When: October 25-28, 2024

Where: C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center - Little Rock, AR 

Registration Deadline: September 25, 2024

C.O.P.S. Parents Retreat is planned for surviving parents and step-parents 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. Couples, as well as single parents, are encouraged to attend. 

What to Expect

Losing a child can be the most devastating thing for a parent to experience, especially in a sudden, traumatic, and often violent death. After the loss of their child, surviving parents must handle their own grief along with trying to support other family members. 

Licensed mental health professionals will be present to support you through sessions that focus on individual and family grief as well as offer private one-on-one counseling. You will also be supported by other parents attending who can relate to and understand your loss. 

C.O.P.S. Parents Retreat also provides you with the opportunity to participate in activities that may be relaxing, educational, and even challenging. In the past, attendees have gotten the opportunity to ride ATVs, enjoy a nature hike, and even learn to cook with a Dutch oven. 

C.O.P.S. Parents Retreat provides a place to unwind in a stress-free environment. You will leave the retreat with tools to use every day as you continue your grief journey, a support system you can truly rely on, and a sense of personal-growth.

What is the cost of the retreat?

Your only expense is your travel to and from the Little Rock airport if you are flying or to and from the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center 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

• Finding a Purpose in Life
• The Grief and Loss a Step-Parent Feels
• Grand Parenting Children Who are Grieving
• My Only Child is Gone
• How Can I Help My Other Children?
• Navigating Grief During the Holidays

Travel Information

If you are flying: You should plan to arrive at Little Rock National Airport (LIT) between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25. You will be met by a C.O.P.S. representative and transported by bus to the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center, a 30-minute ride from the airport. You will be transported back to the Little Rock Airport by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 28. Be sure your flight is AFTER 11:30 a.m. to allow time for check-in. 

If you are driving: you will need to arrive at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center between 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25 and depart after breakfast on Monday, October 28. 

Additional Travel Information: It has become a ritual for some parents to arrive a day early. That is still possible. Those parents can arrive in Little Rock on Thursday, October 24, and stay at the Holiday Inn Airport Conference Center in Little Rock. If you would like to arrive a day early, be sure to make your reservation under the “C.O.P.S. room block” to receive the $99 room rate. Call 501-490-1000 for reservations. The room block will be held until October 10, 2024. The hotel has a complimentary airport shuttle service. 

The hotel cost for Thursday, October 24, will not be paid for nor reimbursed by C.O.P.S. and you are responsible for making your own reservation. If you arrive in Little Rock a day early, all costs associated with early arrival will be the responsibility of the individual. Upon final arrangements, C.O.P.S. will provide information on how to meet the bus going to the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center.

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.