TAPS Good Grief Camp

TAPS Good Grief Camp participants release balloons into the air at a D.C. park with letters written to loved ones who have died while serving in the military. TAPS brings together children of all ages who have lost a loved one serving in the armed forces and pairs them with mentors who are currently serving in the military. Children are welcome to participate in the program regardless of the geography, circumstances or relationship to the deceased. (Courtesy photo)

TAPS seeks volunteers from Bolling

Published April 16, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Susan Moreno
11th Wing Public Affairs

BOLLING AFB, D.C. -- The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors will host the 15th Annual TAPS Good Grief Camp May 21-25 at the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor, Md.

TAPS brings together children of all ages who have lost a loved one serving in the armed forces and pairs them with mentors who are currently serving in the military. Children are welcome to participate in the program regardless of the geography, circumstances or relationship to the deceased.

"We were short-handed for volunteers last year," said Senior Airman Joshua Malyemezian, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. "There were several mentors who had more than one mentee. We are looking for maximum participation this year."

TAPS Good Grief Camp offers age-appropriate activities for children. The activities are geared toward coping with grief and grief-related stress. In previous years, younger campers wrote letters to their lost loved ones, attached those letters to helium balloons and released them at a D.C. park.

Founded in 1994, TAPS offers services and programs including peer based emotional support, case work assistance, crisis intervention, and grief and trauma resources. TAPS staff members have assisted more than 25,000 surviving family members, casualty officers and caregivers.

"The TAPS Good Grief program is a place where children can go to find comfort, a sense of belonging and know they are not alone," said Airman Malyemezian. "As a TAPS mentor, you are taking on the role of a caring companion and a reminder of how the military still cares for them, even after their loved one is gone."

Volunteers must complete a three-and-a-half-hour training program on the Thursday prior to the event. Sessions are May 21 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Gaylord Hotel.

Volunteers must be available for the three-day Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24. Participation on the final day, May 25, is optional.

For more information, logon to www.taps.org. To register, logon to https://www.taps.org/secure/form.aspx?ekfrm=2360.