Adult Children's Retreat

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation warmly invites you to attend our upcoming event. Whether your firefighter parent died when you were a child (or before you were born) or more recently, this retreat is for you. 

This event is open to children and stepchildren, ages 18 and up, whose firefighter parent has been honored or is approved to be honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland

Sessions will be facilitated by two psychologists who specialize in grief, loss, and trauma. The agenda includes facilitated conversations and discussions, as well as time to connect with other participants. The emphasis will be on developing skills and strategies for navigating loss, sharing stories, making memories, and connecting for ongoing support.

This event requires emotional maturity and a willingness to share honestly and listen with compassion to others sharing their experiences. It may be heavy at times, but we hope you will leave feeling lighter, with greater understanding of your own experience, feeling supported and connected. We ask that everyone who attends makes a commitment to show up fully for all sessions, for your own benefit and for the good of the group. We ask that you commit to self-care and attention to your own wellness for the duration of this event.

Travel : Arrivals and departures to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

Lodging: Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington, hotel shuttle from the airport

Meals: Opening night dinner, breakfasts and lunches during the event will be provided at the hotel. Other dinners will be on your own.

Expenses: The NFFF will reimburse up to $350 in travel expenses (airfare or mileage) and 3 nights lodging for participants after full participation in the retreat. Participants are responsible for booking their own rooms through a link we will provide. 

This event is open to new attendees, as well as those who have attended a previous retreat. Space is limited, and we encourage you to register soon. Registration will remain open until the event fills, or until August 15, 2026.

Questions? Contact Jenny Woodall at jwoodall@firehero.org