Event Schedule and Sessions

28th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp
May 27 - 30, 2022
Arlington, Virginia

Event Schedule and Sessions

28th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp
May 27 - 30, 2022
Arlington, Virginia

Whether you recently lost your hero, have lived many years without them or are somewhere in between, the TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar is designed to meet you where you are in your grief journey.

We're bringing together peer professionals, subject matter experts, mental health clinicians, and TAPS Peer Mentors and volunteers to provide you with opportunities to grow and heal.

Our TAPS Seminar faculty members are leaders in the field of grief and loss, suicide, traumatic loss and bereavement and will facilitate a rich learning environment to help you gain coping skills and tools to continue your loved one’s legacy.

 

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.

 

SEMINAR SCHEDULE

* Unless noted, opening ceremonies and all workshops will be live streamed for those attending online.

  • Monday, May 23
  • Thursday, May 26
  • Friday, May 27
  • Saturday, May 28
  • Sunday, May 29
  • Monday, May 30

Monday, May 23, 2022

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 the seminar. We will also review safety and health standards that will be in place. We will discuss hotel check-in, registration, meals, and many other details that have been taken care of for us to gather safely in-person. Access to the Zoom meeting will be through the TAPS App.

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Thursday, May 26, 2022

  • 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Eastern
    Group Leader and Senior Mentor Meeting
    Grand Salons B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J
  • 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Eastern
    Family Check-in and Registration
    Gateway Skyview
  • 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
    Military Mentor Meeting
    Grand Salons B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J
  • 5:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Eastern
    Family Dinner
    Arlington Ballroom
  • 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Eastern
    Young Adults Meet and Greet
    Pentagon A
  • 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Eastern
    Good Grief Camp Zone
    Grand Ballroom, Salons D & E for Movie, Salons A & K Teen Lounge
  • 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Eastern
    Good Grief Camp Senior Class Guitars with Brett Jones
    Westin Jefferson 3
  • 7:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Eastern
    Dessert Sessions Welcome
    Arlington I, II, III, IV, V and VI
  • 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Eastern
    Legacy and Military Mentor Meet & Greet
    Arlington V and Vl

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Friday, May 27, 2022

  • Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Eastern
    Family Breakfast Buffet
    Crystal Gateway Marriott: Grand Ballroom, Embassy Suites: Atrium
  • Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Eastern
    Family Check-in and Registration
    Skyview
  • Friday 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Eastern
    Good Grief Camp Opening Ceremony
    Arlington Ballroom
  • Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern
    Good Grief Camp
    Crystal Gateway Marriot, Crystal City Marriot, Westin, Embassy Suites
  • Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Eastern
    National Seminar Opening Ceremony
    Arlington Ballroom
  • Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
    Adult Buffet Lunch
    Arlington Ballroom
  • Friday, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern
    Peer Mentor Training 
    Arlington VI
  • Friday, 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Eastern

    ADULT WORKSHOPS and SHARING GROUPS

    Lessons From a Jigsaw Puzzle: Finding Pieces that Fit Your Grief– Dr. Benjamin Wolfe ... Grand A
    When it comes to grief after a death, or any type of loss, how does one find “pieces of the puzzle” that help? How does an individual with so many thoughts, ideas, and emotions, often all coming at one time, deal with those grief responses, not just months, but years after a death or loss? This session will provide guidelines how each of us can “solve the puzzle,” even a complicated one.

    Promote Your Own Wellbeing – Dr. Eileen O'Grady ... Grand E
    Grief, loss and a global pandemic have brought untold challenges to every survivor. Many have experienced overwhelm, powerlessness, and continuous uncertainty. A nurse practitioner well-being expert will present a program with science-backed tools to address how to pursue your own wellbeing, no matter your circumstances.

    Transforming Trauma: The Path to Hope and Healing – Dr. James Gordon ... Grand J
    This workshop will provide an introduction to a comprehensive approach to trauma healing, including simple techniques for quieting the mind, body, and spirit - as well as tools to help restore biological, psychological, and social balance.

    Helping Your Teen Cope with Grief and Loss – Dr. Pamela Gabbay ... Grand F
    Teenagers struggle with many emotions after the death of someone in their lives. Parents and caregivers want to do everything they can to help but are not always sure about the best ways to support their teens. This presentation will cover practical ways that you can support your teen after the death of someone close. Topics that will be included in this workshop are: how to discuss grief and loss with teenagers, common grief reactions, coping with grief and loss, and helpful ways to engage grieving teens.

    The Language of Life (Young Adults, ages 18 - 30) – Renee Monczynski ... Pentagon A
    This interactive session we explore finding the words to describe life and death, and everything in between. There are 86 words to describe the vast range of human emotions, let us find ones to help you find your voice in life.

    Survivor Sharing Groups:
    Illness Loss ... Arlington I
    Combat Loss ... Arlington II

  • Friday, 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Eastern

    ADULT WORKSHOPS and SHARING GROUPS

    Is My Loss Traumatic? – Dr. Frank Campbell ... Grand A
    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. *This session will not be live streamed.

    Finding Hope after Loss – Dr. William Hoy ... Grand E
    When loss invades our lives, it seems that all of life is over and often that there is nothing left to live for. Much like the amazing vistas that only become clear after a storm has passed, grief can become a transformative force for good in our lives. We would never welcome the loss that brought grief about, but rolling back time and preventing the events leading to this point is not a choice we get. The choice we do get, however, is to find hope in the midst of loss. Join us as we discover practical tools for doing just that.

    The Trauma-Healing Diet – Dr. James Gordon ... Grand J
    This workshop will provide an overview of the damage trauma does to our brain and our gut and offers practical, evidence-based ways to use food, supplements, and herbs to repair the GI tract, restore physical and psychological health, and increase your resilience.

    Creating a New Future with Your In-Laws – Rachel Kodanaz ... Grand F
    Relationships with the parents and family of our loved ones come in all shapes and sizes. Family dynamics which were once complicated can become clearer as you all grieve the death of a central person in your lives or what was once a rock-solid relationship can become messy, complicated and hurtful. No matter what your relationship status is with your in-laws, there is a potential for perceived judgment on both sides; awkwardness regarding how and how often to speak about your loved one; and uncertainty about your future relationship as everyone’s lives unfold post-loss. After 25 years of juggling in-laws, Rachel will share what she has learned about perception versus reality with regard to these relationships, as well as practical approaches for handling a wide variety of complicated family situations. This workshop will help you map out a path for a future with your in-laws, no matter what that relationship looks like today.

    Me, Myself & Grief (Young Adults, ages 18 - 30) – Renee Monczynski ... Pentagon A
    Grief is a part of your life story. What is the rest of it? What makes up you? Let's explore the rest of you, your personality, your dreams, your goals, and what you build your foundation on.

    Survivor Sharing Groups:
    Homicide Loss ... Arlington I
    Accident Loss ... Arlington II

  • Friday, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Drum it Out (6-12 grade) ... Westin Jefferson 1/2
  • Friday, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Eastern
    Family Dinner Buffet ... Arlington Ballroom
  • Friday, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
    Family Paint Party and Game Night ... Arlington and Grand Ballroom
  • Friday, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Eastern
    Good Grief Camp Graduating Senior Class Guitars with Brett Jones ... Westin Jefferson 3
  • Friday, 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Eastern
    Troops Together ... Westin Jefferson 1/2

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Saturday, May 28, 2022

  • Saturday, 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. Eastern
    Sunrise Strides: Nature Walk on the National Capital Trail (weather dependent)
    meet in Lobby
  • Saturday, 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Eastern
    Family Breakfast Buffet
    Crystal Gateway Marriot: Arlington Ballroom, Embassy Suites: Atruim
  • Saturday, 7:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
    Good Grief Camp
    Crystal Gateway Marriot, Crystal City Marriot, Westin, Embassy Suites
  • Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Eastern

    Special Presentation - General Dempsey ... Arlington Ballroom

  • Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
    Drum It Out Class (elementary grades) ... Westin 1/2
  • Saturday, 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Eastern

    ADULT WORKSHOPS and SHARING GROUPS

    Healing Trauma and Finding Hope in the Outdoors – Rachel Hunsell ... Grand A
    In this session, we will discuss the healing power of being in nature and the role that ecological metaphors can play in helping cope with loss. She will present important scientific research and theory and will also guide participants in some mindfulness-based activities related to nature-connectedness.

    Grief After Illness Loss – Dr. William Hoy ... Grand E
    Though traumatic deaths are what “make the news” in contemporary society, the vast majority of families walk through bereavement as a result of an illness. Sometimes, these losses follow years of decline and caregiving while for other families, illnesses come on suddenly and death happens almost unexpectedly. What are the unique characteristics of grief following these longer-term “expected” and "unexpected" deaths and how do we find ways to put our lives together again after caring for a loved one in a final illness? We’ll tackle these topics together as we find ways to effectively grieve a loss after illness.

    Renovating and Remodeling: Moving Beyond Just Coping and Surviving – Dr. Benjamin Wolfe ... Grand J
    After a death, or any type of loss, it can feel overwhelming to “rebuild our lives,” to “become someone different” than who we were prior to the loss. What is the difference between renovating and remodeling our lives? How does active grief versus passive grief move us beyond just coping, beyond just surviving? This session will explain ways to both renovate and remodel, and in the process, change us from who we were, to who we are becoming now.

    TAPS Policy & Legislative Advocacy – Candace Wheeler | Ashlynne Haycock ... Grand F
    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!

  • Saturday, 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Eastern

    ADULT WORKSHOPS and SHARING GROUPS

    Out from the Shadows Through Trauma, Self-Care, Resilience, and Leadership – Robert Delaney ... Grand A
    At the height of the "Godfather" era, Delaney wore a wire and lived among Wiseguys. His undercover work was a success, but he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and traces of Stockholm syndrome after getting too close to those he investigated. His passion for the game of basketball provided a form of therapy and he shares, "when going through difficult times find what provides an inner peace". Delaney had a 30 plus NBA career as a referee and NBA Vice President Referee Operations/Director of Officials. He works with the Harvard Global Mental Health Trauma Recovery program and speaks globally on leadership, resiliency, trauma and selfcare. His presentation will exemplify the Dali Lama's words, "There is a growing appreciation of understanding one's emotions, how they operate, and how to manage them". Please note this session may cause triggers to your own experiences that may cause reactions for some attendees.

    Navigating this New Grief and Loss Journey – Karen Monts ... Grand E
    When will this get better? How do I get through this? Am I going crazy? The complexities of grief are emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually challenging, and it is normal to struggle, especially when your loss is new. If you are newly bereaved, this workshop will offer strategies, validation, and guidance to help you better understand and cope with your grief journey.

    What to Know about Grief – and What to Forget – Dr. Justin Yopp ... Grand J
    Grief can be overwhelming and leave us feeling completely disoriented. Unfortunately, what many of us understand to expect during bereavement is outdated or flat-out wrong. In this workshop, Dr. Justin Yopp of the University of North Carolina will describe a grief model that will help you make sense of your grief and what lies ahead.

    Please Say Their Name: The Importance of Honoring and Remembering – Dr. Pamela Gabbay ... Grand F
    Honoring and remembering our loved ones is an important and crucial part of helping us to cope with our grief. In fact, one of the things that we wish that others knew about our grief is how meaningful it is to be able to say their name and to be able to share our stories and memories of them. What are some of the ways that you honor and remember the person in your life who died? This interactive session will allow plenty of time for discussion and sharing.

    A Curious Journey to Writing Our Story (Young Adults, ages 18 - 30) – Rachel Hunsell ... Pentagon A
    In this experiential workshop, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery, getting curious about the stories we tell ourselves and others. Do you ever wonder if you could explore a new narrative? Shape the way you want to see your life? During our time together, we will begin to move and mold our stories, inviting our grief to do the same.

    Survivor Sharing Groups
    Suicide Spouses, Fiance, Significant Other and Ex-Spouses ... Arlington I
    Suicide Surviving Parents ... Arlington II

  • Saturday, 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Eastern
    Adult Buffet Lunch
    Arlington III, IV, V, VI
  • Saturday, 1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Eastern

    ADULT WORKSHOPS and SHARING GROUPS

    Fostering Resilience and Empowerment among Women – Erin Jacobson ... Grand A
    Discover how to use the principles of women's empowerment as you journey with grief by drawing on your vulnerability and strength, fueled by an ethic of care. This workshop will be interactive and provide opportunities to build support and solidarity.

    Community Engagements for Fun with Fundraising – Katie Maness ... Grand E
    This session is for those who want to share the TAPS mission within your community to raise funds and awareness of the critical programs TAPS provides. Fundraising is fun! We will give you some ideas for low-stress campaigns online, at work, and in-person. Don't worry, there is no obligation if you attend.

    Sorting Through Personal Possessions – Rachel Kodanaz ... Grand J
    Personal possessions tell a beautiful story of a person's life. This workshop offers a practical approach to sorting, thinning, and repurposing our loved one's belongings. Whether you have no idea where to begin or you are pondering a few items, this workshop is for you. Join us to learn the Ten Essentials and the power of The Magic of Six Piles of caring and sharing of your loved one's private and personal belongings, including clothes, workrooms, digital material, collections, and more. Our loved one's possessions embody memories that should be saved, shared, and treasured in the hands of those who want to forever be connected.

    Conversations on Kindness, Mental Resilience, and the Courage to Be Where You Are – William Wagasy ... Grand F
    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.

    Nourishing Inner Peace through Hitting Things (Young Adults, ages 18 - 30) – Josh Robinson ... Pentagon A
    Josh Robinson is a professional Percussionist, teaching artist, and drum facilitator. For the past 20 years he has used his skills, expertise, and life experience to share drumming and the many gifts it brings with thousands of people each year around the country. His approach is personal, passionate, creative, and intentional. He has an ability to connect with a wide range of audiences, put them at ease, and engage and unify them through rhythm. These experiences create a space for stress relief, community/connection building, communication, and fun!

    Survivor Sharing Group:
    Spouses, Ex-Spouses and Significant Others with Children ... Arlington I 
    Spanish Speaking ... Arlington II

  • Saturday, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern
    Programming announced soon
  • Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Eastern
    Good Grief Camp Carnival
    Gateway Grand Ballroom
  • Saturday, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Eastern
    TAPS Grand Banquet
    Arlington Ballroom

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Sunday, May 29, 2022

  • Saturday, 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. Eastern
    Sunrise Strides: Nature Walk on the National Capital Trail (weather dependent)
    meet in Lobby
  • Sunday, 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Eastern
    Family Breakfast Buffet
    Crystal Gateway Marriot: Arlington/Grand Ballroom, Embassy Suites: Atrium
  • Sunday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern
    Good Grief Camp
    Crystal Gateway Marriot, Crystal City Marriott, Westin, Embassy
  • Sunday, 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Eastern

    ADULT WORKSHOPS and SHARING GROUPS

    Coping with Disenfranchised Grief – Andy McNeil ... Grand A
    Grieving can be a lonely, difficult road, even when we have the support of family and friends. When our grief is not recognized, nor supported by those closest to us, our journey is even more challenging. Each person's grief matters and this presentation will provide a context for understanding how disenfranchisement impacts our grief. Attendees will have the opportunity to share about their experiences and hear from others about their situations. We will discuss ideas for coping and finding personal validation of our experiences.

    Finding Your Voice Through Writing – Rachel Kodanaz ... Grand E
    Would you feel more at ease if you were able to convey your pain by communicating your thoughts and emotions in writing? Are you looking for an outlet to be heard? Finding Your Voice Through Writing will provide tools and techniques to express yourself via written words while providing an opportunity to heal, grow, and feel empowered. Whether you would like to write a book, a blog, or an article for a magazine on a topic near and dear to your heart, penning words of your thoughts will help balance emotions and logic. Join in the conversation on how to get started, what topic is best for you, how to create an appropriate timeline, and ways to publish your written words if so desired.

    Life as a Widowed Parent – Dr. Justin Yopp ... Grand J
    Are you grieving the loss of a spouse or partner, while raising children at home? Join Dr. Justin Yopp, leader of the Widowed Parent Program at the University of North Carolina, who will provide insight and strategies for grieving your own loss, helping your children grieve the loss of a parent, managing the home as an “only parent,” and reimagining your life moving forward.

    Conversations on Kindness, Mental Resilience, and the Courage to Be Where You Are – William Wagasy ... Grand F
    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.

    Managing Stress While Grieving (Young Adults, ages 18 - 30) – Renee Monczynski ... Pentagon A
    What is unmentionable becomes unmanageable, so let’s talk about the stress that comes with grief. We will discuss the different triggers of stress after loss, how we appraise stress, and introduce constructive coping skills to help guide you on this journey.

    Survivor Sharing Groups:
    Parents, Step Parents and Grandparents ... Arlington I
    Adult Children ... Arlington II

  • Sunday, 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Eastern

    ADULT WORKSHOPS and SHARING GROUPS

    Life and Love After Loss: Supporting Bereaved Intimate Partners – Dr. Carla Stumpf-Patton ... Grand A
    Moving forward in grief and taking the next step toward exploring relationships and love after loss can bring many emotions and questions. This session will explore many of the related issues, such as learning to trust again, developing safe relationships, and incorporating new people into the family system. The population best suited for this session includes individuals who are bereaved intimate partners such as surviving spouses, fiancé's, and significant others. *This session is not intended for couples in an existing relationship who are wishing to strengthen or heal together after their loss.

    Grief Can Do THAT? – Dr. Frank Campbell ... Grand E
    This workshop is designed to describe many of the confusing ways grief will impact individuals and families. Our time together will also include opportunities to ask questions or present concerns from those attending. Descriptions of how Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are impacted and how vital self-care is for management of traumatic grief. *This session will not be live streamed.

    Yoga and Wellness for Beginners – Rayanne Hunter ... Grand J
    Have you always wanted to try yoga to ease your grief, stress, and anxiety but thought it was too "out there" or that you would never be able to do it? Join Rayanne Hunter as she demystifies this ancient practice while guiding you through the many benefits of using yoga to create natural healing for body, mind, and soul. You'll learn that yoga doesn't have to be scary, how adaptable it can be for any body, and how it can complement other self-care practices. Bring all of your yoga questions and fears to this workshop. We'll explore them and broaden your understanding of yoga, building the foundation for your further exploration.

    Grieving as a Family: Navigating the Journey Together – Renee Monczynski ... Grand F
    Grieving individually is challenging alone, but most often we are not isolated in our experience. A significant loss will touch every member of what we define as our family. While there may be a sense of comfort in being in the company of grievers all sharing the same loss, it is also not without its challenges. In this workshop, we will explore how loss can uniquely transform and impact the family system while discussing ways to cope as a family.

    Building and Fostering Relationships as Your Bereaved Teenager Becomes a Young Adult – Andy McNiel | Jason Stout | Rachel Hunsell |  Chandler Keeling ... Arlington II
    Communication and connection with your child can be challenging as they move through their teenage years into young adulthood. It is important for parents to learn to walk alongside their young adult child(ren) as they define their identity. When everyone is grieving, relationships can sometimes be strained, and grief can be an added challenge. This panel presentation will provide insight into the issues impacting the relations teenagers and young adults have with their parent(s). We will offer ideas for fostering healthy communication and connection across generations and encourage better understanding among parents and their bereaved teenagers and young adults.

    I am ... Enough (Young Adults, ages 18 - 30)  – Joelle Leek ... Pentagon A
    In this interactive session, learn skills to reduce self criticism and shame associated with grief. Participants will gain practices in elevating their own self confidence and self worth.

    Survivor Sharing Groups:
    All Relationships ... Arlington I
    Spouses, Ex-Spouses, and Significant Others without Children ... Arlington V

  • Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Eastern
    Lunch for Adults
    Arlington III, IV, V, VI
  • Sunday, 1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Eastern

    ADULT WORKSHOPS and SHARING GROUPS

    Out from the Shadows Through Trauma, Self-Care, Resilience, and Leadership – Robert Delaney ... Grand A
    At the height of the "Godfather" era, Delaney wore a wire and lived among Wiseguys. His undercover work was a success, but he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and traces of Stockholm syndrome after getting too close to those he investigated. His passion for the game of basketball provided a form of therapy and he shares, "when going through difficult times find what provides an inner peace". Delaney had a 30 plus NBA career as a referee and NBA Vice President Referee Operations/Director of Officials. He works with the Harvard Global Mental Health Trauma Recovery program and speaks globally on leadership, resiliency, trauma and selfcare. His presentation will exemplify the Dali Lama's words, "There is a growing appreciation of understanding one's emotions, how they operate, and how to manage them". Please note this session may cause triggers to your own experiences that may cause reactions for some attendees.

    Use Your Voice for Change – Candace Wheeler | Ashlynne Haycock ... Grand E
    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!

    Not Going it Alone – Audri Beugelsdijk ... Grand J
    We have a tendency to reject help, often when help would be exactly what we need at the moment. During these times, we have to overcome our own objections to allow another person to come close to us and share what feels like perhaps an unshareable burden. In this session, we will discuss how not going it alone, and instead embracing the support of others within the TAPS family, can enhance our ability to cope and ultimately yield greater strength during a time when our strength may be waning.

    Godwinks* – Bonnie Carroll ... Grand F
    Some 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. *This session will not be live streamed.

    Build Your Ladder (Young Adults, ages 18 - 30) – Renee Monczynski ... Pentagon A
    In this interactive session, we will discuss tangible tactics for you to utilize during those days that leave you feeling the world is dark and you are alone. We will discuss skills for you to build your own ladder, with each step being a skill in your self care plan that allows you to handle the tough days and know you are not alone, brighter days are ahead.

    Survivor Sharing Groups:
    Surviving Moms ... Arlington I

  • Sunday, 3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Eastern

    ADULT WORKSHOPS and SHARING GROUPS

    Supporting Grieving Children and Families – Dr. Carla Stumf-Patton ... Grand A
    This session will be informational in nature for those supporting grieving children, with the intention on rebuilding a foundation of trust, love, and honesty after loss. Topics to be discussed will include family communication skills, creating healthy boundaries. building support systems, family wellness and self-care, unique ways to remember and honor lives of loved ones, and how TAPS Good Grief Camp promotes healing.

    Remember the Dash – Dr. Frank Campbell ... Grand E
    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. *This session will not be live streamed.

    Spirituality and Grief: A Conversation about Faith and Belief after Loss – Andy McNiel ... Grand J
    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.

    Godwinks* – Bonnie Carroll ... Grand F
    Some 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. *This session will not be live streamed.

    What's in the Box? (Young Adults, ages 18 - 30) – Renee Monczynski ... Pentagon A
    This is an interactive session for open conversation about life, loss and all things in between. Through peer connection we will discuss anything and everything that is put in the "ask anything" box over the course of the seminar weekend.

    Survivor Sharing Groups:
    Online Facilitators and Peer Mentors ... Arlington I
    LGBTQ+ ... Arlington II

  • Sunday, 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Eastern
    Family BBQ
    Arlington Ballroom
    Please join us at our family dinner as we celebrate our weekend together. Brett Jones and the Good Grief Camp graduating senior class of 2022 will be performing a musical piece followed by entertainment with Tony David and WildeFire.   

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Monday, May 30, 2022

  • Monday, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. Eastern
    Breakfast Buffet
    Gateway
  • Monday, 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 Eastern
    Arlington National Cemetery
  • Monday, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 a.m. Eastern
    National Memorial Day Parade featuring TAPS Float, buses depart at 11:45 a.m.
  • Monday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern
    Grab & Go Lunch
    Lobby

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