Colorado Family Winter Retreat

About Family Retreats

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Rocky Mountain National Park, this retreat is designed to be a transformational experience for families grieving the death of a military service member. Through awe-inspiring moments in nature, shared experiences, and guided self-care practices, participants will leave feeling more connected, more supported, and more equipped to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and purpose.

This retreat will help families embrace the power of nature as a daily well-being practice. Through winter hikes, forest bathing, restorative yoga, storytelling, and group discussions, participants will explore how nature fosters healing, personal growth, and deeper relationships.

By the end of the retreat, families will:

• Feel a deeper connection to nature, themselves, and each other.
• Understand and embody a growth mindset, recognizing how shifting perspectives can create resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
• Experience the healing power of peer support, knowing they are not alone in their grief.
• Leave with tools and motivation to incorporate nature into daily life, making it a lifelong resource for well-being and emotional balance.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Families with children ages 5 years old and attending kindergarten through teenagers under the age of 19 and still enrolled in high school
Children and teens must be grieving the death of a parent/primary caregiver or sibling who served in the United States Armed Forces
Young adult children up to age 25 may attend with their family if other children in the household meet the age and grade level criteria for eligibility
Additional family members living in the same household who are not actively grieving are eligible to attend, including spouses, significant others, or other children living in the blended household, as Family Camps focus on communication, understanding, and support within the family unit

Please note that TAPS is not able to provide child care on site and children younger than age 5 and not yet attending kindergarten will not be able to register or attend.

Due to the programming at our Family Camps, we encourage families to have attended a regional or national event prior to the Family Camp.

SCHEDULE

Day 1 (Friday): Family check in is from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Our first day will be spent getting to know each other and learning what's in store for our time together..

Day 2 (Saturday): The second day is filled with winter activities like snow-shoeing, nature walks, arts and crafts, and swimming in the indoor pool. 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 (Sunday): The fun continues with more winter activities, group bonding and time of remembrance.

Day 4 (Monday): After our activities in the morning, we'll wrap up our time together and say our goodbyes after Breakfast. Family check out is at 9:00 a.m.

CAMP 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 YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado from Friday through Monday, and TAPS will cover the cost of lodging.

You will need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from the camp facility. The closest airport is the Denver International Airport which is 90 minutes from Estes Park, CO.

Please note that TAPS is not able to provide transportation to or from the airport to the camp facility. The YMCA preferred Airport Shuttle Service is Colorado Canyon Connections with a special YMCA of the Rockies guest offer.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Attendees will be selected through an application process. Application is open until November 7, 2025 or until full. Priority will be given to first time attendees. Applications will be reviewed within 10 business days and families will be contacted by a staff member with Youth Programs. 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 youthprograms@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).