Legacy or Military Mentor Volunteer at Southeast Regional Military Good Grief Camp
August 13 - 15, 2021
Important Update: Due to increased COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the Jacksonville area, TAPS is scaling back its activities for the Southeast Regional Seminar and Good Grief Camp. Since many of the children who attend Good Grief Camp are under the age for vaccinations, we are closing that portion of the seminar. Programming for adult survivors who are fully vaccinated will continue, under strict safety protocols according to CDC guidelines, including spacing and masking. The health and safety of our TAPS family are our primary concerns.
TAPS invites those currently serving in the military, veterans, and military survivors who have graduated from Good Grief Camp to volunteer as a mentor for the Southeast Regional Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.
The world changes for a grieving child when someone is there for them — and that's where you come in.
In the Good Grief Camp, children and teens grieving the loss of a loved one who served in the military come together from all over the region to create lasting friendships, learn coping skills, build resiliency, and honor their fallen service member.
After a group training session with TAPS Youth Programs staff, Legacy and Military Mentors are paired with their own mentee and work in small groups facilitated by an experienced leader. You may request the age group you'd like to work with. Children learn through active play, and the curriculum is designed to meet each child where they are in their grief journey. The one-on-one attention give each child the companionship and support needed to feel comfortable connecting with others and engaging in activities. You'll definitely create lasting memories and feel pride in yourself for the work you've done.
Good Grief Camp Schedule
All Legacy and Military Mentors must be available for the entire weekend. This schedule is tentative and subject to change. A detailed schedule will be provided a couple weeks before the event.
Friday, August 13
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. — Good Grief Camp Kid Zone - OPTIONAL - dinner will be provided
Saturday, August 14
7:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. — Mentor training - MANDATORY for ALL mentors
8:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Good Grief Camp - breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided
Sunday, August 15
7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — Good Grief Camp - breakfast and lunch will be provided
The mandatory mentor training is designed to help you navigate serving in this volunteer role and helps ensure that you and your buddy have the best experience possible. TAPS also provides an optional online Good Grief Camp training course; this course reinforces but doesn't replace the required in-person training.
All activities will take place at Jacksonville Hyatt Regency, 225 East Coastline Drive, Jacksonville, Florida, 32202.