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 husband and wife, 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 often the tension that is found within law enforcement marriages. Each retreat is open to 25 couples per retreat 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 the serene Rancho Capistrano Retreat Center, located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano. This peaceful retreat setting offers a comfortable and welcoming environment designed for rest, connection, and reflection throughout the weekend.
Each couple will enjoy their own private bedroom with a locking door and an attached private bathroom. The retreat center is thoughtfully maintained to ensure a cozy, relaxing stay, making it easy to settle in and feel at home. Towels, sheets, pillows, comforters, and blankets are all provided for your convenience.
statement of faith
we believe in one triune god - father, son, and holy spirit - sovereign, holy and faithful.
We believe salvation and reconciliation come through Jesus Christ alone, who restores lives, marriages, and families.
We believe marriage is a sacred, lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, built on sacrificial love, honor, forgiveness, and unbreakable commitment.
We stand to strengthen and restore law-enforcement marriages and families through biblical truth, resilient faith, and servant-hearted courage.
"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"
4:00 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 5 pm, setting the stage for a weekend of camaraderie and learning.
Session 1: Critical Understanding - Men's/Women's Core Needs
At 6 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
"Maintenance for the Relationship - Rules and Rituals that Create Trust in Marriage"
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
Breakout Debrief
Session 6
"A Biblical Response to Trauma"
8:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM
A quick overview of re-entering life after a retreat
9:30 AM Session 7
Sunday Message
11:00 AM
Resources & Wrap Up
12:00 PM Checkout
travel details
Travel expenses are not covered by the Blazing New Trails staff. For those traveling from a distance, we recommend flying into Santa Ana Airport (SNA) in Orange County, California (arrival before 3:00 PM). This allows sufficient time to rent a car and arrive at the venue before dinner.
Check-in on Friday begins at 4:00 PM, with dinner served at 5:00 PM. Check-out on Sunday is at 12:00 PM. This schedule should be helpful when booking flights. While arrival times are recommended, there is some flexibility, as the nearby San Juan Capistrano area offers plenty to do in the event of a flight delay or early arrival.
meet our team
dylan bender
USMC Veteran
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
brandon & brooke
Law Enforcement Mentor Couple
marcus neville
The Master's Program Representative
brian seitz
President, Retired Law Enforcement
linda seitz
Program Director
Law Enforcement Wives Mentor
