30th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp
May 23 - 27, 2024
In celebration of our 30th TAPS Anniversary, we are hosting our two annual events together over Memorial Day weekend! The National Military Survivor Seminar and the National Military Suicide Loss Seminar will join together as a part of our continued commitment to honor all those who have served and died. This special commemorative event invites all survivors to attend and choose dedicated tracks of specialized programming for various causes of death. Families will have opportunities to participate in Memorial Day events over the weekend and enjoy our famous TAPS Grand Banquet featuring Chef Robert Irvine with a team of military chefs. We look forward to being with you over this meaningful holiday, Memorial Day weekend and on our notable 30th anniversary of TAPS.
Adults
Each Memorial Day, our country remembers those who have served and died. As our country reflects on the costs of freedom, we come together to tell the stories of our fallen heroes. We name our loved ones, celebrate their lives and decide again to live bigger and better on their behalf.
Surrounded by the monuments and memorials of our nation's capital, we are reminded that a grateful nation never forgets. Through the support and loving care of our TAPS family, we know that we are part of that story.
If you are grieving the death of a loved one in the military, whether a family member, friend or fellow service member, you are invited and encouraged to attend the National Military Survivor Seminar. No matter where you are in your grief journey, support and connection await you.
During the days we're together, you'll have the opportunity to participate in activities, workshops led by experts in grief and loss, and small-group sharing sessions. Over family-style meals, you'll meet and connect with other survivors.
Young Adults
The TAPS Young Adults Program is for 18 to 30 year old surviving children and siblings. Transitioning into adulthood is difficult enough, but when you add grief to the scenario, it becomes more challenging. This program focuses on Care + Connection + Well-being. It is a program where peers show up and support each other to create a trusted and encouraging community. With practical life skills explored that promote well-being, the Young Adult Program strives to help each individual create a well-rounded life full of hope, healing, and growth.
Whether you are a graduate of our Good Grief Camp or new to our TAPS events, please know you have found a safe space to grow and heal. If you have any questions, please email youngadults@taps.org.
Youth: Good Grief Camp
The Good Grief Camp is a program for children who have lost a loved one who served in the Armed Forces (see attendance eligibility criteria). Good Grief Camp provides a safe space for military children to explore grief and embrace healing.
Good Grief Camp is led by experts in the fields of child development, mental health and education. Programming throughout the weekend mirrors the adult curriculum and provides families with a common language crucial to strengthening family bonds. Children and teens will honor their loved one, connect with their peers, and learn coping skills through games, crafts and other age-appropriate activities in a fun and supportive environment.
Children and teens will find comfort in knowing there are other kids their age who understand their loss, develop coping skills they can use once they leave Good Grief Camp and learn how America honors our fallen service members.
CHILD CARE
Childcare is provided for children who are not yet school age or are under 10 and not eligible for Good Grief Camp. These children will be cared for and loved throughout the seminar by trained professional, licensed and insured caregivers. A designated suite will be available and set up with age-appropriate toys, games, and arts and crafts. Individual schedules will be honored for each child, including nursing infants.
If you need further information, please email childcare@taps.org.
Volunteer as a Legacy or Military Mentor
TAPS invites those active duty military, veterans, and adult survivors who has previously attended Good Grief Camp (Legacy Mentors) to register as a volunteer mentor for the TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.
As a Legacy or Military Mentor, you will support a child throughout the weekend as he or she shares and connects with other surviving kids and learns how to honor their loved one. You will receive training from our Youth Program staff and come alongside a child to do a variety of activities geared toward promoting healing. Whether doing art projects, playing games, throwing or kicking a ball, doing memorial activities, or being silly, you will have fun with a purpose with a child who needs you. Along the way, you will create lasting memories and feel pride in yourself for the amazing impact you will have on a military child and their family.
To register as a Legacy or Military Mentor, create a mentor account and complete a background check form. Once your background check is approved, you can log into your account to register to volunteer at the National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.
Become a Peer Mentor
During the seminar, TAPS will be conducting Peer Mentor training for adult military survivors who are at least 18 months beyond their own loss and are ready to offer support to other adult survivors. As a Peer Mentor, you will have a wide variety of opportunities to choose from to support your peers through activities such as seminars, retreats, TAPS Togethers, hosting a Care Group, supporting the Online Community, and providing one-to-one mentoring. You will learn more about grief and trauma, learn to identify risks and warning signs for suicide, gain basic helping skills, and become part of our nationwide TAPS Peer Mentor Team.
If you're interested in attending the in-person Peer Mentor training at the seminar, you can sign-up as part of the seminar registration.
For more information, email peermentors@taps.org.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers support the National Seminar in 3 groups:
General Volunteers help with set-up/breakdown, check-in, store sales, serve as airport greeters, and more. Sign up as a General Volunteer on Volunteer Match.
Military and Legacy Mentors are Active Military, Veterans, and Good Grief Camp graduates, that become caring companions to TAPS youth. How to register as a Military or Legacy Mentor.
TAPS Peer Mentors are adult military survivors who are at least 18 months beyond their own loss and are ready to offer support to other adult survivors. Sign up for Peer Mentor classroom training when registering for the seminar.
For questions, email seminarvolunteers@taps.org.