Lake Placid is a special place for many people for different reasons. For the more than 20 young adults participating in the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), visiting the Olympic Region is especially meaningful.

TAPS is a not-for-profit that cares for families and friends grieving the loss of U.S. service members, and on group trips like their September 10 through 14 visit to Lake Placid, they come together to experience new adventures in which they are able to grow, learn, and heal, all while building peer connections in a safe and supportive environment.

“My first ever trip with TAPS was actually coming to Lake Placid in March of this year,” says Percy Bone from Washington State, who lost her father, a former member of the U.S. Air Force Alpine Ski Team. “That trip was life-changing for me and the reason I am doing more of them. This time around, I’m mostly here to support others. I like being able to make connections with people and especially in Lake Placid. It’s a very special place.”

TAPS leaders collaborate with the Olympic Authority team and other local organizations to coordinate an itinerary full of unique experiences that provide participants with inspiration and adventure. TAPS Young Adults Program Manager Sammi Hester says, “The program emphasizes love of country, service, and community, and Lake Placid is a space where our Survivors feel respected and honored.”

This fourth TAPS trip to Lake Placid included these venues and activities:

USA Luge Headquarters – A tour by Olympian and silver medalist Gordy who provided detail on how the luge sleds are made and helped participants enjoy a genuine luge experience on the indoor start track.

Mt Van Hoevenberg – A tour of the venue that included viewing the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Push Championships, an athlete meet-and-greet session, indoor climbing, and a laser biathlon experience.

Olympic Jumping Complex – The Skyride Gondola and glass elevator ride to the observation deck of the large HS128 meter jump tower in addition to rides on the Sky Flyer Zipline and watching NYSEF ski jump athletes in training.

Olympic Center – In addition to a tour of the venue, participants enjoyed ice skating in the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena and curling in the USA Rink.

Lake Placid Olympic Museum – A guided tour of exhibits and Olympic history.

Community Activities – Additional happenings honoring loved ones and supporting grief and healing.

Maxx Ray from Jacksonville, Florida, a participant with severe vision impairment who lost her father expressed her gratitude for TAPS and the trip to Lake Placid, saying “This time of year is especially difficult. My dad died on September 6th. His birthday was the 4th and today [the 12th] is the anniversary of his memorial service. So, this is a really rough time of year. I’m glad the trip was scheduled for this time.”

She continued by saying, “Just knowing TAPS exists is important because for a long time my family didn’t know about it, and we were kind of just on our own. But then when we were introduced to TAPS, it was like, wow, we have this whole new support system that we’ve never had.”

In addition to the healing aspects of the trip, participants also appreciate the natural beauty of the area. “It is so gorgeous here,” says Roanin Cabrera, from Durham, North Carolina, whose father was killed in action in Afghanistan. “The mountains, the lakes, the views, and the sunrises and the sunsets out here. All unmatched. Overall, I’m enjoying it a lot.”