National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar and 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.

FOR YOUNG ADULTS

The TAPS Young Adults Program is for 18 to 25 year old surviving children and siblings and helps our graduating Good Grief Camp children transition into a program all their own.

Transitioning into adulthood is difficult enough, but when you add grief to the scenario, it becomes more challenging. This program takes that into consideration when addressing five pillars of growth: Personal Development, Financial Stability, Communications, Career Development, and Service to Others. With practical life skills explored, the Young Adult Program strives to help each individual create a well-rounded life full of hope, healing, and growth.

Whether you are a graduate of our Good Grief Camp or new to our TAPS events, please know you have found your tribe to grow and heal.  If you have any questions, please email youngadults@taps.org.  

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 (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 active duty military, veterans, and military survivors who have graduated from Good Grief Camp (Legacy mentors) to register as a volunteer mentor for the TAPS National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.  

As a Legacy or Military Mentor, you will support a child throughout the weekend as he or she shares and connects with other surviving kids and learns how to honor their loved one. You will receive training from our Youth Program staff and come alongside a child to do a variety of activities geared toward promoting healing. Whether doing art projects, playing games, throwing or kicking a ball, doing memorial activities, or being silly, you will have fun with a purpose with a child who needs you. Along the way, you will create lasting memories and feel pride in yourself for the amazing impact you will have on a military child and their family.

To register as a Legacy or Military Mentor, create a mentor account and complete a background check release. 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 (when available).  

Become a TAPS Peer Mentor

During the seminar, TAPS will be conducting two Peer Mentor training sessions 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. Completing this training provides you with added support for your own journey while partnering closer with us to provide care for other survivors who share your loss. As a Peer Mentor, you will have a wide variety of opportunities to choose from to support your peers through activities such as seminars, retreats, TAPS Togethers, hosting a Care Group, supporting the Online Community, and providing one-to-one mentoring.

You can choose to attend our training session one on Thursday, October 10 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. or our training session two on Friday, October 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You will learn more about grief and trauma, learn to identify risks and warning signs for suicide, gain basic helping skills, and become part of our nationwide TAPS Peer Mentor Team.

Becoming a Peer Mentor is an easy process and yields deep personal rewards. If you're interested in attending the Peer Mentor training for adult military survivors, you can register for the in-person training as part of the seminar registration. After you've registered, you'll be contacted by the TAPS Peer Mentor Program staff. 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.