The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

MISSION: Volunteer as a military mentor in TAPS New Jersey Regional Seminar & Good Grief Camp
November 2-4, 2018 in New Brunswick, NJ.

BACKGROUND: The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national nonprofit caring for the families of America's fallen heroes. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief programming and resources at no cost to surviving military families. We have assisted more than 80,000 surviving family members, casualty officers, and battle buddies.

THE SURVIVOR PROGRAM: From November 2-4, TAPS will host a survivor seminar and Good Grief Camp. Military family members from across the region will come together and connect with others who have experienced similar losses. Children ages 4-18 create lasting friendships, learn coping skills, and honor their fallen service member. Group lessons combine team building, sharing, and playing to create an environment where children feel safe to explore their grief. Pairing each child with their own military mentor is the key to our success.

MENTOR'S ROLE: Military mentor volunteers are needed to be paired with surviving military children and work in small groups facilitated by an experienced leader. You may request the age group you’d like to work with. The one-on-one time with your mentee gives them the companionship and support needed to connect with their peers and engage in activities. Mentors must attend the training session and participate in the full camp schedule.
Volunteering as a military mentor has a tremendous impact on these children. More information is at taps.org/militarymentor.
MANDATORY TRAINING BRIEF: Saturday, November 3 from 7:00am – 8:15am (Breakfast and check-in begin at 6:30am)

GOOD GRIEF CAMP:
Saturday, November 3 from 8:15am – 8:00pm
Sunday, November 4 from 8:00am – 3:00pm
LOCATION: All activities including mentor training are at the Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick.

UNIFORM: Casual and comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes. TAPS mentor t-shirts and a name tag are provided and are to be worn for all activities.

COST: All meals will be provided at no cost, and free parking is available on-site. There is limited lodging available Friday and Saturday nights to those who are travelling 45+ miles from the seminar.

REGISTRATION:
1. Go to taps.org/militarymentor and complete the registration
2. Immediately log back into your new account and complete the background check release
3. You’ll receive an email when background check is completed, and THEN you can sign-up for the seminar in New Brunswick.
Questions can be directed to mentors@taps.org or call 202-588-TAPS (8277)