North Carolina Men’s Retreat

Health Guidelines: TAPS will make every effort to ensure safe and healthy gatherings. We will continue to monitor COVID variants and may require testing onsite and/or other protocols based on local regulations and CDC guidance. At this time, we do not require proof of full vaccination and masks are optional. Should we have to make any changes you will be notified right away.

Animals: We love animals, however this retreat location is not suitable for animals. If you have any questions please contact adultprograms@taps.org.

The TAPS Adult Programs warmly invites you to join with other men who are more than 6 months from their loss for five days in Bryson City, North Carolina.

Overview

If you're asking yourself what's next after the death of your loved one, and you're ready to take steps toward transforming your life, join us at the Men's Retreat. At this retreat for all adult men who have lost a loved one or battle buddy in the military, we'll explore ways to move forward within our new normal. You will be able to connect with other surviving men, create lifelong friendships and celebrate our heroes as we help each other move forward in our journey. Using a combination of outdoor activities, group sessions, and journaling, we'll take inspiration from our surroundings and our peers to create a plan for healing and growth.

During the retreat, we will focus on building connections and fostering accountability within our group. We will work to establish a supportive community that will provide encouragement and inspiration long after this event ends. Together, we honor the past, recognize the present and intentionally step into the future.

Who should attend? Due to the unique nature of this event, this TAPS Men’s Retreat is intended for those survivors whose loss occurred more than 6 months ago. If you are within the first 6 months following your loss, we encourage you to attend a TAPS Togethers, Regional Seminar and/or the National Military Survivor Seminar.

SCHEDULE

Monday, July 31: The first day is set aside as a travel day. Airport shuttles will be scheduled based on individual flight arrival times. Everyone should arrive at the event location before 5 p.m. TAPS staff will be there to greet you and get you checked in. We'll have an opportunity to get settled in, meet fellow survivors, enjoy dinner together, get an overview of what to expect, and relax.

Tuesday, August 1 to Thursday, August 3: Each day will be filled with a different activity, which includes white water rafting, a team building event, and a mountaintop zipline tour. There will be time together to reflect on our new connections and our next journeys ahead. We'll wrap up each evening with a group dinner in the evening.

Friday, August 4: We'll say our final goodbyes and depart from each other. Airport shuttles will be scheduled based on individual flight departure times.

Adventure Level

This retreat is rated as a light-intensity adventure. We'll be active and everyone will have an opportunity to challenge themselves. Activities will involve light physical exertion. Much of our time will be spent outdoors enjoying the North Carolina scenery. There will also be time to relax and connect with one another.

EVENT FEES

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, TAPS will provide lodging, most meals and all activities at no cost to you.

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

Lodging will be provided at the Nantahala River Outpost, 13077 U.S. 19 West, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713 for all attendees from Monday to Friday, July 31 to August 4, 2023. You'll share a room with other event attendees. TAPS covers the cost of lodging at no cost to you, and we'll take care of booking your lodging for the event.

All meals are included while at the event. Accommodations can be made for food allergies and dietary requirements. 

You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Bryson City, North Carolina. If you are flying in, a shuttle will be provided to and from the Asheville International Airport (AVL) in Asheville, North Carolina. Please plan to arrive at the airport no later than 3 pm.  Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive a welcome email after registering.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applications will be open until July 24, 2023 or until the retreat is filled (look for blue button at top of this page at that time). Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status in late June. 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 adultprograms@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).