CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Although the Strong Bonds program is a chaplain-based program, Family Life Chaplain (Maj.) James Smith stresses that the retreats have something for everyone.
"It's not necessarily a Christian focus. Chaplains do run the program ... but we're inclusive."
Those wishing to participate in a Strong Bonds retreat can check with his or her brigade for upcoming events, or visit www.strongbonds.org and click on "find an event."
Programs are available for single Soldiers, couples, families and for pre- and post-deployment. Because each retreat may use a different resource as a basis for the classes, Smith encourages attendees to attend more than once.
"Just because they come to one Strong Bonds event doesn't mean they should never come to another," he said. "The Strong Bonds information varies from location to location."
He also encourages attendees to think of the information received at the retreats as a "fish."
"(When) you eat fish, you eat the meat and leave the bones," he said, meaning participants should take from the retreat that information which applies to them. "You can take the information to enhance your marriage or you can pass that information on to someone else."
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