What is TAPS Kids Connect?

This session is a welcoming place for TAPS kids! In our virtual gatherings for our TAPS children and teens, we will meet our TAPS community, will have fun while interacting through games and icebreakers, and will explore what virtual Youth Programs activities look like during this time. This session is hosted by trained Group Leaders, Mentors and Staff.  This is not a grief work session.  This is engaging within our youth community through an interactive activity.

• How do we access the TAPS Kids Connect for our child or children?

  To protect our minor population, we will have a different link for each weekly online session. After you register your child or children, you will be emailed the appropriate link for the session.

• Is my child required to share?

  No.  This is a safe space, and  there is not a requirement to talk.  We simply ask that those choosing not to share respect those who are by listening.  Again, we are not asking to share our grief, but to share in fun and community.

• Will the TAPS Kids Connect be recorded?

  No. To maintain confidentiality and safety, we will not be recording the sessions.  What is said in the group, stays in the group.  Please hold what you hear in the sessions in confidence.. There should be no sharing of details on social media.  No recording or photos of the sessions as they are meant to be places of safety - confidentiality is paramount.

• Will my child be paired with a mentor for the sessions?

  No. We will not be pairing children one on one with a mentor  as we do at our in person event, or Good Grief Camps.  For our virtual events, mentors will be present in the session and there to support all participants. However, we do have a great program this summer where you can request a mentor for your child where they will connect and participate in a fun adventure game titled Flat Mentor. To learn more about this opportunity, please visit our Flat Mentor page and watch our Flat Mentor Video.

• Will my child need any materials for these sessions?

  If materials will be needed, we will share in the Sunday email what to bring.

• Is there any programming for children under four?

  Yes,  all children of any age are welcome to participate with their parent or guardian in our TAPS Family Challenge and TAPS Family Connect Zoom meeting.

• What are the TAPS Kids Connect guidelines?

  • To maintain confidentiality, participants will not share with others what is said within the Youth Session.
  • Confidentiality is paramount, therefore, this  session will not be recorded and screenshots and photos are prohibited.
  • Additionally, these Youth Sessions will not be posted on social media or the TAPS website.
  • Youth Sessions are private invite only. Must be registered to receive an invitation for your child to participate.
  • For children ages 4 to 9 attending, parents or guardians are required to be present for the session.
  • For ages 10-12, parents are asked to be nearby.

What is the TAPS Family Connects?

These sessions invite the whole family to gather for an opportunity to learn how to cope and communicate together as a family, to perform an activity or fun game together, and to have an opportunity to share.

• Will we need materials for the sessions?

  If materials will be needed, we will share in the Sunday email what to bring.

• What are the TAPS Family Connects guidelines?

  • To maintain confidentiality, participants will not share with others what is said within the session.
  • Confidentiality is paramount, therefore, the session will not be recorded and screenshots and photos are prohibited.
  • Additionally, these sessions will not be posted on social media or the TAPS website.

Additional Questions about the TAPS Connects

• What equipment is required?

  Phone, computer, tablet - anything that you use to access the online community.

• Can I call in to  Zoom?

  Yes, phone numbers will be provided to you along with the links in the Sunday TAPS email.

• What if I can’t “stay” the entire time?

  No one has to stay the entire time. We just ask that, if you and/or your child needs to leave before we conclude, that you let us know if you need additional outreach.

• On the technical side, how will I be able to share?

  Each session will have a process to unmute you if you would like to speak. The presenters will go over these rules when they welcome participants.

• How do I share pictures and/or videos for the TAPS Family Challenge?

  You can easily share  to your Instagram page and tag TAPS  at @tapsorg  and/or share to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TAPSorg.  You may also email your pictures and stories to youthprograms@taps.org.

More Information

For more information on how your child can learn and grow, please visit our Youth Programs for opportunities to perform activities with our Group Leaders while at home, through interactive videos or email youthprograms@taps.org.