Women’s Empowerment Montana Adventure Retreat

TAPS Adult Programs warmly invites you to join with other surviving adult women who are more than 2 years from their loss for a week at West Creek Ranch in Emigrant, Montana.

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, please join us at the TAPS Women’s Empowerment Montana Adventure Retreat. At this retreat for all surviving adult women who have lost a loved one in the military, we'll explore ways to move forward within our new normal. You will be able to connect with other survivors, create lifelong friendships, and honor our loved ones as we help each other move forward in our journey. Using a combination of outdoor adventures, group sessions, and reflective activities to help process, 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 Women’s Empowerment Montana Retreat is intended for those survivors whose loss occurred more than 2 years ago. If you are within the first 2 years following your loss, we encourage you to attend a TAPS Togethers, Regional Seminar and/or the National Military Survivor Seminar. Please note that this retreat is for adult women only.

SCHEDULE

Monday, July 1: The first day is set aside as a travel day. Everyone should arrive at West Creek Ranch 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, July 2 to Thursday, July 4: As we soak in the grandeur of Big Sky Country, we will have many opportunities to connect with each other and the healing power of nature. Every day we will engage in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, archery, yoga, and more. There will be time together to reflect on our new connections and our journey ahead.

Friday, July 5: We will 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 moderate to high-intensity adventure. We will be active and everyone will have an opportunity to challenge themselves. Much of our time will be spent outdoors enjoying the Montana scenery and activities such as a challenge course, hiking, archery, and caring for the horses. There will also be time to relax and connect with one another.

Please note that participants in this retreat will need to be able to perform moderate to high-intensity activities and must be free from most mobility issues and serious health complications. The elevation at West Creek Ranch is over 5,200 feet above sea level, which impacts breathing due to a lower amount of oxygen available at that altitude. Please be mindful of this if you have any health conditions that could be affected by this.

EVENT FEES

Thanks to the generosity of the Arthur M. Blank Foundation, shuttles, lodging, meals and all activities will be provided at no cost to you. Anything outside of the retreat will be at your own expense.

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

Lodging will be provided at West Creek Ranch for all attendees from Monday to Friday. 

Please note buildings at this location are smoke-free and no alcohol will be served. All meals are included and prepared onsite. Accommodations can be made for food allergies and dietary requirements.

You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Montana, as well as lodging outside of the dates which TAPS provides. The closest airport is the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). Complimentary shuttle transportation to and from the airport will be provided. Please do not make travel arrangements until you have been approved and have received a welcome email after registering.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applications will be open from from April 29 to May 5, 2024 (look for blue button at top of this page at that time). Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status before the end of May. Applicants not initially selected to attend will be placed on a waitlist and notified as space becomes available. You must have a TAPS Portal account to apply.

If you have any questions, please email adultprograms@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).