National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp

All suicide loss survivors are warmly invited and encouraged to attend the TAPS National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.

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 feel the hope and healing. You'll meet other people walking the same road — 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 — a family of survivors with whom to share the journey.

During our time together in Arizona, you'll have the opportunity to participate in activities, workshops and small-group sharing sessions. We'll also 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.

GOOD GRIEF CAMP FOR TAPS KIDS

The TAPS Good Grief Camp is a program for children who have lost a loved one who served in the Armed Forces. Good Grief Camp provides a safe space for military children to explore grief and embrace healing. 

Throughout the weekend, children will 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/big sister” and reminds the child that he or she is still a part of the military community.

Children and teens will find comfort in knowing there are other kids their age who understand their loss, develop coping skills they can use once they leave Good Grief Camp and learn how America honors our fallen service members.

Loving child care is also offered for children under 4 years old.

BECOME A PEER MENTOR

During the seminar, TAPS will be holding peer mentor trainings for adult military survivors who are at least 18 months beyond their own loss and are ready to be there for others and offer support. We have two four-hour trainings on Friday, Oct. 6, that you can choose from. The first session will be held from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m., and the second session will be held from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. You will learn more about grief and trauma, gain basic helping skills and become part of our TAPS Peer Mentor team. To register, please complete the peer mentor training section when you register for the seminar and send an email to peermentors@taps.org with your desired session. 

All those interested in attending the training should also complete the peer mentor application and take an online training course prior to the seminar. Visit our Become a Peer Mentor page or email peermentors@taps.org to learn more.

MEDIA AND SPONSORSHIP

If you’re a journalist interested in covering or attending the National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar or Good Grief Camp, email media@taps.org . 

Interested in sponsoring part of the National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp? Email sponsor@taps.org.