Widows, Fiancees, & Significant Others’ Lake of the Ozarks Experience

TAPS, in partnership with Operation BBQ Relief (Camp OBR), invites you to join with other widows, fiancees, and significant others for five days at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks for a time of peer connection, adventure, and culinary experience. Operation BBQ Relief operates Camp OBR and has partnered with TAPS to provide a unique experience, including survivors creating incredible meals guided by internationally recognized chefs and renowned competition pitmasters leading these therapeutic culinary experiences.

OVERVIEW

The grief journey takes us out of our comfort zone. But when we see that others share this journey, we can find new ways to grow and heal as we move forward within our new normal. Join us at Camp OBR, to meet fellow surviving romantic partners (widows, fiances, and significant others) where you can connect with yourself, your loved one and others who understand. Together, we will create a supportive community, foster new memories and honor our loved ones.

Operation BBQ's incredible chefs will guide survivors in unique culinary experiences as they create incredible meals and challenge their culinary abilities. Survivors will be able to experience the beauty of their surroundings through lake activities, hiking, archery, 4-wheeling, and creative expression. Through a week of adventure, community, and growth, survivors will create unique bonds stemming from their shared experiences of loss and grief.

Who should attend? Due to the unique nature of this event, this retreat 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, June 18:  Travel day.  Survivors arriving at the airport will be shuttled to Camp OBR based on individual flight arrival times. Everyone should arrive at the airport before 5 p.m. TAPS staff will be there to greet you and get you checked in. We’ll have an opportunity to get settled in, meet fellow survivors, and get an overview of what to expect, and relax.  

Thursday, June 19  to Saturday, June 21:   Each day will be filled with opportunities to develop coping skills, share experiences, and build peer connections. Activities, including farm-to-table culinary experiences, hiking, boating and watersports, archery, ATV riding, and more will be available. There will also be individual time to reflect on new experiences and connections, and your next journey ahead. 

Sunday, June 22:  Departure day.  For survivors departing from the airport, shuttles will be scheduled based on individual flight departure times.

ADVENTURE LEVEL

This experience 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

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, all trip fees from arrival to departure are covered by TAPS. Lodging, meals, activities and supplies for all attendees will be provided.

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

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

Thanks to our generous donors, lodging will be provided, at  Camp OBR, for all attendees from Wednesday to Sunday. You'll share a room with other event attendees, but will have your own bed. 

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

If driving, 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 from and back to 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Before you submit your application, we encourage you to take time to review potential flight costs, possible time off work, child care, and so on.

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

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. 

Firearms and Guns: Are prohibited at Camp OBR without prior written permission from Camp OBR personnel. All approved firearms and guns must be kept in the Camp OBR gun safe. Firearms and guns can not be stored in or on personal vehicles. Firearms and guns will not be used during this event. Firearms and guns are not permitted in any Camp OBR residences, rooms, tents, nor anywhere else on Camp OBR grounds except specifically designated areas. If you have any questions please contact adultprograms@taps.org. 

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applications will open on March 14, 2025 (look for the blue button at the top of this page) and will close March 26, 2025. 

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).