Family Camp: HEALING THROUGH MUSIC & NATURE
October 1 - 4, 2026
Family Camp: Healing Through Music & Nature
In Partnership with Gold Star Mentors
Join us in Antioch, Tennessee, just outside Nashville, from Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4, for a unique Family Camp experience designed specifically for surviving military families. This special weekend provides a supportive and restorative environment where families can come together to honor their loved ones, strengthen family bonds, and explore healthy ways to navigate grief.
Throughout the weekend, Music will serve as a central part of the healing experience. Families will participate in activities centered around guitars, percussion instruments, singing, and songwriting, discovering meaningful ways to express emotions, share memories, and connect with one another. Music's unique ability to comfort, inspire, and bring people together will be woven throughout the camp experience, creating opportunities for reflection, remembrance, and hope.
We are honored to be joined by Gold Star Mentors and their talented musicians, who will share their experiences, encouragement, and love of music throughout the weekend. Guided by these mentors, along with group leaders and camp staff, families will participate in both peer-group and family-group activities designed to foster communication, resilience, understanding, and support.
Participants (ages 12 and up) will have opportunities to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of military loss while discovering healthy tools for navigating grief together. Through music, nature, shared experiences, and community, families will find encouragement, healing, and hope.
Eligibility Criteria
Family Camp: Healing Through Music & Nature is open to families with children ages 12 and older who are grieving the death of a family member who served in the United States Armed Forces.
Young adult (18 years and over) children may attend with their family if other children in the household meet the age eligibility requirements (between 12–18 years of age).
Family members who may not be actively grieving are also welcome to attend, including spouses, significant others, and other children living in the household, as long as they are 12 years of age and up. Family Camp focuses on strengthening communication, understanding, and support within the entire family unit.
Schedule
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 & Transportation
Lodging
Lodging will be provided for all families at Camp Widjiwagan in Antioch (near Nashville) from Thursday through Sunday at no cost to the families.
Transportation
You will need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from the camp facility. The closest airport is Nashville International Airport (BNA), which is 20 minutes from Camp Widjiwagan.
Please note that the camp does not have a shuttle service. However, transportation from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to the camp may be available on an individual basis. Please contact TAPS in advance to inquire about arrangements.
Application Details
Attendees will be selected through an application process. Application is open until August 19, 2026, or until full — look for the blue button at the top of this page. Priority will be given to first-time attendees. Applications will be reviewed 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.
Questions? Email youthprograms@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277)