Southern California Good Grief Campout

Create lasting friendships. Lean into adventure. Breathe fresh air. And build resiliency, friendships and robust marshmallow toasting skills. Join us at the TAPS Southern California Good Grief Campout, where the combination of nature and #tapsfam is nothing short of summertime magic.

At the campout, nature sets the stage. Lakes, pools, trails, fire circles, open skies, sports fields and green trees provide a backdrop that's both challenging and welcoming. Joining campers in the great outdoors are TAPS staff and military mentors, who lead activities, provide support and create the right environment for playing, sharing, creating and exploring.

One-on-one time with military mentors reinforces the camper's sense of importance — and there's time built into the schedule for that undivided attention. Each day is also rounded out with team-building and group activities, giving each camper the opportunity to lead and follow, to build relationships with each other and with trusted adults and to navigate the unfamiliar with renewed confidence.

Help your child move beyond grief lived indoors — join us for a breath of fresh air.

Good Grief Campouts are for children ages 6 to 17 who are six months beyond their loss. 

SCHEDULE

Day 1: We'll spend the first day settling into camp and getting to know each other and our military mentors.

Day 2: The second day will be filled with camp activities like rope courses, nature walks, arts and crafts, swimming and sports. We'll also participate in group activities that will allow the children a safe space to talk openly about their loss and their loved one. Kids and mentors will participate in remembrance ceremonies to honor their fallen hero.

Day 3: The fun will continue with more camp activities, group bonding and remembrance ceremonies.

Day 4: After a full day of camp activities, we'll wrap up our time together and say our goodbyes.

*Note: Please be aware that this itinerary is subject to change due to a number of reasons, including weather and participant needs.

Campout FEES

A $50 deposit per camper will be collected at the time of registration. At the conclusion of the camp, you may choose to donate this deposit to TAPS to support future programs; otherwise, you will receive a full refund.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, TAPS is able to provide lodging, all meals, materials, activities and T-shirts for all campers at no cost to you. You will need to cover the cost of travel to and from the camp.

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

Lodging will be provided for all campers and military mentors at Whispering Winds outside of San Diego from Sunday through Wednesday, and TAPS will cover the cost of lodging.

You will need to cover the cost of your child's transportation to and from San Diego. The closest airport is the San Diego International Airport.

If you have any questions, please email camps@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277). Email support@taps.org if you do not receive a confirmation email after registering.