Fire Family Strong
Couples Retreat
For Firefighter Couples
Reconnect, recharge, and strengthen your partnership at the Fire Family Couples Retreat—a two-day experience designed specifically for firefighter couples. Step away from the demands of fire life and focus on building resilience, deepening connection, and creating lasting memories together.
This weekend experience provides a much-needed space for firefighter spouses and partners to reconnect, heal from the emotional strain/demands of the job, and strengthen their relationship. Through guided workshops, experiential activities, and opportunities for connection, couples will deepen emotional intimacy, build resilience, and return home with practical strategies to sustain a strong, healthy partnership.
- Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Relationships
- Healthy Communication Under Stress
- Creating Rituals of Connection
- Rebuilding Emotional Intimacy After Crisis or Distance
- Navigating Shift Work and Emotional Cycles
- Parenting Through Trauma and Resilience
- Mental Health First Aid for Families
- Self-Care as a Couple
- Grief, Loss, and Long-Term Healing
- Building a Shared Purpose in the Fire Life
- Tools and Techniques for Successful Transition Home
The total cost is $750 per couple, which includes:
- One night of luxury lodging
- All workshops and guided relationship exercises
- Meals throughout the retreat
- Take-home tools and resources for continued growth
- Optional resort activities: coastal walks, biking, pickleball, tennis, indoor heated pool, spa, fireside relaxation
- Evening highlight: bagpiper at sunset
Expert-Led Workshops
All sessions are led by licensed clinicians and professionals with real-life experience working with fire families. Workshops are interactive, supportive, and rooted in evidence-based practices to strengthen relationships.
Rich & Yvonne Dutra-St.John
Co-founders of Challenge Day, an internationally recognized program dedicated to building connection, compassion, and emotional wellness in communities and families. For nearly four decades, they’ve helped strengthen relationships around the world. Rich is a former educator and therapist with a master’s in clinical psychology, and Yvonne is a longtime educator who has created more than 20 nationally recognized programs focused on emotional intelligence and family strengthening. Featured on MTV and The Oprah Winfrey Show, they’re known for their warm, authentic style that inspires courage, vulnerability, and deeper connection. They continue to bring a heart-centered approach to couples seeking growth, healing, and meaningful change.
Rachelle Zemlok
PsyD
A licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the mental health and relationship needs of first responders and their families. As the spouse of a firefighter, she blends clinical expertise with personal insight, offering support that is both professional and deeply relatable. She is the author of The Firefighter Family Academy, a practical guide helping fire families navigate emotional challenges with confidence and resilience. Dr. Zemlok is also a national consultant and respected advocate, known for equipping families with tools for communication, wellbeing, and long-term connection.
Aaron Davis
A motivational speaker and former NFL player known for his high-energy, practical, and inspiring approach to personal and professional growth. Drawing on his experience competing at the highest level, he teaches audiences how to build discipline, mental toughness, and a champion’s mindset. With decades of experience speaking to corporations, schools, first responder groups, and athletic teams, Aaron blends powerful storytelling with actionable strategies that motivate people to lead with purpose and resilience. His engaging style, authenticity, and real-world perspective make him a sought-after voice for those looking to elevate performance, strengthen relationships, and overcome adversity.
Matt Mesker
Former US Navy Seal
Chief Petty Officer Matthew E. Mesker is a U.S. Navy SEAL with 20 years of distinguished service, including five deployments to Afghanistan, Africa, Europe, and Iraq. A qualified sniper and Master Training Specialist, he has held leadership roles at SEAL Teams Two and Three and currently serves as Senior Enlisted Advisor for SEAL Officer Assessment and Selection. His decorations include the Bronze Star with Combat V for Valor, multiple Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and numerous unit awards. Chief Mesker brings unparalleled operational experience and leadership expertise to every audience he engages.
Limited Spots Available
To ensure an intimate, high-quality experience, spots are limited & non-refundable. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment is due at time of registration.
Who Should Attend
Reserve your spot to reconnect, recharge, and create lasting memories together
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is designed for fire couples to attend together. The experience is built around shared learning, reflection, and connection. - Do we both need to attend the full retreat?
Yes. Because sessions and activities are designed for couples, both partners are expected to attend the full retreat to get the most benefit from the experience. - My partner is hesitant—how can I encourage them to attend?
It’s common for one partner to feel unsure at first. You might share that this retreat is not about blame or “fixing” anyone—it’s about strengthening your relationship, building tools together, and creating space to reconnect away from daily stress. - Is this retreat therapy?
This retreat is educational and experiential, not therapy. While it may feel deeply meaningful and reflective, it is designed to provide tools, insights, and connection—not clinical treatment. - How do we get to the retreat location?
Transportation to and from the retreat is the responsibility of each couple. Travel costs are not included in the registration fee. - When is payment due?
The $750 registration payment is due at the time of registration in order to secure your spot. - Is the registration fee refundable?
No. All registration payments are non-refundable. We encourage couples to carefully review schedules and commitments before registering. - What if we can no longer attend after registering?
Because space is limited and planning costs are incurred in advance, registration fees cannot be refunded or transferred. - What should we expect from the retreat experience?
You can expect a supportive, respectful environment focused on connection, communication, and growth. There will be a mix of guided sessions, couple-focused activities, and time to reflect together. - What if we’re in a good place—will this still be helpful?
Absolutely. This retreat can be beneficial to couples in any space. You can attend to strengthen an already solid relationship, deepen connection, and gain tools they can use long after the retreat ends. - Who can I contact with additional questions?
If you have questions or want help deciding if this retreat is the right fit, please reach out to us—we’re happy to help. Email us at info@firefamilyfoundation.org