Spouses for Couples Weekend

March 21 - 24, 2025


The YMCA Trout Lodge - Potosi, MO

REGISTRATION FOR THIS WEEKEND IS CLOSED


C.O.P.S. Spouses for Couples Weekend 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).


Testimonial from a 2024 Spouses for Couples Weekend Attendee:


"I wanted to see if other couples struggle with the same topics we do. I found out that they do, so it feels like I'm not alone."


What to Expect

For a surviving spouse, starting a new relationship and finding love again can be a challenging journey. Your new partner may find it challenging to navigate the twists and turns of your grief, often feeling overshadowed by the memory of your late spouse. This weekend offers a supportive environment where couples can acknowledge each other's struggles while developing a deeper, more compassionate bond.


Couples will participate in group support sessions facilitated by licensed mental health professionals. Support sessions are coupled with wellness activities, giving you and your partner the chance to reconnect with each other and connect with others who share similar experiences. We hope that you and your partner will depart from this weekend with a renewed sense of understanding, community, lifelong friendships, and a strengthened connection for your future together. For a detailed schedule of events, please click here to view our sample agenda for the weekend.


What is the Cost of the Weekend?

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 weekend, you could be subject to a participation fee for the following year’s weekend.


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 21. 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 24, 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 21, and stay through breakfast on Monday, March 24. 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.


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