Maryland Family Campout

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

Through camp activities, like rope courses, swimming and nature walks, family time around the campfire and separate group time for adults and children, we'll learn coping skills, communication skills and ways to enrich the family unit.

TAPS Family Campouts are for children ages 6 to 17 who lost a parent/guardian or sibling and their parents or guardians. Both children and guardians will participate in camp activities. We will provide child care during the camp for the families who bring along siblings younger than 6.

SCHEDULE

Day 1: Our first day will be spent getting to know each other and learning what's in store for our time together.

Day 2: 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: The fun continues with more camp activities, group bonding and time of remembrance.

Day 4: After camp activities in the morning, we'll wrap up our time together and say our goodbyes.

*Note: Please be aware that this itinerary is subject to change due to a number of reasons, including weather and participant needs.

CAMPOUT 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 Manidokan Camp and Retreat Center in Knoxville from Thursday through Saturday night, and TAPS will cover the cost of lodging.

You will need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Knoxville. The closest airport is the Dulles International Airport (IAD).

APPLICATION DETAILS

If your family has not attended a TAPS Regional or National Seminar, please call us at 800-959-TAPS (8277) prior to applying for this event. 

Attendees will be selected through an application process. Application is open from May 10 through June 28 or until full (look for the blue button at the top of this page during this time). Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status. 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 camps@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).