When: October 11-14, 2024

Where: YMCA Trout Lodge - Potosi, MO 

Registration Deadline: September 11, 2024


C.O.P.S. Extended Family Retreat is planned for the surviving extended family members 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.   Eligible family members include: grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws (on surviving spouse’s side), and grandchildren. 


*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

After the loss of their officer, extended family members characteristically look for ways to support the immediate family members. C.O.P.S. Extended Family will provide a place for participants to address their own grief. 


Extended Family Retreat offers survivors a place to meet peers who understand. It provides a stress-free environment, where attendees can unwind and participate in activities that may be relaxing or challenging. While at the retreat, participants interact with licensed mental health professionals that facilitate various sessions as well as offer private one-on-one counseling. 


When you leave the retreat, you will have an increased sense of personal-growth and tools to help you and your family cope with your devastating loss.

What is the cost of the retreat?

Your only expense is your travel to and from the St. Louis Airport if you are flying 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

  • It’s Meaningful to Me
  • Self-Care for Yourself and Your Relationships
  • Reflect and Rise: Sharing Challenges and Victories
  • Effect of Negative Media Coverage on Police Officers and Their Families
  • Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say, But Don’t Say It Mean


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, October 11. 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, October 14, 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, October 11, and stay through breakfast on Monday, October 14. 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.

Share by: