Legacy or Military Mentor Volunteer at Western Regional Military Good Grief Camp
November 18 - 20, 2022
Health Guidelines for the Seminar: In accordance with the most current information available, TAPS will continue to monitor COVID variants and we may adjust protocols to ensure safe and healthy gatherings. We will require negative, onsite testing at no cost to attendees.
TAPS invites those currently serving in the military, veterans, and military survivors who have graduated from Good Grief Camp to volunteer as a mentor for the Western Regional Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.
The world changes for a grieving child when someone is there for them — and that's where you come in.
In the Good Grief Camp, children and teens grieving the loss of a loved one who served in the military come together from all over the region to create lasting friendships, learn coping skills, build resiliency, and honor their fallen service member.
After a group training session with TAPS Youth Programs staff, Legacy and Military Mentors are paired with their own mentee and work in small groups facilitated by an experienced leader. You may request the age group you'd like to work with. Children learn through active play, and the curriculum is designed to meet each child where they are in their grief journey. The one-on-one attention give each child the companionship and support needed to feel comfortable connecting with others and engaging in activities. 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 be available for the entire weekend. This schedule is tentative and subject to change. A detailed schedule will be provided a couple weeks before the event.
Friday, November 18
5:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — Good Grief Camp Kid Zone - OPTIONAL - dinner will be provided
8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. — New Mentor Training and Orientation
Saturday, November 19
6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Good Grief Camp - breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided
Sunday, November 20
7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Good Grief Camp - breakfast and lunch will be provided
The new mentor training and orientation is designed to help you navigate serving in this volunteer role and helps ensure that you and your buddy have the best experience possible. TAPS also provides an optional online Good Grief Camp training course; this course reinforces but doesn't replace the required in-person training.
Lodging and Transportation
All activities will take place at The Westin Long Beach, 333 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90802
Free parking is available on-site.
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 release.
- After you receive a confirmation email of a completed background check, log into your account and register for the Western Regional Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.
For questions about mentoring at a Youth Programs event, call 800-959-TAPS (8277) or email mentors@taps.org.