Montana Romantic Partners 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.

TAPS Adult Programs warmly invites you to join with other romantic partners (widows, widowers, surviving significant others, fiancees and partners) who are more than 6 months from their loss for a week at West Creek Ranch in Emigrant, Montana.

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, please join us at the TAPS Montana Romantic Partners Retreat. At this retreat for all romantic partners (widows, widowers, significant others, fiancees and partners) who have lost a loved one in the military, we'll explore ways to move forward within our new normal. You will be able to connect with other romantic partners, create lifelong friendships and honor love shared as we help each other move forward in our journey. Using a combination of outdoor activities, group sessions, and journaling, we'll take inspiration from our surroundings and our peers to create a plan for healing and growth.

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, this retreat is intended for those survivors whose loss occurred more than 6 months ago. If you are within the first 6 months following your loss, we encourage you to attend a TAPS Togethers, Regional Seminar and/or the National Military Survivor Seminar.

SCHEDULE

Monday, July 3: The first day is set aside as a travel day. Everyone should arrive at West Creek Ranch before 5 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.

Tuesday, July 4 to Thursday, July 6: As we soak in the grandeur of Big Sky Country, we will have many opportunities to connect with each other and the healing power of nature. Every day we will engage in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, archery, yoga, and more. There will be time together to reflect on our new connections and our next journeys ahead.

Friday, July 7: We will 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. Much of our time will be spent outdoors enjoying the Montana scenery. There will also be time to relax and connect with one another.

Please note that participants in this retreat will need to be able to perform moderate exercise activities and must be free from significant mobility issues.

EVENT FEES

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, TAPS will provide lodging, most meals and all activities at no cost to you.

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

Lodging will be provided at West Creek Ranch for all attendees from Monday to Friday. 

Please note buildings at this location are smoke-free and no alcohol will be served. All meals are included and prepared onsite. Accommodations can be made for food allergies and dietary requirements.

You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Emigrant, Montana, as well as lodging outside of the dates which TAPS provides. The closest airport is the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). Complimentary shuttle transportation to and from the airport will be provided. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive a welcome email after registering.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applications will be open from from May 9 to 19, 2023 (look for blue button at top of this page at that time). Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status shortly after submitting an application. 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).