BRIDGE YOUTH PROGRAM
at St. Simons Presbyterian Church

Join us for an adventure in environmental stewardship and faith building as part of the BRIDGE Mission Program at St. Simons Presbyterian Church. This exciting program encourages youth and young adults to build relationships and deepen their faith through eco service and learning focused on Creation Care and environmental stewardship. 

This unique program focuses on ecological education, teaching students about the current environmental challenges and offering simple and effective ways to take care of God's creation in their daily lives. While cleaning up marine debris, researching with environmental experts, learning about the importance of biodiversity, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings, participants will explore their impact on the earth through the lens of the Christian faith. 
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We offer this program for high school youth and college groups during the summer and 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.)

Dates for 2023 Summer Program​

• June 4-9 BRIDGE week 1
• June 18-23 BRIDGE week 2
• June 25-30 BRIDGE week 3
• July 9 - 14 BRIDGE week 4
• July 16-21 BRIDGE week 5
• July 23-28 BRIDGE week 6

Packing List 2023

We have updated the packing list for BRIDGE for the year of 2023 to help participants plan for their adventures. Please note and pay attention to the season and time of year that your group will be attending and plan accordingly for your wardrobe. We have marked a “seasonal” section below to help with some suggestions.

packing list

Steps for Registration...

Step 1:
Confirm your group dates are available by contacting the BRIDGE Director, Madelynne Risi, at madelynne@sspres.org or 912-266-2220.

Step 2:
Once your dates are tentatively scheduled on the BRIDGE calendar, complete BRIDGE Group Registration form and mail it with deposit check to:

Saint Simons Presbyterian Church
Attn: Madelynne Risi
BRIDGE Mission Program
205 Kings Way
Saint Simons Island, Georgia 31522

STEP 3:
Once received, the BRIDGE Director will contact you with confirmation that your group is registered on the BRIDGE calendar. 
 
Step 4:
BRIDGE Director will keep you informed of your summer ahead!
 
Step 5:
On April 1st, 50% of the total group balance is due.
 
Step 6:
One month before the start of your group trip, the BRIDGE Participation Form and remainder of balance is due.
 
Step 7:
Upon arrival on Sunday evening groups will turn in: Participant Waivers, Kayak Waiver, Final Group Roster, and Security Deposit.* 

*Group leader is required to bring $100 security deposit check and turn in to the BRIDGE Director. This check will be returned to the group at the end of the week in accordance with program guidelines.

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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

What is BRIDGE's Covid policy?

Click here for our updated covid policy.