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During our time together, you'll have a chance to connect with fellow survivors through sharing groups, workshops and activities. Our workshop presenters are leading experts in the field of suicide grief and loss, and you'll have the opportunity to gain tools and resources for your grief journey.

You'll be able to choose from a variety of sessions that cover a range of topics including telling your story of loss, finding hope, and health and wellness. We've also built in opportunities for peer connections and special remembrance activities.

Getting Connected to the Seminar

The TAPS Events app puts the program right in the palm of your hand. Leading up to the seminar weekend, you can connect with fellow survivors and TAPS staff, review the scheduled program, read about featured speakers, and access additional content that will support you wherever you are in your grief journey.

For those attending virtually, you will access the Zoom sessions by logging into the TAPS Events app on either your desktop computer or mobile device.

Links to event app will be posted here as we get closer to event start date.

Schedule and Workshops

7:00 p.m. — Pre-event What to Expect, Your Seminar Questions Answered
Attending in person? Please join us for a pre-event Zoom meeting to talk about what to expect at a regional seminar. We will also review safety and health standards that will be in place for the Seminar. We will discuss hotel check-in, registration, meals, mask requirements and many other details that have been taken care of for us to gather safely in-person.

Friday, October 6

• 12:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - Peer Mentor Training

• 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Family Registration

• 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Childcare

• 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - TAPS Store

• 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Resource Village

• 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Survivor Sanctuary

• 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Family Dinner Buffet

• 5:45 p.m. - Good Grief Camp Drop Off

• 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  
  Peer Connection Sessions
  New to Loss / First Time Attendee
  Home Base Programs: Alumni Gathering
  Peer Mentor Gathering

• 7:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  
  Dessert Sharing Group Sessions
  Spouses/Significant Others/Fiances/Former Spouses
  Parents/Grandparents
  Dyadic Death Loss (Suicide Loss after murder/homicide)
  I Served Too: Survivors Who Have or Are Serving in the Military
  Siblings and Cousins
  Adult Children

• 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - Guitars with Brett Jones for Seniors

• 8:45 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - Theatre Lab Question and Answer, Men's Huddle, and Young Adults (ages 18 - 30)

Saturday, October 7

• 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. - Healing in Nature, Walk with Rachel and Jason

• 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. - Mind/Body Restorative Movement With Emily

• 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - Family Breakfast
  There will be tables reserved for a Men's Only breakfast social.

• 7:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. - Family Registration

• 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - TAPS Store

• 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Resource Village

• 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Survivor Care Sanctuary

• 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Childcare

• 8:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. - Good Grief Camp

• 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

  Open Art Studio - Jennifer Baldwin | Dr. Jenna Michalik Preston
  This is a safe and quiet space for attendees to explore their grief in creative ways, guided by skilled and compassionate art therapists. Everyone is welcome, whether you are a seasoned artist or someone who isn't sure where to start.

• 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 

  Welcome/Opening Session

• 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. - WORKSHOPS BLOCK 1

  Is My Loss Traumatic? – Dr. Frank Campbell
  Traumatic grief has characteristics different from the more traditional grief associated with death. Dr. Frank Campbell will describe elements that stand out when experiencing traumatic grief that compromise the activities of daily living and impact sleep, physical health and overall well-being. When assumed to be characteristics of “normal” grief many find processing their loss overwhelming resulting in a more difficult grief journey. Participants attending are encouraged to ask questions or share personal experiences they are coping with to gain insights and practical solutions that have helped others cope more effectively.

  Home Base Trauma Treatment Option: Briefing and Useful Coping Skills – Clare Stupinski
  TAPS proudly welcomes special guest and partner, the Home Base Program of Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation, to present on their Intensive Clinical Program designed specifically for survivors of military suicide loss. This presentation will focus on the understanding of traumatic loss, as well as learning and practicing skills that can support the grieving process. The session will include an overview of options for trauma-informed care and treatment focused on healing after a suicide loss.

  Difficult Conversations About Your Loss – Lisa Zucker
  Have I said too much? In this workshop, we will explore conversations about loss, from the stigma of suicide loss to sharing about the way our loved one died and knowing when it feels right to hold back. The goal is to learn more about setting your own boundaries so you can share in a way that is most comfortable to you. In addition to direct conversations with people, we will also discuss conversations about loss on social media and other large group settings.
  This session will be offered virtually.

  Writing Through the Use of Metaphor - Rachel Hunsell | Erin Jacobson
  Designed for survivors a bit further out from loss or for those who feel ready to explore the future ahead, this interactive writing workshop will offer an outlet of expression on how our grief journey has changed over time and to consider our needs in the present moment.. Allowing lessons from nature along with writing prompts in a take-home journal to guide us, we will reflect on our own needs and establish intentions for the weekend. These skills will become a resource for the duration of the seminar and a lasting tool as you return home.

  Healing and Releasing Trauma From the Body - Emily Muñoz
  Join us to learn more about how trauma impacts your physical body and emotional health. This session will focus on exploring and practicing techniques that help to release physical symptoms of trauma from the body (also called "somatic release" exercises) thus leading to improved mental wellbeing.

• 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Good Grief Camp Lunch

• 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. - Adult Lunch

• 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. - WORKSHOPS BLOCK 2

  Posttraumatic Growth After Loss – Erin Jacobson
  The pain of loss often ushers in hard questions about identity and purpose. As we work to integrate loss into our lives, we must also redefine who we are. In this interactive workshop, we will touch on some ways that we can begin the process of self-discovery and what growth can look like after loss. This session is intended for longer term survivors, or those who feel ready to explore what lies ahead while integrating loss into a hopeful future.

  Supporting Your Children While Grieving –  Andy McNiel
  Children and teenagers struggle with many difficult and unsettling emotions after the suicide death of someone in their lives. These emotions include anger, guilt, sorrow and shame, among others. Reactions and emotions like these can be particularly intense for bereaved teens. Parents and caregivers want to do everything they can to help, but are not always sure about the best ways to support their kids. This presentation will cover practical ways that you can help your child or teen after the death of someone close, including how to cope with difficult emotions and grief reactions, family dynamics, and societal stigmas that impact the grieving process.

  Coping With Substance Use and Addiction – Kaitlin Picard
  This workshop is designed to build an awareness of substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. We will review key signs and symptoms of problematic use and behaviors, as well as discuss the high prevalence of substance use disorders and addiction in those who are struggling with mental illness, such as PTSD and traumatic loss. This session will also highlight a variety of coping strategies and skills to manage cravings in the moment, as well as provide an overview of treatment options, including those available at Home Base.
  This session will be offered virtually.

  Breathing Techniques for Coping Skills – Emily Muñoz
  Would you like to learn new coping skills to help with improving sleep patterns, reducing stress, and managing anxiety? Join us in this session to learn and practice quick and simple-to-use breathing techniques that can help to regulate strong emotions and reduce some of the physical symptoms often associated with grief.

  TAPS Advocacy and Legislative Update – Candace Wheeler | Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann
  Learn how the TAPS policy team is advocating for you on Capitol Hill on a variety of issues from remarriage to toxic exposure. This is your opportunity to learn about how TAPS is fighting for surviving families, and for our Policy and Legislative team to hear what issues matter most to YOU!

• 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. - WORKSHOPS BLOCK 3

  How to Grieve Like a Man (for men only) – Dr. Frank Campbell
  In this interactive workshop, we will discuss the ways men may reveal their grief and share our experiences. Our goal will be understanding and insight, not changing the way others grieve. This is an ideal workshop for men in attendance who may be dating a survivor, as well as for men who are actively grieving the loss of a loved one.

  Sibling Survivors: Gathering and Healing After the Loss of a Sibling –  Lisa Zucker
  In this workshop, we will explore several aspects of sibling loss, from disenfranchised grief ("the forgotten mourners") and some of the challenges faced when you've lost your brother or sister toways of coping and how to use your continuing bond to keep them present in your life and in the world. While this workshop may appeal to other family members to learn more about sibling loss, if you attend, we encourage you to understand that the perspective of this workshop will be a bereaved sibling presenter speaking to our TAPS bereaved siblings.

  Creating Meaning from Loss – Audri Beugelsdijk
  This interactive workshop is for survivors exploring how they have (or want to) create meaning since their loss. Ideas about the role of meaning-making in the grief process are presented, such as Bob Neimeyer's assertion that loss "requires us to reconstruct a world that again 'makes sense,' that restores a semblance of meaning, direction, and interpretability to a life that is forever transformed." Participants engage in guided discussions to reflect on changes they have experienced, share personal observations about how meaning-making has played a role in their grief journey, and whether or not meaning is found or created.
  This session will be offered virtually*.

  Use Your Voice for Advocacy and Change – Candace Wheeler | Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann
  Learn how the TAPS policy team is advocating for you on Capitol Hill on a variety of issues from remarriage to toxic exposure. You will also learn how to advocate for yourself and your family. How to find and contact your Members of Congress. How to share your story in a productive way to create change. Your voice matters. YOU can and will make a difference!

  Adult Theatre Lab – Nia Graham | Amal Saade | Terah Herman-Saldaña
  Come join us for improv games, theatre exercises, creativity work, and fun! We will use improvisation work to cultivate creativity, laughter, and bonding between participants. This light-hearted class is a great way to relax and have fun. No acting or improv experience is necessary; all are welcome!

• 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Family Dinner

• 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Guitars with Brett Jones for Seniors

• 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. - Water Park Open to all TAPS attendees

• 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - Young Adult & Legacy Mentor Care Group

Sunday, October 8

• 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. - Healing in Nature, Walk with Rachel and Jason

• 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. - Mind/Body Restorative Movement With Emily

• 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - Family Breakfast
  There will be tables reserved for a Men's Only breakfast social.

• 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Resource Village

• 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - TAPS Store

• 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Survivor Care Sanctuary

• 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Childcare

• 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Good Grief Camp

• 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

  Open Art Studio - Jennifer Baldwin | Dr. Jenna Michalik Preston
  This is a safe and quiet space for attendees to explore their grief in creative ways, guided by skilled and compassionate art therapists. Everyone is welcome, whether you are a seasoned artist or someone who isn't sure where to start.

• 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. - WORKSHOPS BLOCK 4

  Why Can't We All Just Get Along? – Dr. Frank Campbell
  Family dynamics after loss can be difficult to navigate. This presentation will examine the conflicts that arise within a family system when grief changes the dynamics. Survivors attending will have an opportunity to share struggles they have experienced to determine what support might be available or ways they can change the dynamics.

  More Than The Way They Died –  Lisa Zucker
  Their legacy is in their stories - that's how we keep them here with us. Through memories and moments, we get to know who your loved one really was, because their life is not defined solely by how they died. We invite you to bring a story, picture, or anecdote about your loved one that you would like to share. Please keep in mind that while we have a constraint on time during the workshop and would like to hold space for all who wish to speak to do so, we hope this inspires stories to be shared throughout the remainder of the seminar and beyond.
  This session will be offered virtually*.

  Spirituality and Grief: A Conversation About Faith and Belief After Loss – Andy McNiel
  Faith, belief, and spirituality play a vital role in the lives of many of us after someone in our life dies. Many of us find strength through our faith as we journey through grief. While others of us may find faith to be difficult in the aftermath of loss. Spirituality can have complicated ebbs and flows as we navigate the many challenges that grief brings to our lives. Join us for this interactive session on spirituality and grief. We will discuss how our faith has brought us strength, how our faith may have been challenged by loss, and ways our grief may have impacted deeply held beliefs.

  God Winks – Bonnie Carroll
  Lome people call them "God Winks," some call them signs, messages, or after-death communication. No matter what we call them, signs from our loved ones can be very present in our lives. Stories and experiences of the presence of our loved ones will be discussed in this open-minded and intimate sharing session.

  Building Scaffolding: Integrating Lessons Learned into Your Life Beyond the TAPS Weekend – Jesse Tubb
  This seminar aims to provide participants with practical strategies and tools to effectively integrate insights from this weekend into their lives. By building a solid scaffolding framework, participants will learn how to create a seamless bridge between lessons and tools learned throughout the seminar material and their daily lives. We will discuss how to maximize the impact of the weekend and foster long-term growth and transformation. Don't let what you learn here, stay here!

• 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. - WORKSHOPS BLOCK 5

  Remembering The Dash – Dr. Frank Campbell
  Headstones often note the date of birth and date of death and between those dates is a dash that is intended to mark the lifeline of that individual. Clearly for so many the date of death is the focus especially when it is sudden and traumatic. Traumatic death has often eclipses the life (the dash) of the individual who has died and their life should not be erased by a manner of death. Most of us know famous and historical people not by a diagnosis or manner of death but by what they accomplished while they were alive. This presentation will address the value of finding the memories represented by the dash.

  God Winks – Bonnie Carroll
  Lome people call them "God Winks," some call them signs, messages, or after-death communication. No matter what we call them, signs from our loved ones can be very present in our lives. Stories and experiences of the presence of our loved ones will be discussed in this open-minded and intimate sharing session.

  Transitioning Back to "the Real World" – Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton
  Returning home from a TAPS family gathering can leave us with a variety of emotions. Over the past few days, we have been in a caring and loving environment, surrounded by the support of many people who understand our grief. Now we will be returning to everyday life where we might have few people who understand our experiences. This workshop will help you take your new understanding, coping skills, and resources with you to use in your everyday life, while always remembering that you have your TAPS family to rely on for support when you need it.

  Building Emotional Resilience: Nurturing Inner Strength – Jesse Tubb
  In this session, we will explore the concept of emotional resilience and learn practical strategies to cultivate resilience in the face of life's challenges. By developing emotional resilience, you can intentionally respond to adversity, adapt to change, and thrive in the face of difficulties, including loss. This workshop will provide you with practical tools and strategies to grow your capacity for resilience and stay buoyant during challenging times. We will cover how to acknowledge your experience, gain emotional clarity, prioritize self-care, show yourself grace and compassion, and use it as an opportunity for growth.
  

  Self Preservation after Suicide Loss – Lisa Zucker
  Self preservation is an instinct to keep ourselves from harm, or to survive. In grief, there are times where life only feels like survival. But the preservation of the self extends further as we navigate grief and understand the new world in which we find ourselves. During this workshop we will explore survival and self preservation as well as talk about what self care, mindfulness, and post-traumatic growth are and how you can practically apply them in your life.

• 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Good Grief Camp Lunch

• 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Closing Session

• 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Closing Session

• 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Good Grief Camp Water Park time

• 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Adults Only (18+) Water Park time

• 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

  Afternoon Cafe
  Time to Connect, A moment for You...

• 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

  Transitioning Home Through Nature - Rachel Hunsell
  As we close out our weekend together, we invite you to join us venturing into nature for a time of reflection, connection and hope. Using the outdoors as our inspiration in a natural environment, we will provide tools and coping skills for you to use in the transition back home and for the future in going forward.

• 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

  Sharing Groups, Continuing the Connections
  Spouses/Significant Others/Fiances/Former Spouses
  Parents/Grandparents
  Dyadic Death Loss (Suicide Loss after murder/homicide)
  I Served Too: Survivors Who Have or Are Serving in the Military
  Siblings and Cousins
  Adult Children

• 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Guitars with Brett Jones for Seniors

• 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Family Dinner

• 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Optional Water Park Activities open to all

Monday, October 9

• 3:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Airport Schuttles depart every hour