TAPS Texas Surviving Military Family Camp

Find comfort and support for your family while surrounded by the healing powers of nature at our TAPS Family Camp.

About Family Camps

Family camps allow your family to step away from the stresses of daily life, learn about your individual grief journey as well as how to grieve as a family and give you tools for the path ahead.

TAPS Family Camp provides a setting for building communication, understanding, and support within the family unit. All family members in the household, including parent(s), teen(s), and child(ren) are equal participants, and families must apply and register to attend Family Camp as a family unit. Participants of all ages meet in both peer groups and family groups, and participate in traditional camp activities like zip lining, water activities, low ropes and high ropes challenges, and campfire fun, all while creating special opportunities for family bonding.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Families with children ages 5 years old and attending kindergarten through teenagers under the age of 19 and still enrolled in high school
Children and teens must be grieving the death of a parent/primary caregiver or sibling who served in the United States Armed Forces
Young adult children up to age 25 may attend with their family if other children in the household meet the age and grade level criteria for eligibility
Additional family members living in the same household who are not actively grieving are eligible to attend, including spouses, significant others, or other children living in the blended household, as Family Camps focus on communication, understanding, and support within the family unit

Please note that TAPS is not able to provide child care on site and children younger than age 5 and not yet attending kindergarten will not be able to register or attend.

Due to the programming at our Family Camps, we encourage families to have attended a regional or national event prior to the Family Camp.

SCHEDULE

Day 1 (Thursday): Family check in is from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Our first day will be spent getting to know each other and learning what's in store for our time together..

Day 2 (Friday): The second day is filled with camp activities like rope courses, nature walks, arts and crafts, and swimming. Parents and children will spend time with their peers, and we'll also come together as family units to participate in activities that will enhance communication and strengthen family connections. Through remembrance ceremonies, we'll honor and remember our fallen heroes together.

Day 3 (Saturday): The fun continues with more camp activities, group bonding and time of remembrance.

Day 4 (Sunday): After camp activities in the morning, we'll wrap up our time together and say our goodbyes after lunch. Family check out is at 1:00 p.m.

CAMP FEES

No Cost, Great Benefit: Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, TAPS is able to provide lodging, all meals, materials, activities and T-shirts for all campers at no cost to you.

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

Lodging will be provided for all families and military mentors at Morgan's Camp in San Antonio from Thursday through Sunday, and TAPS will cover the cost of lodging.

You will need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from the camp facility. The closest airport is the San Antonio International Airport which is 30 minutes from Morgan's Camp.

Please note that the camp does not have a shuttle and TAPS is not able to provide transportation to or from the airport to the camp facility.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Attendees will be selected through an application process. Application is open until September 30, 2024 or until full (look for the blue button at the top of this page during this time). Priority will be given to first time attendees. Applications will be reviewed within 10 business days and families will be contacted by a staff member with Youth Programs. Applicants not initially selected to attend will be placed on a waitlist and notified as space becomes available.

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