Suicide Survivors Summer Weekend

June 6 - 9, 2025


YMCA Trout Lodge - Potosi, MO

Registration Deadline: May 6, 2025


The Suicide Survivors Summer Weekend is

co-hosted by C.O.P.S. and Survivors of Blue Suicide

Foundation. This weekend is planned for surviving

spouses, fiancés, significant others, adult children,

spouses parents, spouses siblings and grandchildren

of law enforcement suicide, other relatives and

friends are not eligible to attend.

Testimonial from a 2024 Suicide Survivors Summer Weekend Attendee:


“I learned so much from the sessions and felt extremely supported. This has definitely helped me grow, learn, and better heal from my own loss.”


What to Expect

Grieving after a suicide loss brings feelings of shock, disbelief, guilt, blame, anger, and the potential of stigma which can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, or isolation. By attending the Suicide Survivors Summer Weekend you will be surrounded by other survivors who truly understand how you feel. You will gain resources and coping strategies to help you navigate life after your suicide loss. 


Suicide Survivors Summer Weekend provides a safe and confidential environment for survivors who will engage in group sessions led by licensed mental health professionals who are experienced in law enforcement suicide. Support sessions are coupled with wellness activities, giving you the chance to challenge yourself within a stress-free, relaxing, setting while connecting with others who share similar experiences. We hope that you will depart from this weekend feeling rejuvenated with a renewed sense of understanding, a supportive community, lifelong friendships, and valuable insights for your journey ahead. For a detailed schedule of events, please click here to view our sample agenda for the weekend. 


This weekend is co-hosted by C.O.P.S. and SBS (Survivors of Blue Suicide). 


What is the Cost of the Weekend?

Your only expense is your travel to and from the St. Louis Airport 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:

  • Guilt after Suicide
  • Fighting the Stigma
  • Managing Life Changes after a Sudden Death
  • Anger after the Suicide of a Spouse/Parent


Travel Information

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, June 6. 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, June 9, 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 should plan to arrive at the YMCA Trout Lodge by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6, and stay through breakfast on Monday, June 9. Meals and activities are planned; no late arrivals or early departures please.


Travel assistance is provided by Survivors of Blue Suicide Foundation for up to $300/person. To qualify, you must register before the deadline and complete the retreat. More details will be provided upon registering.


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.

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