EXTENDED FAMILY
RETREAT
Next Event: October 10 - 13th, 2025
C.O.P.S. Extended Family Retreat
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.
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.
Session Examples
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It’s Meaningful to Me
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Self-Care for Yourself and Your Relationships
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Reflect and Rise: Sharing Challenges and Victories
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Effect of Negative Media Coverage on Police Officers and Their Families
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Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say, But Don’t Say It Mean
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 10. 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 13, 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 10, and stay through breakfast on Monday, October 13. Meals and activities are planned; no late arrivals or early departures please.
Limited travel assistance may be available. Contact the C.O.P.S. National Office for additional information.
Travel Information
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 input on this subject, as well as 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.