16th Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar
and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors

  Memorial Day Weekend  |   May 28 ^th - 31 ^st, 2010  

Crystal Gateway Marriott
Jefferson Davis Highway | Arlington Virginia

You are warmly invited and encouraged to attend the 16th Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors. Join us in the nation’s capital as we bring together survivors from across the country and leading professionals in the grief and trauma field, to share a weekend of understanding, hope, courage, and love.  An atmosphere of care awaits you in a safe and supportive environment.

Since 1995, TAPS has welcomed all who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving, providing a full weekend of events for adults and children alike. In Washington, DC, we are surrounded by the monuments of our nation that honor the service and sacrifice of our loved ones and remind everyone that "Freedom is Not Free."

It is easy to think we are alone in this journey… but at the TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors, we are not alone.  There is always someone to lend an empathetic ear, a supportive shoulder, and the precious gift of time to be there for you; whether to talk or to just sit quietly.

In dealing with struggles of the heart and soul, we seek people and places that can provide solace from the grief that surrounds us.  The time we spend with each other and the memories we take home are invaluable to us as we face each new day and take each new step in this most unexpected life.

Come and share our weekend.  Whether it is your first visit or you are returning for our annual family reunion, a warm smile, an understanding heart, and open arms await you.  Join us as we "Remember the Love, Celebrate the Life, and Share the Journey" …together!

For the Survivor:

Workshops for Survivors and Professionals: Our carefully chosen topics include understanding complicated grief in the military, coping with new family dynamics, special issues facing loved ones when a death occurs, and recognizing post traumatic stress.

Support Groups: We offer gentle, supportive discussions that allow you a chance to share with others who are facing similar experiences.

Special Events:  The seminar is held in Washington, DC and we will be attending special ceremonies at the Marine Barracks, the U.S. Capitol, and Arlington National Cemetery. There is also plenty of free time for relaxing and visiting with your newfound friends.

Peer Mentor Training: For those who are one year beyond their own loss and are ready to be there for others, we offer a full day of training on Thursday May 27th, prior to the seminar. You will learn more about grief and trauma, gain basic helping skills, and become part of our TAPS Peer Mentor Team. TAPS Peer Mentors provide a one-on-one connection with other survivors by relationship, circumstance or just the shared experience of grief.

For the Children: The Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors is America’s first established program for children who have lost a parent, sibling or loved one in military service to America. Our youth have a chance to share, heal and have fun in a loving, supportive environment. Managed by some of America’s finest adolescent grief and trauma experts, our TAPS youth also learn about our Nation’s Capitol while forging lasting friendships.  The Good Grief Camp allows your child to be surrounded by others of their own age who have experienced a similar loss while adults are with other adults.  Both the Adult Seminar and the Children’s Good Grief Camp run concurrently.  Loving childcare is also offered from 8 AM to 10 PM Friday through Sunday for those under 4 years old.  Throughout the weekend, your child will have a member of the military, serving as a mentor (similar to a "big brother/big sister") to comfort them and laugh with them…but also to remind them they are still very much a part of the military family and are not forgotten.

For the Caregiver: TAPS offers the most current information and effective instruction for professionals who work with military survivors. Essential for chaplains, casualty and mortuary staffs, family support, commanders and their spouses, medical and mental health personnel, funeral directors and therapists.