About Marriage Basecamp
We love strengthening marriages. For years, we’ve been helping couples reconnect through counseling, retreats, and practical faith-based tools. It’s a calling that grew out of our own story, one that reminds us that even when the path feels steep, God provides grace, wisdom, and the right gear for the climb.
Marriage is hard. It’s beautiful and stretching, sacred and messy. But it’s worth every step, and we believe that with the right preparation, couples can experience a marriage that endures, grows, and glorifies God.
Helping Couples Reconnect, Rebuild, and Rediscover Joy. . . Together
A Few Things You Ought to Know
Our Origin Story
The Moment Basecamp was Born
In the summer of 2000, I (Robert) was deep in the Colorado backcountry on a multi-day backpacking trip. The terrain was rugged, the altitude high, and I was completely alone. Somewhere along the trail, exhausted and frustrated, I found myself wishing someone could encourage me to keep going.
The mountains didn’t answer, only silence. But in that moment, God stirred something in me: a realization that life and marriage are a lot like that climb. The mountains aren’t the problem, they just reveal how much we need each other, and how much we need Him.
That day changed my direction. I came home with a renewed purpose: to help couples find their footing, rediscover their faith, and climb again, together.
Why "Basecamp"?
Every great adventure starts at basecamp, a place of rest, recalibration, and preparation before continuing upward. It’s where you regroup, refocus, and refill before facing what’s next.
Marriage Basecamp exists for that same purpose. Whether you’re newly married, rebuilding after a hard season, or simply wanting to strengthen your relationship, we help you slow down, connect deeply, and prepare for the journey ahead.
Our Foundation and Approach
Our faith is at the heart of everything we do. We believe marriage was designed by God, not just for companionship, but as a reflection of His covenant love.
Our approach combines biblical wisdom with practical tools drawn from trusted models like Gottman, SYMBIS, and Prepare-Enrich. We focus on communication, conflict resolution, emotional intimacy, and spiritual connection.
Through one-on-one sessions, group retreats, and personalized assessments, we help couples not only heal but thrive, equipping them with the mindset and habits that keep their marriage moving forward.
If we can show others our scars, maybe they can find
hope that their wounds will heal.
Our Training & Experience
We’re not just passionate about marriage, we’re trained for it.
Robert Conn
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Master’s in Pastoral Counseling
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Master's in Theology
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Certified: Gottman Level 1, SYMBIS, Prepare-Enrich
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28+ years of ministry and leadership experience
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Planter and Lead Pastor at Arrows Church in Gretna, NE
Shelly Conn
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Certified SYMBIS and Prepare-Enrich Facilitator
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Co-leader of Marriage Basecamp retreats
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28+ years of marriage and ministry experience
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Skilled in hospitality, communication, and mentoring women
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Planter and Worship Pastor at Arrows Church in Gretna, NE
Together, we’ve walked with hundreds of couples through seasons of restoration, healing, and renewal.
Who We Are (Beyond the Titles)
We’re high school sweethearts turned lifelong teammates, married 28 years, and parents to four amazing kids. We love the mountains, coffee by a campfire, and seeing God’s redemption show up in real relationships.
We’re not perfect, but we are persistent. And we believe every couple, no matter how tangled their story feels, can rediscover the goodness and joy God intended for marriage.
Our Vision
We dream of a ripple effect... of stronger families, healthier communities, and generations who know how to love well because they’ve seen it modeled at home.
That vision begins one marriage at a time, one couple who chooses to pause, refocus, and take the next step together.