Strong Bonds

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

Workshop dates:

Retreats are from Friday evening (7pm) - Sunday morning (11 am) and include workshops and quality time for couples. Upcoming dates for the Retreat are:


February 12 - 14, 2010
March 26 -28, 2010
April 23 - 25, 2010
May 28 - 30, 2010
August 6 - 8, 2010
September 17 - 19, 2010

Service Members from all branches 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 and for registration information.

You are required to pre-register 2 weeks prior to attend. Hotel information and directions will be given at the time of registration. Contact the Family Programs Office at strongbonds@mn.ngb.army.mil or phone (651) 268-8200. Click here to download the Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat event and registration flyer.

Single Soldier Retreat:

The State Chaplain's Office and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon have teamed up to offer a weekend retreat to assist single Service Members in building positive relationships, successfully managing finances and understanding themselves better. Click here to download the Strong Bonds Single Soldier Retreat event and registration flyer.

Dates: September 25th – 27th
Location: Presbyterian Clearwater Forest, Deerwood, MN

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Calendar

For questions, email: strongbonds.mn@ng.army.mil.


More "Family and Service Member" pages:
For Families and Service Members
Pre-Deployment Training
Deployment Training
Reintregation Training
Family Readiness Group
Family Assistance Center
Family Events

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