and cheese with chicken is dinner and my 5-year-old will fight anyone who disagrees. 

Also, if you’re running on fumes and need a reset, we have your back. You’re not the only one winging it this summer. Guard families are built different. We adjust, we show up, and we still find ways to make the memories count. 

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