Lake of the Ozarks Men's Retreat
October 15 - 19, 2025
Please read the entire page before applying for this event. Take the cost of transportation to and from the event location into consideration before you apply.
TAPS, in partnership with Operation Barbecue Relief (OBR), invites you to join with other men who are more than six months from their loss for five days at Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks for a time of fellowship, adventure, and a culinary experience.
OVERVIEW
At TAPS, we recognize that men’s grief is different. Whether it means you’ve been showing up as a caretaker or a fixer for others, trying to push through when it’s just you, or when it’s too overwhelming, not showing up at all, you’re not alone. At Camp OBR, we’ll be present for each other as we start to unpack some of the ways we feel angry, sad, regretful, shame, betrayed - and also some of the ways we are still proud, grateful, and inspired. Our men's experiences will give you the freedom to go at your own pace with a combination of activities that center around doing and experiencing, and we'll use these as the basis for talking and sharing.
Who should attend? Due to the unique nature of this event, this TAPS Men's Retreat is intended for those surviving men whose loss occurred more than six months ago. If you are within the first six months following your loss, we encourage you to attend a TAPS Togethers, Regional Seminar and/or the National Military Survivor Seminar.
SCHEDULE
Wednesday, October 15: Travel day. Survivors arriving at the airport will be shuttled to Camp OBR 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.
Thursday, October 16 to Saturday, October 18: Each day will be filled with opportunities to develop coping skills, share experiences, and build peer connections. Activities, including farm-to-table culinary experiences, hiking, boating and watersports, archery, ATV riding, and more will be available. There will also be individual time to reflect on new experiences and connections, and your next journeys ahead.
Sunday, October 19: Departure day. For survivors departing from the airport, shuttles will be scheduled based on individual flight departure times.
ADVENTURE LEVEL
This retreat is rated as a moderate-intensity adventure. We'll be active and everyone will have an opportunity to challenge themselves. Activities will involve moderate physical exertion. Much of our time will be spent outdoors. There will also be time to relax and connect with one another.
EVENT FEES
All trip fees from arrival to departure 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, etc.
LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION
Thanks to our generous donors, lodging will be provided, at Camp OBR, for all attendees from Wednesday to Sunday. You'll share a room with other event attendees, but will have your own bed.
If driving, you will need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Lincoln, Missouri. If you are flying in, a shuttle will be provided from and back to the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Kansas City, Missouri. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive a welcome email after being invited to register.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Before you submit your application, we encourage you to take time to review potential travel (air and vehicle) costs, possible time off work, child care, and so on before submitting your application.
Meals: All meals are included while at the event. Accommodations can be made for food allergies and dietary requirements.
Animals: Camp OBR is service dog friendly; however this retreat location is not suitable for emotional support animals. If you have any questions please contact adultprograms@taps.org.
Firearms and Guns: Are prohibited at Camp OBR without prior written permission from Camp OBR personnel. All approved firearms and guns must be kept in the Camp OBR gun safe. Firearms and guns can not be stored in cabins, in or on personal vehicles. Firearms and guns will not be used during this event. Firearms and guns are not permitted in any Camp OBR residences, rooms, tents, nor anywhere else on Camp OBR grounds except specifically designated areas. If you have any questions please contact adultprograms@taps.org.
APPLICATION DETAILS
Applications will open on June 9, 2025 (look for the blue button at the top of this page) and will close June 15, 2025.
TAPS will review applications, giving first consideration for those who have never attended this or any other TAPS retreat, in order for the greatest number of survivors to have an opportunity to attend. Thank you for your understanding.
Applicants will be notified of selection or waitlist status in early July. 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).
Retreat Facilitator
Jon Ganues
Jon is Manager of TAPS Men's Program, managing all aspects of event planning and coordination. Jon provides a safe space for grieving men to share their stories, connect and support each other, and find ways forward in their unique journeys, building relationships among the surviving community to deepen the foundation of support for male military survivors. Jon serves on the Virginia Military Advisory Council, exploring issues impacting quality of life for service members and their families, relations between the installations and surrounding civilian communities, as well as effects of encroachment. Jon served on the Department of the Air Force 2022 to 2024 Survivor Advocacy Council, which served as a forum for the Air Force and Space Force to champion survivor programs. He is a former TAPS Peer Mentor and was the 2019 Peer Mentor of the Year. Jon is a retired U.S. Army Warrant Officer with 21 years of active-duty service, with experience in logistics and information technology. He is a lifetime member of the U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association, and he is a lifetime honorary member of the Board of Directors for Henrico County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Jon holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with information and technology from Colorado Technical University. Through his work at TAPS, Jon honors the memory of his son, Airman First Class Jon Wesley Ganues, Jr., U.S. Air Force, who died by suicide on June 2, 2009.