TAPS GOOD GRIEF CAMP MENTOR REQUIREMENTS

• Register on our TAPS website.
• Be presently serving in the military (active/guard/reserve status) or recently retired from the military.
• Attend ALL scheduled events and functions on time or early!
• Attend the mandatory training session on Sept. 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Attend entire weekend, in addition to training. Approximate times of camp are Oct. 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Oct. 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Use good judgment when assessing safety for children.
• DO NOT fraternize with fellow mentors, mentees, TAPS staff or adult survivors during the TAPS weekend. A mentor’s focus should be on their mentee and his/her well-being.
• Set and enforce good boundaries with your mentee.
• Identify your mentee’s allergies and/or special needs from the intake form.
• Intervene when necessary and keep group leaders informed if there are concerns.
• Honor time constraints.
• Create a safe place and an environment of trust and acceptance for your mentee.
• Follow directions from group leaders and TAPS staff.
• Do not partake in alcohol during the GGC nor let it affect your role as a mentor the next day.
• Demonstrate good moral and responsible conduct around children/teens of all ages (ex: no profanity, no "drinking" stories, no inappropriate comments).
• Willing to be a "big brother" or "big sister" to a child who has lost a loved one in the military.
• Be "present" and "companion" a child/children while cognizant of own grief and loss issues of a military friend or family member.
• Understand that you may need a break, and it is OK. Understand that the group leaders and TAPS staff are here if you need/want to talk and it will be confidential.
• Show empathy toward children and surviving family as they are grieving.
• Willingness to continue the mentor role throughout the rest of the year for the child’s birthday, special events or holidays.
• Withhold any personal political views as this may complicate the grieving process for children. No antiwar comments will be tolerated. 
• Alert group leaders if there are ANY reasons to be concerned about mentee (i.e. talk of suicide).
• Complete and pass security background check.