Blue Ridge Mountains Women's Empowerment Retreat

In accordance with the most current information available, as of May 1, 2022, TAPS is lifting the requirement to provide proof of full vaccination to attend in-person events. We will continue to monitor COVID variants and we may adjust protocols to ensure safe and healthy gatherings. These adjustments could once again include requiring proof of full vaccination and/or a negative COVID test.

Surviving women whose loss occurred more than three years ago are invited to join the TAPS Blue Ridge Mountains Empowerment 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 Blue Ridge Mountain’s Women's Empowerment Retreat. At this unique retreat for all women who have lost a loved one in the military, we'll explore ways to move forward within our new normal. Using a combination of outdoor activities, movement, art and writing, we'll take inspiration from our surroundings and our peers 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 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 three years ago. If you are within the first three years following your loss, we encourage you to attend a TAPS Together, Regional Seminar and/or the National Military Survivor Seminar.

Schedule

Wednesday, May 4: 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.

Thursday, May 5 to Sunday, May 8: Each day will include opportunities for movement and mindfulness, including yoga and meditation. 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'll close our time as a group together.

Monday, May 9: We'll say our final goodbyes and depart from each other.

Adventure Level

This Retreat is rated as a light intensity adventure. We will be active throughout the Retreat and will challenge you, however activities will involve light physical exertion. We will be doing some form of low-impact exercise every day including yoga, hiking, water aerobics and more!  

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.

Event Fees

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, TAPS will provide lodging, most meals and all activities for this healing retreat.

Lodging and Transportation

Lodging will be provided at Art of Living Retreat Center for all attendees from Wednesday to Monday. You'll share a room with another event attendee. TAPS covers the cost of lodging at no cost to you, and we'll take care of booking your lodging for the event.

Please note this is a smoke-free and alcohol-free facility.  All meals are vegetarian and can accommodate food allergies. You can find more information regarding the food at the Art of Living Retreat Center.

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You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Boone. 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 outdoor activities. If you would like to explore the Poconos area, please plan to extend your visit before or after the retreat.

Application Details

Application is open from January 10 to January 21, 2022 (look for the blue button at the top of this page at that time). Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status in late January.  Applicants not initially selected to attend will be placed on a waitlist and notified as space becomes available.

We encourage you to check out the TAPS Calendar for other ways to join your TAPS Family, both in-person and virtually, during 2022. For more information, please call 800-959-TAPS (8277).

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