Blazing New Trails Retreat Program hosts this special weekend for Law Enforcement Officers and their spouses approximately four times per year. This is open to any law enforcement marriage, regardless of time on or title held within the department. Each couple in attendance will be provided with an environment for healing and recovery from the stress of the job and the often tension that is found within law enforcement marriages. Each retreat is limited to eight couples and costs are generously covered by donors.
what is the blazing new trails retreat?
our mission:
Bring healing to the hearts and souls of our unappreciated, traumatized law enforcement officers and their spouses.
yes, you read that right!
this is a free retreat for officers & their spouses
retreat accommodations
The Blazing New Trails retreat takes place at a beautiful, four story, resort-style home on the beach in Oceanside, California.
Each couple will enjoy their own (locking door) private and luxurious bedroom with an attached and private bathroom. The home and rooms are all decorated beautifully, allowing you to settle in and easily feel comfortable throughout the weekend. Towels, sheets, pillows, comforters and blankets are all provided.
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"This was a weekend to focus on my wife, my partner, who has born the burden of an often hard career I have chosen...the staff was amazing, emotionally intelligent. I felt really cared for."
-Officer
"this was a weekend to focus on my wife"
"This retreat helped me realize what I needed to work on personally. I wish we'd have done something like this 15 years ago."
-Officer
"i wish we'd done something like this 15 years ago"
"Overall, the marriage retreat was the best thing we have done for our marriage. We understand each other better. We just wish we would have done it sooner!"
-Law Enforcement Couple
"we just wish we would have done it sooner"
"The Holy Spirit moved in the breakout session. Never before have I had the support I got out of this weekend. Nobody else does the training for first responder marriages that Blazing New Trails is doing.
-Law Enforcement Spouse
"never before have i had the support i got"
5:00 PM Check In
The Blazing New Trails retreat kicks off at 5 pm with check-in, welcoming law enforcement officers and their spouses to a weekend of growth and connection.
A delicious dinner follows at 6 pm, setting the stage for a weekend of camaraderie and learning.
Session 1: Critical Understanding - Men's/Women's Core Needs
At 7 pm, the team gathers for introductions and an overview of the agenda, highlighting the purpose of the retreat. The evening continues with Session 1, focusing on key understandings that will lay the foundation for the transformative journey ahead.
what will the retreat look like?
8:00 AM
The day starts with an 8 am breakfast, fueling participants for a day of exploration and self-discovery.
Session 2
"The Fundamentals of Conflict - Meeting the Goals of Healthy Communication Together"
Session 3
"Performance and Shame - How Critical Incidents Affect Your Civilian Life"
A break for lunch at 12 pm provides an opportunity for relaxation and informal networking.
Session 4
Separate Men/Women Breakouts with Mentor Couple
5:30 PM Dinner
Session 5
"Maintenance for the Relationship - Rules and Rituals that Create Trust in Marriage"
7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
As the retreat nears its conclusion, Sunday begins with a 7:30 am breakfast, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.
At 8:15 am, Session 6 focuses on valuable resources and wraps up the weekend's discussions. Participants gain practical insights to carry forward in their personal and professional lives.
The retreat concludes at 10 am, with departures leaving attendees equipped with newfound knowledge and connections, ready to blaze new trails in their law enforcement careers and relationships.
travel details
Travel expenses are not covered by the Blazing New Trails staff. If traveling from a distance, please consider flying into Santa Ana Airport (SNA) in Orange County, California (before 2:00pm) or San Diego International (SAN) so that you will have ample time to rent a car and arrive at our venue before dinner. Friday check in is at 5:00 pm, dinner at 6:00 pm and Sunday check out is at 10:00 am. This timeline will help when arranging flights, although there is flexibility because there is much to do at the nearby Oceanside beach tourist area if we need to waste some time due to a flight delay.
meet our team
phil brown
marcus neville
brian seitz
dylan bender
Founder
12.10.1940 - 5.14.2025
The Master's Program Representative
President, Retired Law Enforcement
USMC Veteran
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
linda seitz
Program Director
Law Enforcement Wives Mentor
"Out of the thousand plus hours of training I have received (on the job) this was the most important training I have ever received."
-Sargeant
"this was the most important training i have ever received"
"My marriage was on its last legs. It was a blessing for my wife and I. It helped me learn how to communicate better."
-Officer
"my marriage was on its last legs"
"He's at work all day chasing suspects, and I'm at home all day chasing kids. We both needed this time away."
-Law Enforcement Spouse
"we both needed this time away"
"I was going to leave my marriage - why come to the retreat? But a break-through occurred in my marriage over the weekend and I found a safe place where there was no judgement. We found the team to be amazing people.
-Officer
"i found a safe place where there was no judgement"
pricing details
the blazing new trails retreat includes:
$0
12 hours of instruction from Clinical/licensed marriage & family therapist specializing in military and law enforcement ($1800 value)
Two nights of accommodations in resort style home in oceanside, cA ($500 value)
five full meals plus drinks and snacks ($300 value)
waking hours access to mentor couple for lay counseling needs
curriculum notebooks along with "officer involved spouse" and "cultivating contentment as a law enforcement wife" books ($50 value)
Graciously covered by generous donors
Children or Career Conflicts
Blended Family
Financial Strains
Intimacy and Sexual Issues
Infidelity
Communication
Please mark the following topics that relate to your marriage & struggles with an X in the appropriate box(es):
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want to join us?
If you're interested in attending one of our Blazing New Trails retreats, please fill out the form below and we will contact you regarding dates and details. Retreats typically take place in March, May, September and November.