General Resources

All Day

Sunrise Strides: Run/Walk the National Capital Trail  

6:30 – 7:30 a.m.

*workout/comfortable clothing recommended

Family Breakfast Buffet  

6:30 - 8 a.m.  

Welcome the Day: Family Yoga  

7 – 7:45 a.m.

*workout/comfortable clothing recommended

Family Check-In and Registration  

7 a.m. – 12 p.m.  

Good Grief Camp Drop Off  

8 - 8:30 a.m.  

Meet and Greet your Workshop Presenters  

9 - 10 a.m.  

Good Grief Camp Opening Ceremony  

9 - 10 a.m.  

Seminar Opening Ceremony  

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.  

Buffet Lunch  

12 - 1 p.m.  

Peer Mentor Lunch and Classroom Training  

12 - 4:45 p.m.  

Adult Workshops and Sharing Groups  

1:15 - 2:45 p.m.

Women’s Empowerment Part 1

As time goes on, the effects of grief can change. We often find that we’ve not only lost our loved one; we’ve also lost our sense of self. In this three-part workshop series designed for surviving women at least two years out from their loss, we will use a variety of activities and discussion tools to explore the lessons of the past, identify where we are in the present and step forward into the future with intention. Topics such as identity, gratitude, and purpose will be highlighted within a sisterhood as we become more empowered to live lives of meaning and joy. In Part 1, we will look at our past through a lens of gratitude for what has brought us to this point. This workshop will focus heavily on writing and discussion.

Presenters: Erin Jacobson, Emily Munoz     

Continuing & Maintaining Bonds after a Death - Rebalancing and Relearning

How do individuals and their families “continue and maintain bonds” with a person who has died? How does one “rebalance their life” after a loss, be it a death, traumatic event, or any crisis? The death of a family member, significant other, relative or friend changes who we are, yet where after a death does the person who died continue to be part of our lives?

Presenter: Ben Wolfe   

Finding Peace One Piece at a Time

Personal possessions tell a beautiful story of a person’s life. This workshop offers a practical approach to sorting, thinning and repurposing our loved one's belongings. Whether you have no idea where to begin or you are pondering a few items, this workshop is for you. Join us for a session learning the Ten Essentials and the power of The Magic of Six Piles of caring and sharing of your loved one's private and personal belongings, including clothes, workrooms, digital material, collections, and more. Our loved one’s possessions embody memories that should be saved, shared, and treasured in the hands of those who want to forever be connected.

Presenters: Rachel Kodanaz  

How to Grieve Like a Man, *for men only

In this interactive workshop, we will discuss the ways men may reveal their grief and share our experiences. Our goal will be understanding and insight, not changing the way others grieve. This is an ideal workshop for men in attendance who may be dating a survivor, as well as for men who are actively grieving the loss of a loved one.

Presenters: Frank Campbell   

Resilience After Loss - The Reflection Effect

This session will focus on the new science of nostalgia and its surprising capacity to make us happier, less lonely, more creative, and more connected not just to the past but to family and friends in our present. The discussion stems from Gilbert's latest book, Passed and Present: Keeping Memories of Loved Ones Alive. This is the perfect workshop for individuals hoping to stay connected with loved ones who died. It will follow a similar outline to her workshop on Saturday.

Presenters: Allison Gilbert   

Spouses Sharing Group

Sharing groups are small conversation groups which provide an opportunity to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss of a loved one. Participants will be able to share their experiences and emotions in this mutually supportive environment, growing relationships with others who are part of their extended support network.

Spouses/Significant Others/Fiancés with Children Sharing Group

Sharing groups are small conversation groups which provide an opportunity to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss of a loved one. Participants will be able to share their experiences and emotions in this mutually supportive environment, growing relationships with others who are part of their extended support network.

Suicide Loss Sharing Group

Sharing groups are small conversation groups which provide an opportunity to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss of a loved one. Participants will be able to share their experiences and emotions in this mutually supportive environment, growing relationships with others who are part of their extended support network.

Online Survivor Benefits Report by Armed Forces Services Corporation-Magellan Federal

This session will provide a general overview of the Casualty Operations Special Module (Survivor Benefits Report/Online Survivor Benefits Report) for Active Duty Death Survivors. Family Assistance Support Team (FAST) helpdesk is open to all survivors with benefits questions at (877-827-2471) or MFOSBR@magellanfederal.com. Features include providing an At-Time-of-Death benefits report and follow-on 24/7 Online Survivor Benefits Reports (OSBR) calculator access for surviving spouses (OSD is working on including access for Guardians). Guardian’s access to reports is gained by contacting the Family Assistance Support Team (FAST) helpdesk.

Presenter: Jen Harlow   

Young Adults - Expectations of Self

In grief, our expectations of others and ourselves change. In this interactive workshop Young Adults (surviving children and siblings 18-25 years old) will acknowledge the expectations held for their futures before their person died, and how they have changed after the death. We will build new aspirations through intentional, obtainable, personal goals. Attendees will gain skills in recovery and reassessment when an expectation is not met. This workshop will fulfill the Communications and Personal Development Pillars of the Young Adult Program.

Presenters: Renee Monczynski   

Adult Workshops and Sharing Groups

3 - 4:30 p.m. 

Helpful Perspectives on Coping with the Pain of Grief

This interactive workshop is based on the presenter’s article from TAPS Magazine, “How Are Pain and Love Connected?” (see bit.ly/painxlove). Ideas from the article -- for example that the pain of grief is natural and that it contributes to our healing -- are used to frame a discussion about the participants’ own experiences. The workshop includes explanations of simple practices that can help people cope with the pain of grief as well as information about coping with pain through “addictive” behaviors.

Presenter: Franklin Cook

Surviving the Stressors of Caregiving and the Loss of a Loved One

When your loved one is dying from an unforeseen illness, you may find yourself shocked and unprepared as you are thrown into the life of a caregiver. What happens, however, when this battle is over? In this workshop, we will look at different ways your body responds to the stressors of caregiving and the grief that happens before and after a death. We will also explore how one’s identity may shift as roles change from caregiver to bereaved. Survivors will share some reflections on their own experiences.

Presenters: Amanda Jaska, Hilary Harrington, Coleen Bowman, Tara Woodruff Dukes

Grief is a Journey

Everyone grieves each individual loss in a unique way, which can be both troubling and comforting. Troubling, because there is no certainty involved, and comforting, because each person's reactions have no less worth or validity than others. This workshop explores the very individual journey of grief. We will review the myths of grief, the realities of grief, and explore effective ways to cope with loss.

Presenter: Ken Doka

CPR for the Grieving Heart

Examine the process of how we tend to contextualize loss (C), process grief (P) and recover life (R) in ways that are both positive and negative. Using the presenter’s research, participants will be introduced to a tool for examining their own patterns of behaviors and then formulate a plan to successfully manage their grief and growth.

Presenter: Denise Rollins

Meditation for Coping with Difficult Emotions

This session includes how to use focusing meditation to create stability, mindfulness practices to befriend difficult emotions, and a discussion of trauma-sensitive best practices when meditating.

Presenter: Heather Stang

In-Laws and Grandparents Sharing Group

Sharing groups are small conversation groups which provide an opportunity to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss of a loved one. Participants will be able to share their experiences and emotions in this mutually supportive environment, growing relationships with others who are part of their extended support network.

Parents Sharing Group

Sharing groups are small conversation groups which provide an opportunity to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss of a loved one. Participants will be able to share their experiences and emotions in this mutually supportive environment, growing relationships with others who are part of their extended support network.

Introduction to Yoga - Benefits for Grieving and Stress Reduction

Yoga creates natural healing for body, mind, and soul. As we practice we can grow and evolve as people. In this workshop you will learn what yoga is, some of its history, and how it can help you through your grief journey. You’ll learn that yoga doesn’t have to be scary, how adaptable it can be for any body, and how it can complement other self-care practices. Bring all your yoga questions and fears to this workshop. We’ll explore them and broaden your understanding of yoga, building the foundation for your further exploration of this ancient healing practice.

Presenter: Rayanne Hunter

NBA Young Adults Panel  

3 - 4:30 p.m.  

Good Grief Camp Pick-up  

4:30 - 5 p.m.  

Family Dinner Buffet  

5 - 6 p.m.  

Young Adults and Legacy Mentor Tournament of Games  

5:15 - 5:30 p.m.  

Dine together as peers and move outside to a tournament of lawn games, building connections and community.

Family Tours Chosen at Registration  

6 - 10 p.m.  

Washington Nationals Baseball Game, white wrist bands, buses depart 6 p.m.
Evening Parade at Marine Barracks, blue wrist bands, buses depart 6:30 p.m.
Bus Tour of the D.C. Memorial/Monuments, yellow wrist bands, buses depart 7 p.m.

Knitters Gathering  

9:15 - 10:15 p.m.  

12-Step Recovery Meeting