Blue Ridge Mountains Women's Empowerment Retreat

Surviving women whose loss occurred more than two years ago are invited to join the TAPS Blue Ridge Mountains Empowerment Retreat.

Overview

If you're asking yourself what's next after the death of your loved one, and you're ready to take steps toward transforming your life, join us at the Blue Ridge Mountain’s Women's Empowerment Retreat. At this unique retreat for all women who have lost a loved one in the military, we'll explore ways to move forward within our new normal. Using a combination of outdoor activities, movement, art and writing, we'll take inspiration from our surroundings and our peers to create a plan for healing and growth. This event will focus on the needs of our minds, bodies and spirits as we clarify our direction in life and create our own path to transformation.

During the retreat, we will focus on building connections and fostering accountability within our group. We will work to establish a supportive community that will provide encouragement and inspiration long after this event ends. Together, we honor the past, recognize the present and intentionally step into the future.

Who should attend? Due to the unique nature of this event, TAPS Empowerment Retreats are intended for those survivors whose loss occurred more than two years ago. If you are within the first two years following your loss, we encourage you to attend a traditional TAPS Retreat, Regional Seminar and/or the National Military Survivor Seminar.

Schedule

Sunday, November 17: The first day is set aside as a travel day. Once you arrive at the retreat center, TAPS staff will be there to greet you and get you checked in. Then, the day is yours to get settled in, meet fellow survivors, explore the property and relax.

Monday, November 18 to Thursday, November 21: Each day will include opportunities for movement and mindfulness, including yoga and meditation. Group sessions will center upon themes such as gratitude, mindfulness, reflection and goal setting. Along with structured programming, the schedule will have built-in opportunities for solo work, rest and deeper personal reflection. Every evening, we'll close our time as a group together.

Friday, November 22: We'll say our final goodbyes and depart from each other.

Adventure Level

This Retreat is rated as a light intensity adventure. We will be active throughout the Retreat and will challenge you, however activities will involve light physical exertion. We will be doing some form of low-impact exercise every day including yoga, hiking, water aerobics and more!  

Please note that this is a technology-free event. In order to fully immerse ourselves in the activities and connect with fellow attendees, we ask that cellphones and other devices are only used for emergencies.

Event Fees

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, TAPS will provide lodging, most meals and all activities for this healing retreat. The only contribution required from participants is a $50 program fee which will be collected at the time of registration. If for any reason you need to cancel your registration, you can request a refund of the program fee or you may choose to donate the fee to TAPS to support future programs.

Lodging and Transportation

Lodging will be provided at Art of Living Retreat Center for all attendees from Saturday to Friday. You'll share a room with another event attendee. TAPS covers the cost of lodging at no cost to you, and we'll take care of booking your lodging for the event.

Please note this is a smoke-free and alcohol-free facility.  All meals are vegetarian and can accommodate food allergies. You can find more information regarding the food at the Art of Living Retreat Center.

TAPS EVENT ACCOMMODATION POLICY »

You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Boone. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive a welcome email after registering.

This retreat will be contained to the retreat center and our outdoor activities. If you would like to explore the Poconos area, please plan to extend your visit before or after the retreat.

Application Details

Application open on August 19, 2019 close on August 26, 2019 (look for the blue button at the top of this page at that time). Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status in mid-September.  Applicants not initially selected to attend will be placed on a waitlist and notified as space becomes available.

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