General Resources

All Day

Sunrise Strides: Run/Walk the National Capital Trail  

6:30 – 7:30 a.m.  

*workout/comfortable clothing recommended

Peer Mentor Breakfast for Peer Mentors attending Sunday Peer Mentor Training  

6:30 - 8 a.m.  

Family Buffet Breakfast  

6:30 - 8:30 a.m.  

Welcome the Day: Family Yoga  

7 – 7:45 a.m.  

*workout/comfortable clothing recommended

Good Grief Camp Drop-off  

8 - 8:30 a.m.  

Special Presentation  

Ryan Weaver

8 - 9 a.m.

Peer Mentor Classroom Training  

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  

Adult Workshops and Sharing Groups  

9:15 - 10:45 a.m.   

Of Metaphors & Men *for men only

Metaphors are one way men communicate what is going on inside their emotional response to stress. We are often more willing to describe through analogy than in terms of feelings. This can lead to challenges when others share by using emotions or appear to react emotionally to their story. This workshop will provide the opportunity for men to metaphorically "peel back the onion that is their grief."

Presenter: Frank Campbell

God Winks

Some people call them “God Winks,” some call them signs, messages or after death communication. No matter what we call them, signs from our loved ones can be very present in our lives. Stories and experiences of the presence of our loved ones will be discussed in this open-minded and intimate sharing session.

Presenter: Bonnie Carroll

Exploring Meaning Making in Your Grief Journey

This interactive workshop is for people whose loved one died a year ago or longer. Ideas about the role of meaning making in the grief process are presented, such as Bob Neimeyer’s assertion that loss “requires us to reconstruct a world that again ‘makes sense,’ that restores a semblance of meaning, direction, and interpretability to a life that is forever transformed.” Participants engage in a writing exercises to reflect on changes they have experienced since the time of their loss, then support each other in sharing their personal observations about how meaning making has played a role in their grief journey.

Presenter: Franklin Cook

Strengthening Relationships and Marriage After Traumatic Loss

Traumatic loss can severely strain committed relationships. At the same time, some couples become much closer in the wake of life-changing loss. The impact of traumatic loss on relationships will be discussed and explored using a private reflective exercise. We will examine the most common ways relationships get stuck after loss. Most important, participants will gain insights that will allow them to navigate loss in ways that may create a relationship that is stronger than ever before.

Presenter: Shauna Springer

LGBTQ 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.

Crossing Thresholds and Living in the Borderlands - A Writing Workshop

For many of us as we move through the changes loss brings, we feel as if we are living in between two worlds. Old friendships, lifestyles and even the places we call home can feel like they no longer fit or that we are on the outside looking in. We feel as if we are living in the borderlands, no longer who we were but also unsure of what direction to go. In this writing workshop, we will explore ways to come to peace with these times of transition as well as what is needed to cross the threshold into the next step of our journey.

Presenter: Erin Jacobson

Open to ALL 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.

Young Adults - Healthy Boundaries

In this interactive workshop, Young Adults (Surviving Children and Siblings 18-25 years old) will learn skills in the Communications Pillar pertaining to inter and intra personal relationships. Attendees will gain tools to build and maintain healthy boundaries for themselves when in engaging in interactions with friends, family and coworkers.

Presenter: Renee Monczynski

Adult Workshops and Sharing Groups  

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  

Women’s Empowerment Part 3

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 3, we will incorporate lessons from the past and present as we look toward the future. We will explore our value system and our vision through journaling and art.

Presenters: Erin Jacobson, Emily Munoz

Understanding Toxic Exposure Illnesses in the Military

Learn about the serious impact that toxic exposure is having on the military, veteran, and survivor community from this expert panel of researchers, medical experts, advocates, and survivors. Panelists will share personal stories, current research and the future of Toxic Exposure Illness initiatives. Panelists: John Feal, FealGood Foundation; Derek Fronabargar, Wounded Warrior Project; Coleen Bowman, TAPS; Dr. Artie Shelton, Veteran's Health Council; Dr. Drew Helmer, WRIISC

Presenters: John Feal, Artie Shelton, Drew Helmer, Derek Fronabarger, Coleen Bowman

Finding Invictus - Conversations on Kindness, Mental Resilience, and the Courage to Be Where You Are

Real-world examples, taken from history and from William Wagasy's experiences in training and combat as a Navy SEAL, form the basis of this interactive, introspective workshop. Participants will discover new perspectives, hidden strengths, and the power to reframe each day's "mission" as part of a larger purpose.

Presenter: William Wagasy

Returning to Work After a Death

Following the loss of a loved one, navigating your way through your "new life" is often emotional and confusing. Returning to the workplace means interacting with co-workers, managers, and human resources personnel. There are many tools and techniques for the griever, co-workers, and management to help the newly bereaved with their transition back to the workplace and support their often-challenging situation. Join us for an open and frank discussion of how returning to the workplace can support you in your grief and how to work your way through your daily responsibilities, engaging with co-workers, and "managing" your management.

Presenter: Rachel Kodanaz

Rhythms of Grief

After the death of a loved one, it can seem as if time stands still and the pain of loss will never end. In response to grief, survivors often feel unprepared by being left with the unfamiliar, and often fearful task of coping with loss. Grief can bring with it, a rhythm or pattern of emotions which twist and turn, wax and wane, and ebb and flow, where the bereaved attempt to find ways to make it through each day in spite of the physical absence of their loved one. This session will discuss the rhythms associated with grieving, examples as how to regulate emotions and cope with significant dates or milestones, and how such concepts can help to integrate loss in our lives as we navigate the healing process.

Presenter: Carla Stumpf-Patton

Substance Use 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.

Presenter: Franklin Cook

Veterans 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.

Married to or Dating a Survivor 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.

How to Speak Up & Speak Out: Join TAPS in Advocating for Military Survivors

What can you as a survivor do to advocate for yourself and your family at the local, state, and federal level? What is TAPS doing to help protect your earned benefits? This is also an opportunity to learn more about TAPS 2019 policy priorities and to share your ideas with us.

Presenters: Candace Wheeler, Ashlynne Haycock

Young Adults - Get Linked

This interactive workshop will teach Young Adults (Surviving Children and Siblings 18-25 years old) key tools in the Career Guidance Pillar. Attendees will update resumes for current career climates, practice interview skills, and learn the power of networking. Attendees will also have an interactive session on how to dress for success, for an interview and beyond. These skills will empower the Young Adult in creating a well-rounded life full of hope, healing and growth.

Presenter: Renee Monczynski

Adult Buffet Luncheon  

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.  

Adult Workshops and Sharing Groups  

1:45 - 3:15 p.m.  

How Can My Grief Help Me Help Others  

This interactive workshop explores the benefits and challenges of peer grief support (the practice of one bereaved person helping another). It is designed both for people already engaged as peer helpers and for people who want to learn more about being a peer helper. The workshop presenter will share his personal story of being involved in peer grief support for 20 years, and then a discussion will be guided by well-known principles of peer support, including: helpers and those being helped are equals, everyone has a right to their own point of view about grief, and the most important skill for a helper is to be a good listener.

Presenters: Franklin Cook

Covert - My Undercover Life and My Healing Journey

At the height of the "Godfather" era, Delaney wore a wire and lived among wiseguys. His undercover work was a success, but he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and traces of Stockholm syndrome after getting too close to those he investigated. Therapy helped him come to terms with what he'd endured, and he later became well-known and respected as an NBA referee. Delaney hopes his presentation will exemplify the Dali Lama's words, "There is a growing appreciation of understanding one's emotions, how they operate, and how to manage them." Please note this session may cause triggers to your own experiences that may cause reactions for some attendees.

Presenter: Bob Delaney

Grief Dreams

The topic of dreams after loss (grief dreams) has been surprisingly overlooked in academic literature, which has hindered the support for the bereaved of all ages. Many of the bereaved have reported that they keep their dream experiences hidden from others due to the judgments people have pertaining to such dreams. When the bereaved do gain the courage to share them or ask questions on the topic, it is common for those who support them to not know how to respond. What do we make of these dreams and how does it apply to ones’ grief? This session will discuss the common questions people have on grief dreams. There will be time for questions and an opportunity to share your own grief dream (if you want to).

Presenter: Joshua Black

Dating and Intimacy After Loss

Moving forward in grief and taking the next step toward new relationships and intimacy after a loss can bring many confusing emotions and thoughts. This session is a secure place to explore all of the related issues, questions, and concerns, such as learning to trust again, dating after a suicide loss, developing safe relationships, and incorporating new people into the family system. The population best suited for this sharing session is surviving spouses, partners, fiances, and significant others.

Presenter: Carla Stumpf-Patton

Who am I now?

This meditation and journaling workshop includes a reflection on how we want to maintain the memory of our loved one and how we ourselves want to be in the world.

Presenter: Heather Stang

Surviving Moms 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.

Bringing TAPS Into Your Local Community

When grieving the death of someone we love, it is helpful to have the compassionate support of others who have lived through similar losses. TAPS Care Groups and TAPS Togethers are places to give and receive peer support and build strong relationships with other survivors in your local community. At these meetings and events, we foster the experience of trusting and being trusted as we exchange stories, share our loved ones, and find hope and purpose while engaging life with other survivors. In this session, we will discuss how Care Groups and TAPS Togethers are developed and what you can do to bring these two survivor connections into your community.

Presenters: Tara Woodruff Dukes, Nora Anderson

Surviving Dads 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.

The Power of One, Building a Legacy

Diana, Princess of Wales is widely remembered for her values of compassion, service and kindness to others, irrespective of their culture, race and background. The Diana Award is a charity legacy to Princess Diana, founded on the belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better. Her legacy lives on through the tens of thousands of young people across the UK and beyond, who are committed to continuing her qualities of compassion, kindness and service through social action. These young people, who come from all walks of life, are part of a social movement of incredibly courageous young people who share a deep and lasting sense of social responsibility and through compassion and service are driving change in their communities. The Power of One session will showcase how the Diana Award was created in response to the public grief and how it continues to drive change across the UK and beyond by supporting youth to continue Diana’s Legacy and build new legacies for themselves through service. During the session, we will share stories of personal sacrifices and commitment made by individuals in the building and sustaining of this legacy.

Presenter: Tessy Ojo

Adult Workshops and Sharing Groups  

3:30 - 5 p.m.  

Grief Dreams - Activity and Sharing Group  

Why are grief dreams (dreams of the deceased) not discussed more in bereavement support groups? One major reason is that not everyone has had them, and sharing these dreams can make those who have not had a dream feel excluded. As a way to include everyone in the conversation, Dr. Black has developed an activity that includes everyone (those who have and have not dreamt of the deceased). This sharing group will allow the topic of grief dreams to be finally discussed in a group setting.

Presenters: Joshua Black

Supporting My School Aged Children Throughout the Grief Journey

Although not all bereaved children and teenagers need professional mental health care in order to cope with the death of a loved one, some will need such help in order to cope successfully. The speakers will share their tools to help you support your children through their grief and practical tips for determining when professional support is needed.

Presenter: Jon Reid

Taking a Step to Become a Peer Mentor

Am I ready to give back to others? Have you thought about supporting other survivors, but not sure if you are truly ready? Want to learn more about supporting TAPS? Having a desire to serve can change the lasting effects of grief by shedding light into someone else journey. Join us for a questions and answer session about volunteer service within TAPS and to see if you are ready to take your journey to another level of healing.

Presenter: Kellie Hazlett

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.

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.

International Sharing Group

If you have a personal connection to another country or are interested in gaining a more global perspective on grief and loss, we invite you to join us for our International Sharing Group.  We will share our experiences within this diverse community and provide additional information on TAPS International efforts to address grief and bring about peace.

Young Adults - My Choice, My Gratitude

Young Adults (Surviving Children and Siblings 18-25 years old) will culminate their time together in a session all about finding gratitude in every experiences. Everyday since the loss of our loved one might not be good, but there is good in every day. They will explore the science of gratitude and the benefits of this practice. Attendees will learn to journal, pen a thank you and walk in gratitude as a daily practice. This session combines Personal Development and Communications Pillars.

Presenter: Renee Monczynski

Good Grief Camp Pick-up  

5 - 5:30 p.m.  

TAPS Graduation and Family BBQ  

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.  

Military Mentors TAPS Tribe  

8 - 9 p.m.