National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp

ADULT SEMINAR

The grief that follows a suicide loss is often uniquely complicated. In addition to mourning, unanswered questions and strained relationships, you may find that when you most need the support of others you actually feel most alone.

But you are not alone. At the National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar, you'll be able to look around and know that. You'll meet other people walking the same road ó suicide loss survivors from across the country who come to share stories, struggles, moments of reflection and loving support.

At the National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar you'll be surrounded by people who, like you, are learning to live with unanswered questions and incomplete pictures.In this loving, supportive environment, you'll find information, empathy and brave companions ó a family of survivors with whom to share the journey.

During our weekend in Florida, we'll connect you with leaders in the fields of grief, trauma and healing. Together we will gain an understanding of the complex grief journey we experience after losing a loved one to suicide, develop coping skills and learn to put some pieces of the puzzle together.

Please plan your travel so you arrive on Friday, Sept. 30, no later than 3 p.m. and depart Sunday, Oct. 2, no earlier than 9 p.m. to take advantage of all Seminar programming and activities.

Workshops for survivors: Some of our carefully chosen topics include discussions on why people die by suicide, tools for living with post-traumatic stress, new family dynamics and communication, and how to help children who have experienced trauma. There will also be plenty of holistic healing choices such as art therapy, yoga and spiritual healing. We are adding speakers and workshops daily, so check back for updates.

Sharing Groups: We offer gentle, supportive discussions that allow you a chance to share with others who have the same survivor relationship.

GOOD GRIEF CAMP

The Good Grief Camp 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. While adults take advantage of the Adult Seminar program and workshops, the Good Grief Camp allows your child to be surrounded by other kids their age who have also experienced a similar loss. Loving child care is also offered for those under 4 years old.

Throughout the weekend, your child will be paired with a mentor, often a current U.S. service member (similar to a "big brother/big sister" connection) to comfort them and laugh with them, but also to remind them that they are still very much a part of the military family and are not forgotten.