Available Dates for 2021

Week 2 June 13- 18 (FULL)
Week 3 June 20 - 25 (FULL)
Week 4 June 27 - July 2

Week 5 July 11 - 16
Week 6 July 18 - 23
Week 7  July 25 - 30

BRIDGE 2021
at St. Simons Presbyterian Church

Join us for an adventure in mission and ministry as part of the BRIDGE Mission Program at St. Simons Presbyterian Church. This exciting program enables youth and young adults to build relationships and deepen their faith through hands-on service learning in Glynn County, Georgia. Led by the BRIDGE Mission Program staff and volunteers, groups serve in a variety of settings including homeless outreach, river/marsh cleanup, and local neighborhoods with an educational focus on the environment and the best practices for taking care of God's creation. We offer this program for high school youth over the summer as well as college groups during their school breaks in the fall and spring. If your group is interested in participating please let us know by completing the form below and/or by contacting the BRIDGE Director, Madelynne Risi (madelynne@sspres.org, 912-266-2220).

BRIDGE Summer Program

• Ages: All students who have completed grades 6-12 are invited to participate!
• Group Size: BRIDGE can accommodate up to 20 participants per week. Groups must have one chaperone per 6 participants (a group must have at least 2 adults in attendance.)

BRIDGE Fall/Spring Program

• Ages: All Currently Enrolled College Students
• Group Size: BRIDGE can accommodate up to 20 participants per week. Groups must have a designated campus leader.​​

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register my group with BRIDGE?

Directly above, you will find the steps to follow to register your group!

Where is BRIDGE?

BRIDGE facilities are located at St. Simons Presbyterian Church, in the pier/village area on Saint Simons Island, Georgia. Saint Simons is a small island that is part of the barrier islands stretching Georgia’s 100 mile coast line

Where do we stay during BRIDGE?

BRIDGE participants stay in the spacious youth suite at St. Simons Presbyterian Church. The facility has two large sleeping rooms (separated by gender), two bathrooms with showers, a full kitchen, and open space filled with couches and activities such as ping pong, pool table, etc. There is a separate bathroom/shower for adult leaders. During free time, adults and youth normally also have access to a downstairs gym with basketball hoops. The kitchen is available for the use of BRIDGE participants to store any food and/or “after hours” snacks they bring on their own. Please note that depending on group size your group may share these spaces with other groups that are participating in BRIDGE at the same time - the BRIDGE Director will communicate with groups ahead of time when/if this happens.
Click here to see pictures of the facilities. ​

Is the BRIDGE facility handicap accessible?

BRIDGE groups stay in the youth suite of St. Simons Presbyterian, which is located on the second floor of the building. This floor is accessed via elevator or two separate staircases.  A handicap accessible bathroom and shower are available for use on this floor.

What clothes and supplies should I pack for BRIDGE?

Click here for the BRIDGE packing list.

What do we do while at BRIDGE?

BRIDGE has partnered with many non-profit agencies in Glynn County. Our goal is to serve others as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. A list of the mission worksites BRIDGE partners with can be found by clicking here.

What will we be doing for meals?

Breakfast is provided by BRIDGE at the church each day of your trip. On workdays, participants pack their own lunches in the morning at the church using supplies provided by BRIDGE. Participants then take their lunches with them and eat around noon while in between worksites. During weeklong trips, dinner is prepared for groups at the church two nights, depending on the group’s preference. Groups may choose to eat together at a local restaurant one night. Groups are also welcomed into a church member's home for dinner and fellowship one night during their stay. 
 *If anyone in your group has any specific dietary needs or allergies please communicate it to the director upon registration. If there is a gluten allergy, participants will be asked to bring their own food substitutes for the week.

What are the environmental/creation factors of God’s creation BRIDGE talks about?

Located on the gorgeous coastline of Georgia, God’s creation is truly just outside the doors of our church and community. During the program, we take time to learn about and appreciate the marsh and shoreline of coastal Georgia. We also learn about the environmental factors that impact the environment of this region and the Biblical call to care for that which God has entrusted to us

What do we do with our free time while at BRIDGE?

Group leaders are welcome to plan any activities for their groups away from the church campus during freetime in the evenings and on the “free day.” St. Simons Presbyterian is within easy walking distance to the pier/village area which is filled with local shops, restaurants, and a public park with ocean views. Groups can also plan a devotional(s) on the nearby beach. The “free day” can be a good opportunity to plan a longer day at the beach or visit neighboring Jekyll Island. BRIDGE staff are happy to work with group leaders to plan fun free time activities.

Is a hurricane a concern while planning my BRIDGE trip?

Though hurricane season officially starts June 1, Saint Simons Island historically has not be affected by storms until the Fall season. In the event of a natural disaster, BRIDGE staff will be in communication with group leaders. Please always check http://www.nhc.noaa.gov for updates.

Who leads BRIDGE?

Madelynne Risi
DIRECTOR OF BRIDGE
madelynne@sspres.org