Choose your retreat
Each Spring retreat is designed to meet families in a specific season of need
offering a clear path forward for parents facing intense challenges. Equipping parents to navigate the transition into young adulthood with confidence and healthy boundaries, and providing understanding, encouragement, and practical tools for adoptive families. Our featured guest speakers will be Dr. Jim Burns, Fran Eckhardt Forgioni, Kirk Cameron’s wife, Chelsea Cameron, and theleadership staff of Heartlight. Special music will be provided by Master Guitarist,
Doyle Dykes, and Rory Feek of Joey+Rory. Of course, you’ll have time with Mark Gregston. We’re creating a space for connection, encouragement, and hope. We’d love for you to join us. No matter what retreat you choose to attend, these weekends offer meaningful teaching, guided discussion, and a supportive environment where parents can gain perspective and return home, with a rekindled hope in the future for your family.
What You'll leave with
- Friday–Sunday immersive retreat experience
- Teaching, small groups & guided discussion
- National speakers & experienced Heartlight staff
- Practical tools you can implement immediately
Families in Crisis Conference
Led by Mark Gregston
- March 20-22
- Friday - Sunday
Gain insight into your teen’s behavior, how to shift unhealthy patterns, and move from reacting in crisis to parenting with confidence and purpose.
Adulting Past The Teen years
Featuring Dr. Jim Burns & Frances Forgioni, LCSW, LAC
- April 10-12
- Friday - Sunday
Learn to redefine boundaries, transfer life skills, affirm growth, and maintaining a healthy relationship as your child steps into adulthood.
Overcoming the Struggles with Your Adopted Teen
Featuring Chelsea Cameron and Rory Feek
- May 1-3
- Friday - Sunday
Gain insight into trauma-informed parenting, attachment, and how to respond with empathy to your adopted teen.
Welcoming special guests
Dr. Jim Burns
Founder of HomeWord, Author, Speaker & Podcast Host
Frances forgioni
LCSW, LAC over 30 years of experience working with teens
chelsea cameron
Adoption Specialist + Advocate, speaker & adoptive parent
Rory Feek
Musical Guest – singer, songwriter & storyteller
Doyle dykes
Musical Guest – World Renowned Master Guitarist
The details
Where: The event will be held on the Heartlight Ministries Campus located at 7345 E. Highway 80, Longview, Texas 75605.
Cost: $500 a couple // $250 individual parent
3 Retreat Bundle: $1200 a couple // $600 individual parent
Courtyard by Marriott // 1125 East Hawkins Parkway, Longview, TX 75605
Hilton Garden Inn // 905 East Hawkins Parkway, Longview, TX 75605
Flying in? Nearby airports include: Longview (GGG), Tyler (TYL), Dallas (DFW), and Shreveport, Louisiana (SHV)
Your hosts
Mark Gregston, host of the widely acclaimed Parenting Today’s Teens Radio program and podcast, and founder of Heartlight Ministries, looks forward to speaking at all the events. Drawing from 50 years of experience of working with parents and teens, Mark brings his crazy wit, practical insight, seasoned wisdom, and a storyteller’s heart. An author of 25 books, and countless radio and podcasts programs, Mark’s hope is to reach parents who have lost hope with honest teaching that is deeply applicable.
Each retreat also features our guest nationally recognized speakers and the experienced and seasoned Executive Staff and Counselors at Heartlight. They offer their wisdom and insight from years of involvement and experience with the 3,500 teens and families that have passed through the Heartlight doors.
Blake Nelson
Executive Director of Heartlight Residential Boarding School
Courtney Lafleur
LPC, co-host of Parenting Today’s Teens Podcast
Layne Smith
LPC, Director of Heartlight Residential Counseling
Melissa Fulling
LPC, Heartlight Residental Counseling