Retreat Registration opens June 1st at 8:00 am CST

 The purpose of these retreats is to provide an intentional time and place where those who always serve and protect others may be served and rest while reconnecting with God and with their spouse. They face continual darkness and trauma and they need a chance to slow down and be renewed both spiritually and physically. Being in a serene atmosphere with people who understand their unique life, will create a safe environment where these first responder couples can let down some of their defenses, be real, relax, and heal. They can enjoy nature, laugh with people who understand them, and learn truths from God's Word to apply to their unique lives. Grounded in biblical values, we seek to reflect Christ's love at these retreats by offering hope, resilience, and restoration to those who regularly encounter trauma, stress, and sacrifice in the line of duty. These first responder couples are servants who give constantly to their communities. we want them to unplug from work, responsibilities, and electronics...and just rest and be served. Our prayer is that guests will leave feeling refreshed, encouraged, and knowing they are not alone. They will leave ready to serve with greater purpose in the community and at home.  

 Couples who attend will take a break from cell phones and reconnect over outdoor adventures, special moments like a private picnic lunch, and a date night just for two. There will be fun games, and outdoor activities, but you will always have the option to participate or simply rest. The retreats will not be overly structured, but will have morning and evening devotional times as a group with times of prayer and discussion. Guests will connect with likeminded people in a safe environment, enjoy plenty of time alone as a couple, as well as time with new friends. As far as the accommodations, each couple will have their own private bedroom, but some bathrooms will be shared. Most meals will be enjoyed together in a common area, except for the picnic lunch and date night. Each couple will be prayed for individually by the group before they go home.   

We are bringing in experts in the fields of law enforcement and fire service to facilitate the Bible study times in the mornings and evenings. Paul & Janelle Newton will be hosting and cooking meals. We will have volunteers to help with recreational activities. But this is the really cool part: EVERYONE who is serving at the retreat will be first responders and their spouses. So, guests can be completely assured, this is a safe place where they can be understood, even with all of their first responder quirks. We can only host 7 guest couples per retreat. We hope that attendees will leave with new lifelong friends. We want guests to benefit from these retreats by learning from leaders who understand the emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges first responder families face in their service to our communities.   

 We don't want it to be a financial burden to the first responders who attend, but we want to bless them with an all-inclusive four-day retreat with a minimal $100 per couple registration fee to reserve their spot. 

The full cost per couple is approximately $911...yes, 9-1-1. Sounds crazy, but the calculator doesn't lie. Other than the $100 registration fee, retreats will be funded by grants and generous donors who feel led to sponsor this ministry.  

The retreats will be held at River Bend Lodge in the beautiful Arbuckle mountains of Davis, Oklahoma to allow participants to enjoy the peace and rest found in enjoying nature outdoors. Many first responders (especially law enforcement) need to leave their jurisdiction to truly unwind. Since we primarily serve the first responders of the Wichita Falls, TX area, we have chosen a lovely and peaceful location that is just far enough away...but still a day trip.  

Our goal is to support first responders - including firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, and their spouses by providing these Christ-centered marriage retreats designed especially for them. While Bridge to the Badge is based in Wichita Falls, TX, these retreats are not limited to our local first responders. Husbands and wives from anywhere may register, as long as one of them is employed as a full time first responder.