Lake of the Ozarks Siblings' Retreat
October 16 - 20, 2024
The TAPS Adult Programs, in partnership with Operation Barbecue Relief (OBR), warmly invites you to join with your fellow surviving siblings and siblings-in-law who are more than six months from their loss for five days at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks for a time of fellowship, adventure, and culinary experiences at Camp OBR. Operation BBQ Relief operates Camp OBR and has partnered with TAPS to provide a unique experience, including survivors creating incredible meals guided by internationally recognized chefs and renowned competition pitmasters leading these therapeutic culinary experiences.
OVERVIEW
During this retreat, we will have opportunities to explore the natural world around us by land and by lake, learn culinary skills and approach food through a different lens, and ultimately form unique bonds stemming from our shared experiences of loss and grief. We'll get to know each other, and the brothers and sisters we've lost, by taking time to slow down, open up, and share our stories.
Who should attend? At TAPS we understand that all survivors share a powerful bond grieving a loss, and a uniquely special bond is formed within each population. At TAPS, we extend the offer to all survivors of military loss, so in hosting our siblings' retreats, we invite both siblings and siblings-in-law to apply for attendance. Due to the unique nature of this event, this experience is intended for those survivors whose 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
Wednesday, October 16: The first day is set aside as a travel day. Airport shuttles will be scheduled based on individual flight arrival times. Everyone should arrive at the event location before 5:00 p.m. TAPS staff will be there to greet you and get you checked in. We'll have an opportunity to get settled in, meet fellow survivors, enjoy dinner together, get an overview of what to expect, and relax.
Thursday, October 17 to Saturday, October 19: Each day will be filled with different activities, including farm-to-table culinary experiences and a variety of possible outdoor recreation from hiking, boating, watersports, archery, ATV riding and more. There will be time together to reflect on our new connections and our next journey ahead. We'll wrap up each evening with a group dinner.
Sunday, October 20: We'll say our final goodbyes and depart from each other. Airport shuttles will be scheduled based on individual flight departure times.
ADVENTURE LEVEL
This retreat is rated as a moderate-intensity adventure. We'll be active and everyone will have an opportunity to challenge themselves. Activities will involve moderate physical exertion. Much of our time will be spent outdoors. There will also be time to relax and connect with one another.
EVENT FEES
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, TAPS will provide lodging, meals and all activities at no cost to you.
Attendees are responsible for the cost of pre/post retreat transportation, meals outside of events, and any personal expenses.
LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION
Thanks to our generous donors, lodging will be provided, at Camp OBR, for all attendees from Wednesday to Sunday. You'll share a room with other event attendees, but will have your own bed. Please consider bringing anything you would need to feel comfortable in a multi-stall shower facility.
All meals are included while at the event. Accommodations can be made for food allergies and dietary requirements.
You will need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Lincoln, Missouri. If you are flying in, a shuttle will be provided to and from the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Kansas City, Missouri. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive a welcome email after being invited to register.
Animals: Camp OBR is service dog friendly, however this retreat location is not suitable for emotional support animals. If you have any questions please contact adultprograms@taps.org.
APPLICATION DETAILS
Application is open from June 3 to 10, 2024 (look for the blue button at the top of this page at that time). Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status by mid-July. Applicants not initially selected to attend will be placed on a waitlist and notified as space becomes available.
TAPS will review applications, giving first consideration for those who have never attended this or any other TAPS retreat, in order for the greatest number of survivors to have an opportunity to attend. Thank you for your understanding.
If you have any questions, please email adultprograms@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).
Retreat Facilitators
Rachel Hunsell
Rachel has a background in experiential program development and facilitation, outdoor engagement, event management and public speaking. As the TAPS Outdoor Programs Manager, she develops, implements, enhances and supports programming across the TAPS network, fostering the connection of our grief journeys to the therapeutic power of nature and the wilderness. Understanding life's challenges will always arise, Rachel encourages survivors to reconnect with their inner strength by creating emotionally safe and understanding environments. As a survivor honoring the life and death of her brother, Marine Lance Corporal J. Kyle Price, she understands the valleys and mountaintops we experience along the journey after loss. The military community is both Rachel’s personal and professional home, where her efforts are directed in helping the community heal their trauma and grow through pain. Rachel obtained her Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication with an emphasis on Public Relations from Southeast Missouri State University in 2013. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Education with a degree in Recreation Therapy at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, where she also served as a Graduate Assistant at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center serving Southern Illinois veterans.