When: August 9-12, 2024

Where: YMCA Trout Lodge - Potosi, MO

Registration Deadline: July 9, 2024

C.O.P.S. Adult Children’s Retreat is planned for surviving adult children and their spouse/domestic partner* (21 years or older) of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, as determined by C.O.P.S. criteria. Other relatives and friends are not eligible to attend.

*Domestic Partner is defined as a long term committed legal or interpersonal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life (i.e., not just a boy/girlfriend).

What to Expect

Whether a surviving adult child lost their parent when they were young or as an adult they struggle with their loss as they experience significant milestones throughout their life. C.O.P.S. Adult Children’s Retreat is designed to help you through your grief and give you the tools you need to handle these difficult reminders as well as any others that you may encounter in the future. 

At this retreat, you will meet and bond with other adult children who can offer peer support because they truly understand what you’re going through. Licensed mental health professionals will be available to support you by offering various sessions that are planned specifically for your needs. They will also provide any one-on-one counseling as requested. 

C.O.P.S. Adult Children’s Retreat will give you a chance to relax in a setting that is removed from your everyday life, while also allowing you to experience fun and challenging activities. In the past, participants have been given the opportunity to do ceramics, go kayaking, horseback riding, or even go paddle boarding. It is our hope that you will leave the retreat with a profound sense of personal growth and an incredible support system for the future. 

What is the cost of the retreat?

Your only expense is your travel to and from the St. Louis Airport or to and from the YMCA Trout Lodge if you are driving. All lodging, meals and activities are provided at no cost. If you fail to cancel your attendance and you do not show up for the program, you could be subject to a participation fee for the following year’s program.

Session Examples

• The Grief Process - Childhood to Adulthood
• Anxiety - How to Regain a Sense of Control
• Picking Up the Pieces
• Grief and Spirituality 
• How to Help your Spouse/Significant Other

Travel Information

If you are flying: You should plan to arrive at St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Friday, August 9. You will be met by a C.O.P.S. representative at the airport and transported to the YMCA Trout Lodge by bus. You will be transported back to the St. Louis Airport on Monday, August 12, by 11:30 a.m. Please be sure your return flight is AFTER 12:30 p.m. to allow time for check-in and security checks.

If you are driving: You will need to arrive at the YMCA Trout Lodge by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, and stay through breakfast on Monday, August 12. Meals and activities are planned; no late arrivals or early departures please.

Limited travel assistance may be available. Contact your local C.O.P.S. Chapter or contact the C.O.P.S. National Office for additional information.

Please Note: This program is held at a YMCA facility. All YMCA facilities are required to screen guests through the Raptor sex offender registry. Your information will be shared with the YMCA Trout Lodge (First Name, Last Name, and DOB) and checked in the national sex offender database. If you have questions about this information, please contact the Services Department at 573-346-4911.