When: March 22-25, 2024

Where: The YMCA Trout Lodge - Potosi, MO

Registration Closed

C.O.P.S. Spouses for Couples Retreat is planned for surviving spouses, and their new 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

For a surviving spouse, beginning a new relationship and allowing yourself to love again can be difficult. When you do find love again, that person can potentially struggle with supporting you in your grief while living in what may feel like the shadow of a hero. This retreat allows couples a place to recognize the struggles of one another while building a stronger, more understanding relationship.

Couples will have the opportunity to attend sessions with licensed mental health professionals. Couples will also participate in fun and challenging activities and receive support from others who truly understand. It is our goal for couples to leave the retreat with an enhanced perspective and connection in their relationship for the future.

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

• Blended Families
• Conflict: The Elephant in the Room
• Honoring the Past without Overshadowing the Future
• Building Trust
• Developmental Grief in Children & Teens

Travel Information

If you are flying: You should plan to arrive at the St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22. 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, March 25, 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, March 22, and stay through breakfast on Monday, March 25. 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.