Volunteer as a Military or Legacy Mentor at Columbus, Ohio

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 Midwest Regional Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.

Legacy mentor and TAPS child

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.

TAPS Military Mentor and Good Grief Camper

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, September 24

5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. — Good Grief Camp Kid Zone - OPTIONAL - dinner will be provided

Saturday, September 25

6:30 a.m. to 8:45 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, September 26

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 Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215.

Lodging and Transportation

Free parking is available on-site.

How to Register

To register as a Legacy and Military Mentor:

Create a mentor account.
Once you've created your account, log back in and complete a background check release.
After you receive a confirmation email of a completed background check, log into your account and register for the Midwest Regional Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.

For questions about mentoring at Youth Programs event, call 800-959-TAPS (8277) or email mentors@taps.org.