Women's Empowerment: Washington State Summer Retreat

Surviving women of any relationship who are 3 years out from their loss are invited to join the TAPS Empowerment Program at our Washington State Summer Retreat.

OVERVIEW

If you're asking yourself what's next after the death of your loved one, and you're ready to take steps toward transforming your life, join us at the Women's Empowerment: Washington State Summer Retreat.  Using a combination of movement, mindfulness, and creative arts, we'll take inspiration from the beauty of the Pacific Northwest to create a plan for healing and growth. This event will focus on the needs of our minds, bodies and spirits as we clarify our direction in life and create our own path to further healing and transformation.

During the retreat, we will focus on building connections and fostering accountability within our group. We will work to establish a supportive community that will provide encouragement and inspiration long after this event ends. Together, we honor the past, recognize the present and intentionally step into the future.

Who should attend? Due to the unique nature of this event, TAPS Empowerment Retreats are intended for those survivors whose loss occurred more than 3 years ago. If you are within the first 3 years following your loss, we encourage you to attend a Regional Seminar and/or the National Military Survivor Seminar.

Please note this retreat is for adult women only.

SCHEDULE

Monday, August 18: The first day is set aside as a travel day. Once you arrive at the retreat center, TAPS staff will be there to greet you and get you checked in. Then, the day is yours to get settled in, meet fellow survivors, explore the property and relax. We will share a welcome dinner together once everyone arrives.

Tuesday, August 19 to Thursday, August 21: Each day will include opportunities for movement, creative expression and self-exploration. Group sessions will center upon themes such as gratitude, mindfulness, reflection and goal setting. Along with structured programming, the schedule will have built-in opportunities for solo work, rest and deeper personal reflection. Every evening, we will close our time as a group together.

Friday, August 22: We will say our final goodbyes and depart from each other.

EVENT DETAILS

We will be active throughout the retreat, however activities will involve light to moderate physical exertion. We will be doing some form of low-impact movement every day including walking, hikes, or outdoor activities.

Please note that this is a technology-free event. In order to fully immerse ourselves in the activities and connect with fellow attendees, we ask that cellphones and other devices are only used for emergencies.

Rainbow Lodge Retreat Center is an alcohol-free, smoke-free, and drug-free facility.

EVENT FEES

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, TAPS will provide lodging, meals and all activities at no cost to you.

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

Lodging will be provided at Rainbow Lodge Retreat Center for all attendees from Monday to Friday. You'll share a room with one other event attendee. TAPS covers the cost of lodging during our stay at the retreat center.

You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from North Bend including to the retreat center, which is approximately 40 miles from the Seattle airport. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive a welcome email after registering.

This retreat will be contained to the retreat center and our planned activities. If you would like to explore the North Bend or Seattle area, please plan to extend your visit before or after the retreat.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applications will be open from April 14 to 20, 2025 (look for the blue button at top of this page at that time). Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status the first week of May. Applicants not initially selected to attend will be placed on a waitlist and notified as space becomes available.

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