Volunteer as a Military or Legacy Mentor in D.C.

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 25th Anniversary TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.

The world changes for grieving children when someone is there for them — and that's where you come in.

At this special event, children and teens grieving the loss of a loved one who served in the military come together from all over the nation and are paired with Legacy and Military Mentors who companion these kids throughout the weekend.

As a Legacy or Military Mentor, you'll support a child throughout the weekend as he or she shares and connects with other surviving kids and learn how to honor his or her loved one. You may do art projects and play silly games. You may throw footballs and cheer them on in relays. You'll definitely create lasting memories and feel pride in yourself for the work you've done.

Good Grief Camp Schedule

All legacy and military mentors MUST attend mentor training on either Wednesday or Thursday as well as be available for the entire weekend during the times listed below for Good Grief Camp. If you can't make a full commitment, please consider registering as a volunteer instead.

Wednesday, May 22

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. — Mentor training

Thursday, May 23

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. — Mentor training

5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. — Good Grief Camp Kid Zone - OPTIONAL

The mentor volunteer training is designed to help equip mentors for the weekend and begin developing rapport in each group. TAPS also provides an optional online Good Grief Camp training course; this course reinforces but doesn't replace the required in-person training.

Friday, May 24

7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. — Good Grief Camp

Saturday, May 25

7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. — Good Grief Camp

Sunday, May 26

8:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. — Good Grief Camp

Monday, May 27

7:30 a.m. to conclusion — Arlington National Cemetery Ceremony (service members are encouraged to wear their dress uniform) or the Memorial Day Parade - OPTIONAL

All events, including training, will take place at the Marriott Crystal Gateway, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202.

Mentor Requirements

To become a Legacy or Military Mentor, you must:

Currently serve or have served in the military OR be a military survivor who has graduated from Good Grief Camp.
Be at least 20 years old (exceptions to age requirement for military personnel and teen survivors are considered) with the energy and stamina necessary to companion a child from early morning to late in the day throughout the event.
Pass a security background check.
If applying as a Legacy Mentor, submit a short written response and provide two previous group leaders as references.
Attend the required training prior to the event.
Be on time and ready to participate in all camp activities throughout the event.
Be willing to be a buddy and companion to a child who has lost a loved one in the military.
Be present while also being cognizant of your own grief and loss of a military friend or family member.
Show empathy toward children and surviving families as they're grieving.
Use good judgment when assessing safety for children.
Set and enforce good boundaries with your mentee.
Create a safe place and an environment of trust and acceptance for your mentee.
Identify your mentee’s special needs and/or allergies from the intake form.
Not fraternize with fellow mentors, mentees, TAPS staff or adult survivors during the event. Your focus should be on your mentee and his or her well-being.
Intervene when necessary and keep group leaders informed if there are concerns.
Honor time constraints.
Follow directions from group leaders and TAPS staff.
Not partake in alcohol during the event nor let it affect your role as a mentor each day
Demonstrate good moral and responsible conduct around all children. You shouldn't use profanity, tell “drinking stories,” or make inappropriate comments.
Be willing to withhold any personal political views as this may complicate the grieving process for children. No anti-war comments will be tolerated.
Be willing to continue the mentor role throughout the rest of the year for the child’s birthday, special events, or holidays.

Lodging and Transportation

Free parking is available for Good Grief Camp mentors. Detailed parking instructions will be shared with volunteers.

How to Register

To register as a Legacy and Military Mentor:

Create a mentor account.
Once you've created your account, log back in and complete a background check form.
After you receive a confirmation email of a completed background check, log into your account and register for the 25th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp and any additional programs you're interested in.

For questions about mentoring at Youth Programs event, call 800-959-TAPS (8277) or email mentors@taps.org.

Legacy or Military Mentor Volunteer at National Good Grief Camp