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 Florida, 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 YOUNG SURVIVORS

The TAPS Good Grief Camp is a program for children who have lost a loved one who served in the Armed Forces (see attendance eligibility criteria). 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 an active duty service member or veteran who serves as a military mentor 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.

Volunteer as a Legacy or Military Mentor

TAPS invites those currently serving in the military, veterans, and military survivors who have graduated from Good Grief Camp to register to volunteer as a mentor for the TAPS National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp. 

As a Legacy or Military Mentor at the National Military Suicide Survivor Good Grief Camp for kids, you'll support a child throughout the weekend as he or she shares and connects with other surviving kids and learns how to honor his or her loved one. You may do art projects, play games, or throw a football. You'll definitely create lasting memories and feel pride in yourself for the work you've done. 

To register as a Military or Legacy Mentor, create a mentor account and complete a background check form. Once your background check is approved, you can log into your account to register to volunteer at the National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.  Visit our Legacy or Military Mentor Volunteer at the National Suicide Good Grief Camp to learn more.

Become a TAPS Peer Mentor

During the seminar, TAPS will be conducting peer mentor training for adult military survivors who are at least 18 months beyond their own loss and are ready to be there for others to offer support.

You can choose to attend our training session on Friday, October 5, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 to 5 p.m. Eastern. You will learn more about grief and trauma, gain basic helping skills and become part of our TAPS Peer Mentor Team.

If you're interested in attending the peer mentor training for adult military survivors you can register for in-person training by completing the Peer Mentor Classroom Training supplemental form which is a part of the seminar registration process. After you've registered, you'll be contacted by a TAPS staff member. 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.