Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group Annual Retreats

Explore recent retreat highlights from the Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group. Discover how our community gatherings empower speaking deafblind individuals.

A MSDBG event at Bunker Lake Stables in Andover MN on October 17, 2026 hosted by Tammy & Clarence Frost.

Catching Up at the Picnic Table

Three people are at a picnic table. Sitting in the center at the background is Suzanne P. (DB). At the forefront of the table from the left of the photo is Clarence F. (HB) with his Golden Retriever guide dog laying on the ground. Sitting in the forefront and talking with Clarence is Ade Haugen (DB) with her Black Labrador Retriever guide dog laying on the ground.

Anticipation Around the Food Station

Gathering and waiting while the food is being setup by the SSPs (Service Support Providers) from left to right are: Chuck B. (SSP), Clarence F. (HB), Kelly H. (HB), Tammy F. (DB), Ade H. (DB), Paul D. (SSP/guest) and Richard H. (SSP). Guide dogs are in the forefront laying on the ground.

Relaxing by the Fire Pit

Kelly H. (HB/guest) with her guide dog near the fire pit. She is sitting on the seat of a picnic table and behind her on the top of the table are bottles of water and roasting sticks.

The Master of the Grill

A huge thank you to Rich H. (SSP), who kept the fire pit perfectly maintained and stayed busy roasting hotdogs for the hungry crowd.

Deep Conversations and Shared Stories

The picnic tables stayed busy with deep discussions on a wide range of topics. At the left side of the photo from front to back are: Anne B. (DB) and Tammy F. (DB). At the opposite side of the table on the right, from back to front are: Clarence F. (HB), Paul D. (SSP), Suzanne P. (DB) and Ade H. (DB).

All Aboard the Hay Wagon!

Deb B. (SSP) took all of the great photos and is showing the two horses hooked up to the hay wagon and is steadied by the driver standing in top front of the wagon. The riders lined up behind the wagon and one by one were guided to stop up on a wooden box at an edge of the wagon to sit upon. All three sides of the wagon were filled in. The four guide dogs all laid at the pile of loose hay in the center of the wagon behind each of the dogs’ handlers.