Volunteer as a Legacy or Military Mentor at Western Regional Good Grief Camp
October 27 - 29, 2023
Health Guidelines for the Seminar: TAPS will make every effort to ensure safe and healthy gatherings. We will continue to monitor COVID variants and may require testing onsite and/or other protocols based on local regulations and CDC guidance. At this time, we do not require proof of full vaccination and masks are optional. Should we have to make any changes you will be notified right away.
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, October 27
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, October 28
8:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Good Grief Camp - breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided
Sunday, October 29
7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Good Grief Camp - breakfast and lunch will be provided
* The mandatory mentor training 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 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:
- Login and/or create a TAPS Portal Account.
- Select the button to register (blue button at the top of this page). Make certain to select that you are attending as a “Military Mentor”.
- After completing the registration, a member of our Mentor team will contact you within 10 business days. If you have any questions, please call TAPS at 800.959.TAPS(8277) or email mentors@taps.org.
For questions about mentoring at a Youth Programs event, call 800-959-TAPS (8277) or email mentors@taps.org.