
PARENTS RETREAT
Next Event: October 24 - 27th, 2025
C.O.P.S. Parents Retreat
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. Couples, as well as single parents, are encouraged to attend.
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.
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 un-wind 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.
Session Examples
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Finding a Purpose in Life
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The Grief and Loss a Step-Parent Feels
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Grand Parenting Children Who are Grieving
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My Only Child is Gone
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How Can I Help My Other Children?
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Navigating Grief During the Holidays
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 24. 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 27. 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 24 and depart after breakfast on Monday, October 27.
Limited travel assistance may be available. Contact the C.O.P.S. National Office for additional information.