Romantic Partners Pacific Northwest Fishing Retreat
July 19 - 23, 2023
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.
All surviving spouses, ex-spouses, and unmarried partners grieving the loss of a loved one who served in the U.S. Armed Forces are warmly invited to join the TAPS Pacific Northwest Fishing Retreat as we explore the wilderness of our earth and of our grief alongside our fellow survivors. These therapeutic, outdoor skills-based events are led by both TAPS facilitators and professional outdoor guides through some of the world's most inspiring landscapes.
OVERVIEW
Join TAPS as you and your fellow survivors immerse yourselves in the Olympic National Park, connecting with the land and waters, through the healing power of fly fishing. In partnership with the National Park Trust, Trout Unlimited and Oly Women on the Fly Guide Service, TAPS will lead you on an incredible journey along the Pacific coastline and in Olympic National Forest opening our hearts to healing for the mind, body and soul.
At TAPS we understand that all survivors share a powerful bond grieving a loss, and a uniquely special bond is formed within each population, so we extend this opportunity to all those who had a romantic relationship with their military loved one.
Through this partnership with the National Park Trust and Trout Unlimited, we rely on our qualified volunteer guides at Oly Women on the Fly Guide Service and Trout Unlimited for their expertise in fishing education and supporting our physical safety in a variety of outdoor spaces.
SCHEDULE
Day 1: On this travel day, everyone should arrive at Kalaloch Lodge in Forks, Washington by 5 p.m. TAPS staff will be there to greet you and get you checked in. A shuttle from SEA-TAC may be provided if needed. We’ll have an opportunity that evening to get settled in, meet fellow survivors, enjoy dinner together, and relax.
Day 2: We’ll start the day with breakfast, get an overview of what to expect, and we’ll work together to get our questions answered and build our team. We will work with volunteers from the Oly Women on the Fly Guide Service and the Kitsap - Olympic Peninsula Trout Unlimited Chapter to learn the ins and outs of fly fishing in Olympic National Park, get acquainted with gear, and enjoy time together along the coast. We’ll wrap up with a group dinner in the evening.
Day 3: The third day will include time fly fishing in Olympic National Parkas well as some free time to relax and further connect with your fellow survivors.
Day 4: On our final day of activities, we'll have the opportunity for another full day of fishing activities on the property and in the National Park, and, then, we'll wrap up our time together to reflect on our new connections and our next journeys ahead.
Day 5: We'll say our “see you laters” and travel home.
ADVENTURE LEVEL
This retreat is rated as a medium-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 fly fishing and enjoying the incredible scenery of the Pacific Northwest. There will also be time to relax and connect with one another.
EVENT FEES
All trip fees and fishing equipment to be utilized from Wednesday evening through Sunday afternoon are covered by TAPS thanks to our generous donors.
Trip fees not noted above are your pre/post retreat transportation costs, meals outside of events, guide gratuities and outdoor gear (not including fishing equipment) are to be secured on your own.
LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION
Thanks to the generosity of TAPS partners and donors, lodging at Kalaloch Lodge is provided for all attendees from Wednesday, July 19 through Sunday, July 23, 2023.
You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Kalaloch Lodge in Washington, as well as lodging outside of the dates which TAPS provides. The closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
If your application is approved, we will ask you to officially register for this event. Only after you have completed your registration and receive the welcome email should you make your travel plans. Please do not make travel arrangements until your participation is confirmed.
ENTRY FORM DETAILS
Entry forms will be open from April 7 to 14, 2023 (look for the blue button at the top of this page at that time). TAPS will review all applications and communicate selection of participants no later than August 16. If more entry forms are received than we have slots available, TAPS will host a random selection from qualified entries.
This retreat is being put together through a partnership with the National Park Trust and Trout Unlimited. Through this partnership, we rely on our qualified volunteer guides at Trout Unlimited for their expertise in fishing education and supporting our physical safety in a variety of outdoor spaces. Visit the National Park Trust and Trout Unlimited for more information.
If you have any questions, please email expeditions@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).
Retreat Facilitator
Erin Jacobson, Director, Women's Empowerment
Within the past decade, Erin has built transformative programming within the retreat and seminar programs with an emphasis in women’s empowerment, art, mindfulness and nature based healing. At the heart of her workshops and programs is the desire to create spaces where survivors can feel safe to explore the difficult questions surrounding identity and purpose after loss. Erin resides in the Pacific Northwest and is the surviving partner of Army Ranger Cpl. Jason Kessler. Along with a degree in counseling, her educational background includes nonprofit leadership, religious studies and art history.