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Families of America’s Fallen Military Heroes Heal Together at TAPS Camp in Washington

Three-Day Campout Helps Bereaved Military Children Process Grief

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 15, 2018

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will host family members of fallen American military heroes at a family campout on Bainbridge Island, Washington from November 16-18. The three-day campout will help children and adults who have lost a loved one in the Armed Forces process their grief individually and as families.

The TAPS campout will include outdoor activities that will teach coping techniques, communication skills and ways to strengthen the family unit. Active duty military members will attend the campout as mentors to help participating children honor their fallen heroes and remain connected to the military community.

“During National Children’s Grief Awareness Month, we remember the needs of grieving children, including those who have lost loved ones in the military,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder and a 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. “In Washington, we will help bereaved military children cope with their loss through partnering them with military mentors and bringing their families together to provide a strong foundation for healing.”

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS:

  • Karissa Kelley, TAPS Youth Programs Manager and surviving sister of Air Force A1C Caleb Kelley
  • Audri Beugelsdijk, TAPS Vice President of Survivor Care and surviving spouse of U.S. Navy CTRSN Jason Springer
  • Chantel Dooley, TAPS Impact Assessment and surviving fiancée of Air Force Capt. Alex J. Stanton
  • Surviving military families participating in the campout

MEDIA RSVP REQUESTED:

Please email Victoria Leoni at victoria.leoni@taps.org or call her at (571) 385-2570 to arrange interviews with TAPS staff or participants or attend any part of the campout.

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ABOUT TAPS

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the leading national organization providing compassionate care and survivor support services for the families of America’s fallen military heroes. Since 1994, TAPS has offered support to more than 80,000 survivors of fallen military in the form of peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, case work assistance, connections to community-based care, online and in-person support groups and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces. Services are provided free of charge. For more information go to www.taps.org or call the toll-free TAPS resource and information helpline at 1.800.959.TAPS (8277).