24th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp

You are warmly invited and encouraged to attend the 24th Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.

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 are reminded 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 and while participating in special events throughout Washington, D.C., you'll meet and connect with other survivors. 

Good Grief Camp for TAPS Kids

The TAPS Good Grief Camp is a program for children who have lost a loved one who served in the Armed Forces. Good Grief Camp provides a safe space for military children to explore grief and embrace healing. 

Throughout the weekend, children will share and learn coping skills through games, crafts and other activities in a fun and supportive environment. Each child is paired with an active duty servicemember or veteran who serves as a military mentor and reminds the child that he or she is still a part of the military community.

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. 

Volunteer as a Legacy or Military Mentor

TAPS invites those currently serving in the military, veterans, and military survivors who have graduated from Good Grief Camp to register to volunteer as a mentor for the TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp. 

As a Legacy or Military Mentor at the National Military Good Grief Camp for kids, you'll support a child throughout the weekend as he or she shares and connects with other surviving kids and learns how to honor his or her loved one. You may do art projects, play games, or throw a football. You'll definitely create lasting memories and feel pride in yourself for the work you've done. 

To register as a Military or Legacy 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. Visit our Legacy or Military Mentor Volunteer at National Good Grief Camp page to learn more.

Become a TAPS 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 be there for others to offer support.

You can choose to attend our training session on Friday, May 25, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET, or on Sunday, May 27, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET. You will learn more about grief and trauma, gain basic helping skills and become part of our TAPS Peer Mentor Team.

If you're interested in attending the peer mentor training for adult military survivors you must first fill out our Peer Mentor application and take our online training course prior to the in-person training (application for mentoring youth will open on February 15, 2018). You can register for the in-person training as part of the seminar registration. After you've registered, you'll be contacted by a TAPS staff member. Visit our Become a Peer Mentor page or email peermentors@taps.org to learn more.

Media and SPONSORSHIP

If you’re a journalist interested in covering or attending the National Military Survivor Seminar or Good Grief Camp, email media@taps.org. 

Interested in sponsoring part of the National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp? Email sponsor@taps.org.