Blue Ridge Women's Empowerment Retreat

Health Guidelines: TAPS will make every effort to ensure safe and healthy gatherings. We will continue to monitor COVID variants and may require testing onsite and/or other protocols based on local regulations and CDC guidance. At this time, we do not require proof of full vaccination and masks are optional. Should we have to make any changes you will be notified right away.

The TAPS Empowerment Program warmly invites you to join with other women who are more than 2 years from their loss for a week in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Overview

If you're asking yourself what's next after the death of your loved one, and you're ready to take steps toward transforming your life, join us at the Blue Ridge Women's Empowerment Retreat. At this unique retreat for all women who have lost a loved one in the military, we'll explore ways to move forward within our new normal. Using a combination of outdoor activities, art and journaling, we'll take inspiration from our surroundings and our peers to create a plan for healing and growth. This event will focus on the needs of our minds, bodies and spirits as we clarify our direction in life and create our own path to transformation.

During the retreat, we will focus on building connections and fostering accountability within our group. We will work to establish a supportive community that will provide encouragement and inspiration long after this event ends. Together, we honor the past, recognize the present and intentionally step into the future.

Who should attend? Due to the unique nature of this event, TAPS Empowerment Retreats are intended for those survivors whose loss occurred more than 2 years ago. If you are within the first 2 years following your loss, we encourage you to attend a TAPS Togethers, Regional Seminar and/or the National Military Survivor Seminar.

Schedule

Wednesday, June 14: The first day is set aside as a travel day. Once you arrive at the retreat center, TAPS staff will be there to greet you and get you checked in. Then, the day is yours to get settled in, meet fellow survivors, explore the property and relax.

Thursday, June 15 to Saturday, June 17: Each day will include opportunities for movement and mindfulness, including yoga and meditation. Group sessions will center upon themes such as gratitude, mindfulness, reflection and goal setting. Along with structured programming, the schedule will have built-in opportunities for solo work, rest and deeper personal reflection. Every evening, we'll close our time as a group together.

Sunday, June 18: We'll say our final goodbyes and depart from each other.

Event Details

We will be active throughout the retreat, however activities will involve light physical exertion. We will be doing some form of low-impact exercise every day including yoga, hiking and more.

Please note that this is a technology-free event. In order to fully immerse ourselves in the activities and connect with fellow attendees, we ask that cellphones and other devices are only used for emergencies.

Event Fees

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, TAPS will provide lodging, most meals and all activities for this healing retreat.

Lodging and Transportation

Lodging will be provided at Art of Living Retreat Center for all attendees from Wednesday to Sunday. You'll share a room with another event attendee. TAPS covers the cost of lodging at no cost to you, and we'll take care of booking your lodging for the event.

Please note this is a smoke-free and alcohol-free facility.  All meals are vegetarian and can accommodate food allergies. You can find more information regarding the food at the Art of Living Retreat Center.

You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Boone. If you are flying in, a shuttle will be provided to and from the Charlotte International Airport (CLT) to the retreat center. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive a welcome email after registering.

This retreat will be contained to the retreat center and our outdoor activities. If you would like to explore the Boone area, please plan to extend your visit before or after the retreat.

Application Details

Application is open from March 15 to 22 (look for the blue button at the top of this page at that time). Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status in early April.  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 adultprograms@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).