Building Bridges 2024

July 14 - July 21

Exploring Spiritual Practice

Building Bridges is an all-ages, light-hearted, and inclusive seven-day conference grounded in Unitarian Universalist values and designed to feel like summer camp for all ages! We celebrate diversity, freedom of exploration, and a sense of wonder. Our mission is to forge and strengthen the connections between our families and conferees-new and old.

Building Bridges strives to have something for everyone, and we encourage folks to participate as much or as little as they would like. During morning programming, adults can participate in one of our THREE workshops: Spiritual Creativity, Unity Unveiled: Embracing Social Justice as a Spiritual Practice, or Lay Leadership as a Spiritual Practice. Each afternoon, adults can explore other spiritual practices such as a crystal workshop, yoga, meditation, dance, music, etc.

Building Bridges is excited to announce our new Emerging Adult Program for young adults ages 18-25!!

The Emerging Adult group will spend 2-3 hours each day with a fantastic advisor exploring Faith formation/spiritual practice and working on an island service project, all while bonding as a group through team-building games and activities. Each day will also include a fun adventure such as rowing to neighboring islands to go swimming & cliff jumping, taking a look at the behind-the-scenes operation, exploring the many treasures the island has to offer; and those who are interested can take part in the annual softball game!

Youth Programming

We also offer youth programming (0-17 years of age) in the mornings and childcare for kids 0-5 in the afternoons. Mornings in our youth program are spent building friendships, telling stories, singing, laughing, enjoying nature on both land and sea and so much more! Each group also spends the week working on a team project, such as bottle rockets, duct boats, scavenger hunt, and youth chapel service that they will show off on Saturday afternoon and takes a daily “island field trip” to the Beach, Pelican Garden, Marine Lab, Music Barn, and Art Barn. Please visit our website’s Youth Program tab for more information. 

Theme Speakers

Spiritual Creativity Workshop led by Missy Schortmann Sorrenti
Unity Unveiled: Embracing Social Justice as a Spiritual Practice led by Lori McNally and Beth Manchester-Howell
Lay Leadership as Spiritual Practice leb by Rev. Erica Baron, UUA Congregational Consultant

Minister of the Week

Rev. Megan Lynes

Program Fees

$160 per adult

$90 per youth

Family Cap of $500 

Room & Board

The rates below are per person for the full length of the conference.

Adults (18+) 

Standard Shared: $1,222 | Standard Single: $1,662

Motel Shared: $1,504 | Motel Single: $2,207 

Youth 

Under 6: Free | 6-11 years: $565 | 12-17 years: $809 

Financial Aid

If financial considerations are an obstacle to your attending Star Island in 2024, we encourage you to apply for a Star Island Financial Grant. Building Bridges’ Bring a Friend/Community Building Discount Program! For each new person (someone who has never attended the Building Bridges Conference) that you bring, you will receive $50 off your bill. 

Boat Schedule

Departure from Portsmouth July 14th 2:20 PM  

Departure from Star Island July 21st 8:50 AM  

Questions?

Co-Chair April Rosario at buildingbridgesonstar@gmail.com.