Lake of the Ozarks Young Adults Experience

The TAPS Young Adults program offers one-of-a kind opportunities to TAPS Survivors ages 18 to 30. All adult survivors, ages 18 to 30, grieving the loss of a loved one who served in the U.S. Armed Forces are invited to join the TAPS Young Adults program. These experiences promote peer connection, community and personal well-being in unique locations across the country, providing survivors a safe space to be themselves, have fun, and focus on well-being and personal development.

OVERVIEW

The TAPS Young Adults Lake of the Ozarks Experience is offered to our Survivors ages 18 to 30. This incredible experience is held at the picturesque property of Camp OBR on the Lake of the Ozarks. 

Survivors attending this experience will lean into building Community and Connection with peers, while focusing on better Navigating Anxiety and Stress as a Young Adult. Operation Barbeque's world-renowned Chefs will guide Survivors in unique Culinary experiences as we create some special meals together. Attendees will also be able to experience the beauty of their surroundings as we engage in activities such as water sports, boating, archery and hiking. Programming will also offer creative expression opportunities and time to understand your personal needs for improved well-being.

Who should attend? Due to the unique nature of this event, this Experience is intended for those survivors whose loss occurred more than six months ago. If you are within the first six months following your loss, we encourage you to attend a TAPS Togethers, Regional Seminar and/or the National Military Survivor Seminar.

SCHEDULE

Wednesday, July 10:  Travel day. Survivors arriving by plane will gather and shuttle to Camp OBR. Survivors driving in will head directly to Camp OBR where TAPS Young Adults staff will be waiting to greet you. Once all have arrived, attendees will have an opportunity to get settled in, meet peers and do a short overview of the days to come.

Thursday, July 11 to Saturday, July 13:  Each day will be filled with opportunities for peer connection, building community and focusing on your well-being. Activities including farm-to-table culinary experiences and outdoor recreation such as hiking, boating, watersports, archery, ATV riding and more will be available. There will also be some fun opportunities for our "creatives" and each evening we will gather to laugh, share and grow.

Sunday, July 14:  Departure day. A shuttle will take survivors to the airport. Those driving will depart after breakfast.

ADVENTURE LEVEL

This retreat is rated as a moderate-intensity adventure. We'll be active and everyone will have an opportunity to challenge themselves. Activities will involve moderate physical exertion. Much of our time will be spent outdoors. There will also be time to relax and connect with one another.

EVENT FEES

All trip fees from arrival to departure are covered by TAPS thanks to the Young Adults partnership with the NFL.

Trip fees not noted above are your pre/post retreat transportation costs, meals outside of events, etc.

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

Thanks to our partnership with the NFL, lodging will be provided, at  Camp OBR, for all attendees from Wednesday to Sunday. You will share a room but will have your own bed.

All meals are included while at the event. Accommodations can be made for food allergies and dietary requirements.

You will need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Lincoln, Missouri.  If you are flying in, a shuttle will be provided to and from the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Kansas City, Missouri.  Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive a welcome email after being invited to register.

Animals: Camp OBR is service dog friendly, however this retreat location is not suitable for emotional support animals. If you have any questions please contact adultprograms@taps.org.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applications will open on March 28, 2024 (look for the blue button at the top of this page) and will close on April 12, 2024.

Please note the following event and participation criteria:

1. Participant to be within the ages of 18 to 30 years old
2. Complete high school by the start of this event
3. Be willing to participate in all activities within the scope of the Young Adults Lake of the Ozarks Experience.

TAPS will review applications, giving first consideration for those who have never attended this or any other TAPS retreat, in order for the greatest number of survivors to have an opportunity to attend. Thank you for your understanding.

If you have any questions, please email adultprograms@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).