Alaska Siblings Retreat

TAPS Adult Programs warmly invites you to join fellow surviving siblings and siblings-in-law, who are more than six months from their loss, for a retreat in Eagle River, Alaska.

OVERVIEW

In beautiful Eagle River, Alaska we will gather together to create new friendships, explore the wilderness and work together on a service project that will become a part of our loved ones' legacy at The Alaska Project property.

During this retreat, we will gain an appreciation of the land around us by taking part in nature-focused and cultural activities specific to Alaska. We'll get to know each other by taking time to slow down, open up, and share our stories. As we spend time learning about the land and each other, we'll also have time to dial in, through movement and reflective activities, to what's going on internally - how we're coping, how we're changing, how we're growing.

Who should attend? Due to the unique nature of this event, this retreat is intended for survivors whose military 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

Tuesday, July 15: The first day is set aside as a travel day. Airport shuttles will be scheduled based on individual flight arrival times. We'll have an opportunity to get settled in, meet fellow survivors, enjoy dinner together, get an overview of what to expect, and relax. 

Wednesday, July 16 to Friday, July 18: As we soak in the grandeur of Alaska, we will have many opportunities to connect with each other and the healing power of nature. Every day we will engage in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, mindful movement, and our service project on the property. There will be time together to reflect on our new connections and our journeys ahead. 

Saturday, July 19: We will share see-you-laters and return home. 

ADVENTURE LEVEL

This retreat is rated as a moderate-intensity adventure. We'll be active and everyone will have an opportunity to challenge themselves. Much of our time will be spent outdoors enjoying the Alaska scenery as well as doing light manual labor for our service project. You can find out about the projects that former groups have engaged on The Alaska Project website. There will also be time to relax and connect with one another.

Please note that participants in this retreat will need to be able to perform moderate exercise activities and must be free from significant mobility issues.

EVENT FEES

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

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

Lodging will be provided at The Alaska Project for all attendees from Tuesday evening through Saturday morning.

Please note that our accommodations at this retreat will be rugged and rustic where you will share a dry cabin with a fellow survivor. The cabins are comfortable and climate-controlled. The shower facilities are located in a separate building on the property near the cabins. Clean, private porta-potties are accessible throughout the property for your toileting needs.

All meals are included; accommodations can be made for food allergies and dietary requirements. Please note that this is a smoke-free and alcohol-free facility.

You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Anchorage, Alaska, as well as any lodging outside of the dates hosted by TAPS. We will be arranging shuttles to and from the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive a welcome email after being accepted to the retreat and invited to register.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applications will be open from January 27 to February 2, 2025 (look for blue button at top of this page at that time). Applicants will be notified of acceptance or waitlist status by February 17, 2025. Applicants placed on the waitlist will be notified as space becomes available.

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