Colorado Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp
As we move through the grief journey, we realize that changes provide perspective, and perspective drives purpose. Find new perspective, a sense of purpose and the support of peers at our brand new regional seminars.
We urge you to take three days out of the grind of grief work and the stresses of daily life to fellowship with your TAPS family.
Our new format will help you personalize your experience. Some of us are at a place where we want to tell the story of what happened, and we need to grieve safely, openly and deeply. Some of us need to talk, some need to listen and some don't feel comfortable participating with words. Some of us are struggling to figure out how grief looks many years down the road — how to reconcile how our families have changed and are still changing. Some of us need to lean into life, to take better care of ourselves, to move our bodies, to get out and do things and to connect with the people with whom we feel the closest.
Think of TAPS Seminars as a gathering place where all of that, and more, is possible. Think of them as tools for building your compassion for yourself and others, your capacity to grieve and to heal, and your confidence.
We've changed our seminars, and change waits for you there, too.
Good Grief Camp
Though their lives are marked by grief, young survivors at TAPS know their lives will also be marked by camaraderie, mentorship, emotional maturity, adventure and fun.
Led by experts in the fields of child development, mental health and education, TAPS Youth Programs provide safe spaces for military children to explore grief and embrace healing.
At TAPS Seminars, this takes the form of Good Grief Camps where children are able to share and learn coping skills through games, crafts and other activities in a fun and supportive environment. Each child is paired with a military mentor who serves as a "big brother" or "big sister" and reminds the child that he or she is still a part of the military community.
Schedule
Our regional seminar starts on Friday evening. Following hotel check-in, your warm TAPS greeting and dinner, there will be dessert and welcome sessions. Friday evening will be informal yet informative — you'll be able to ask questions, meet peer mentors, and get a feel for what to expect. Whether you're relieved to be back with your TAPS family or feeling hesitant and overwhelmed, you'll have the chance to take a breath and know we've got you.
Starting on Saturday morning and concluding with dinner on Sunday, we'll have the entire weekend together. You'll create your own schedule, selecting from a variety of workshops, sharing groups, fitness and mindfulness activities, and special events. Off-site opportunities allow you the chance to really explore the beautiful resort. Programming is purposeful and intentional and includes remembrance ceremonies, family dinners, and stories of love and loss.
We want you to participate fully in Sunday activities, so after our Americana-themed Sunday night dinner, you'll have the option to stay at the hotel for a third night. We're certain you'll re-enter your "regular life" refreshed and renewed.
With all the new changes at TAPS Regional Seminars, some things won't ever change — the ready hugs and courageous hearts of others who understand. You'll be warmly welcomed, and you'll leave with friends, resources and a new sense of hope. You'll find this at every TAPS event.
Friday, March 31
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Peer Mentor Training
TAPS will be holding a peer mentor training for adult survivors who are at least 18 months beyond their own loss and are ready to be there for others. You'll be able to sign up for peer mentor training during the registration process. To learn more about peer mentoring, visit the TAPS Peer Mentors page.
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Check-in and Dessert Sessions
Saturday, April 1
8 a.m. - 9 a.m. — Breakfast
9 a.m. - 10 a.m. — Opening Session
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Good Grief Camp
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Your choice of workshops and activities
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. — Family dinner and remembrance activities
Sunday, April 2
8 a.m. - 9 a.m. — Breakfast
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Your choice of workshops and activities
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Good Grief Camp
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. — Family dinner and closing session
Monday, April 3
8 a.m. — Time to say our goodbyes and travel home
Seminar Fees
There are no registration fees for our regional seminars. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, TAPS is able to provide lodging, all meals, materials, activities and T-shirts at no cost to you. All you have to do is register, keep us updated on your plans, and know we're going to meet you wherever you are on your grief journey.
Lodging and Transportation
Lodging will be provided at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort for all those attending on a first come, first served basis on Friday through Monday. TAPS covers the cost of lodging at no cost to you, and we will take care of booking your hotel room for the weekend.
Because we want you to be able to participate fully in the Sunday activities, you'll have the option to stay at the hotel on Sunday night. This will allow you time to unwind and enter your "regular life" feeling refreshed and renewed.
You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from the seminar, but if the cost of travel to the seminar is a barrier to your attending, please let us know. We aren't able to offer airfare assistance, but we are able to offer gift cards for gas. If this is something that would help you attend, email seminarregistrations@taps.org to request a $50 gas gift card. If you need additional resources, call us at 800-959-TAPS (8277) to discuss if TAPS can help.
Email support@taps.org if you do not receive a confirmation email after registering.