Austin Parents Retreat

Health Guidelines: TAPS will make every effort to ensure safe and healthy gatherings. We will continue to monitor COVID variants and may require testing onsite and/or other protocols based on local regulations and CDC guidance. At this time, we do not require proof of full vaccination and masks are optional, however due to the intimate nature of this experience and staying consistent with the safety policy of our Adult Program events, we require that all participants take a Covid test provided by TAPS staff upon arriving on site before checking in. Should we have to make any changes you will be notified right away.

The TAPS Adult Programs warmly invites you to join with other parents who are more than 2 years from their loss in Austin, Texas.

Overview

The grief journey takes us out of our comfort zone. But when we see that others share this journey, we can find new ways to grow and heal with a little more confidence.  Join us this fall in Austin, Texas to join fellow surviving parents to connect with yourself, your loved one and others who understand. Through daily outdoor activities, we will create new bonds, start new memories and honor our loved ones. 

Who should attend? Due to the unique nature of this event, this TAPS Austin Parents Retreat is intended for those survivors whose loss occurred more than 2 years ago. If you are within the first 6 months following your loss, we encourage you to attend a TAPS Togethers, Regional Seminar and/or the National Military Survivor Seminar.

Schedule

Thursday, November 9:  The first day is set aside as a travel day.  Once you arrive at the hotel TAPS staff will be there to greet you and get you checked in (3:00 p.m. check in time). You’ll have an opportunity to get settled in, meet fellow survivors, enjoy dinner together, get an overview of what to expect, and relax. Please arrive prior to 6:00 p.m.

Friday, November 10 to Saturday, November 11: Every day we will engage in a variety of outdoor activities. There will be structured programming, time together to reflect on our new connections and our next journeys ahead. 

Sunday, November 12: We will have breakfast and our final session, then say our final goodbyes and depart from each other. Please schedule departure times after 12 noon, if possible.  Airport shuttles will be scheduled based on individual flight departure times.

Adventure Level 

This retreat is rated as a low-intensity adventure. We'll be active and everyone will have an opportunity to challenge themselves. Much of our time will be spent outdoors enjoying the Austin scenery. There will also be time to relax and connect with one another.

PLEASE NOTE: Participants in this retreat will need to be able to perform low exercise activities and must be free from significant mobility issues.

Fees

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, TAPS will provide lodging, meals (for hotel meals, accommodations can be made for food allergies and dietary requirements), and all activities at no cost to you.

Lodging

Lodging will be provided at the Lone Star Court for all attendees from Thursday to Sunday.  Couples will share a room and single parents will share a room with a single parent.

Please note Lone Star Court offers a smoke-free environment.  Smoking is only permitted in the open air designated areas, outside of the hotel.

You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Austin, Texas, as well as lodging outside of the dates which TAPS provides. If you are flying in, a shuttle will be provided to and from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive a welcome email after registering and your participation is confirmed.

Application Details

Application is open until September 29, 2023 (look for the blue button at the top of this page at that time). Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status in early October.  Applicants not initially selected to attend will be placed on a waitlist and notified as space becomes available.

If you have any questions, please email adultprograms@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).