Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat 

Best Friends Forever is what Marriage is all about!

The State Chaplain's Office and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon have teamed up to offer you an outstanding program known as Strong Bonds. It is a free, educational and practical opportunity to learn what works in marriage and what continues to make marriages last. The weekend retreat can be completed in lieu of a drill weekend, and is held at a beautiful hotel within the state of Minnesota.

Strong Bonds is basic and straight forward, focusing on communication skills. The workshop and material teach couples the skills they need to nurture a lasting love.

Couples spend most of their time in special discussions or practicing communication skills with each other. Key topics include communication, expectations, problem solving, commitment, forgiveness, friendship and sensuality. Strong Bonds is NOT therapy. There are NO “encounter” groups or sharing of personal concerns. It is a no-pressure approach.

• Learn the secrets of keeping busy lifestyles from crowding out the fun in your relationship
• Learn the danger signs that can lead to marital discord
• Discover how to express your concerns constructively and how to examine hidden issues
• Strong Bonds increases family readiness by cultivating family wellness

Check out the Strong Bonds Flyer.

Retreat Dates

Strong Bonds - Couples Retreat

When: June 22-24, 2012 Registration full

Where: Metra area

About: This unit-based, chaplain-led program strengthens the Army family through relationship education and skills training. This retreat is for Servicemembers who have recently returned from deployment and their spouses.

Contact: Sgt. 1st Class Hickory Smith at 651-282-4287 or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Strong Bonds - Couples Retreat

When: July 27-29, 2012 Registration full

Where: Metro area

About: This unit-based, chaplain-led program strengthens the Army family through relationship education and skills training. This retreat is for Servicemembers who have recently returned from deployment and their spouses.

Contact: Sgt. 1st Class Hickory Smith at 651-282-4287 or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Strong Bonds - Couples Retreat

When: Aug. 24-26, 2012 Registration full

Where: Brainerd

About: This unit-based, chaplain-led program strengthens the Army family through relationship education and skills training. This retreat is for Servicemembers who have recently returned from deployment and their spouses.

Contact: Sgt. 1st Class Hickory Smith at 651-282-4287 or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Strong Bonds - Single Soldier Retreat

When: Sep. 7-9, 2012

Where: Brainerd

About: This unit-based, chaplain-led program strengthens the Army family through relationship education and skills training. This retreat is for single Soldiers.

Contact: Sgt. 1st Class Hickory Smith at 651-282-4287 or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Workshop Details

Retreats are from Friday evening, 7 p.m., to Sunday morning, 11 a.m., and include workshops and quality time for couples.  Space is limited to 30 couples per event.

Servicemembers from Minnesota Army National Guard are strongly encouraged and welcome to attend this Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat. If you are interested in attending, please utilize contact information below with any questions. 

For questions, email: SFC Hickory Smith at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call 651-282-4287.