Alaska Surviving Parents and Siblings Retreat

Registration and waitlist for this event is full.

All surviving parents and surviving siblings grieving the loss of a loved one who served in the Armed Forces are warmly invited to join TAPS for our Alaska Parents and Siblings Retreat. Surviving parents (including single parents) are welcome to attend without their other adult children (surviving siblings); and likewise, adult surviving siblings are welcome to attend without their parents. All participants must be at least 18 years of age.

All flights must be purchased and confirmed by January 14th, 2019.

The grief journey takes us out of our comfort zone. But when we see that others share this journey, we can find new ways to grow and heal with a little more confidence.

Step away from the daily stressors of life and immerse yourself in a safe environment to help you connect with yourself, your loved one and others who understand. Explore Alaska, create new bonds and celebrate your fallen hero. You’ll learn to focus on yourself and be in the moment.

Move beyond your comfort zone with the support of others who understand at the Alasak Surviving Parents and Surviving Sibilings Retreat. 

SCHEDULE 

Day 1: Wednesday is your travel day. TAPS staff will be available to greet you in the evening, but there is no formal programming this day. You can take the evening to relax and settle in.

Day 2: Following breakfast, we will have introductions and a group activity. We will spend the remainder of the day outside, skiing, and/or snowboarding.

Day 3: We will travel outside of Anchorage to some of the most gorgeous views you’ve ever seen and spend the day snowmobiling and ice fishing! This will truly be a memorable experience!

Day 4: We will attend the ceremonial start of the Iditarod, as well as offer you some free time to explore Anchorage. Our closing ceremony will take place in the evening.

Day 5: Following breakfast, TAPS staff still will be available to bid you farewell. There is no programming or activities on this day.

ADVENTURE LEVEL

This retreat is rated as a challenging / high intensity adventure. We will be active throughout the retreat, including walking up to one mile, snow-machining, and skiing or snowboarding. There will also be plenty of time to relax and connect with fellow survivors.

RETREAT FEES

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, TAPS will provide lodging, most meals and all activities at no cost to you. A $50 deposit will be collected at the time of registration. At the conclusion of the retreat, you may choose to donate this deposit to TAPS to support future programs; otherwise, it will be fully refunded to attendees.

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

Lodging will be provided for all attendees at a hotel in downtown Anchorage. You'll share a room with another retreat attendee. TAPS covers the cost of lodging at no cost to you, and we'll take care of booking your lodging for the retreat. 

You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Anchorage. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive a welcome email after registering. Once your registration is accepted, your flight must be purchased and confirmed by January 14th, 2019.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Registration and waitlist is full for this event. Registration is conducted on a first come, first served basis; a waitlist will form once registration has reached capacity. Please keep in mind that we hold a number of spots on each event for first-time attendees, so don't be discouraged if you're added to the waitlist. You'll receive an email if a spot becomes available for you.

If you have attended a TAPS retreat within the past 12 months, we kindly ask that you wait until December 20 at 12 p.m. Eastern to register for this event. Previous attendance will not automatically be recognized due to pending registration system updates, but it will be manually verified. Any registrations violating this rule will be canceled, and you will be able to try again after 12 p.m. Eastern on the 20th.

Upon registration, you'll receive a confirmation email. Please email retreats@taps.org if you do not receive a confirmation email after registering. Within 48 hours, you'll receive a welcome email from TAPS Retreats staff that includes information about accommodations, flights, etc. Please do not book your flight until you receive the welcome email.

If you have any questions, please email retreats@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).