Building Bridges 2026

July 19 - July 26

Building Bridges is an inclusive, light-hearted conference for all ages, grounded in Unitarian Universalist values. Designed to feel like summer camp, this seven-day event celebrates diversity, freedom of exploration, and a sense of wonder. Our mission is to forge and strengthen connections among families and participants, both new and returning.

At Building Bridges, there’s something for everyone, and we encourage attendees to participate as much or as little as they wish. During morning sessions, adults (18+) can choose from two workshops: Connected through Sound: A Musical Exploration and SoulCollage®

We also provide youth programming for ages 0 to 18 in the mornings and childcare for children aged 0 to 5 in the afternoons. Mornings in our children and youth programs feature group bonding, storytelling, singing, laughter, and enjoying nature both on land and at sea. Activities include island field trips to the Marine Lab, Music Barn, Art Barn, the beach, and nearby islands. Afternoons and evenings are filled with tons of multi-gen events and adventures

To learn more about the 2025 Building Bridges: Connection conference, please visit our website at https://www.buildingbridgesonstar.com/

 

Children’s Program

Children and Youth ages 0-18 are enthusiastically welcomed into the Youth Program by friendly faces and engaging children’s staff who help to fill each day with fun and new experiences. We offer programming in the mornings for all, as well as childcare for kids 0-5 in the afternoons. Mornings are spent enjoying nature on both land and sea with a primary focus on getting to know one another, playing games and bonding, working on a team project (bottle rockets, photo scavenger hunt, designing a relay race, and Sr. Youth Chapel), sharing stories, laughing, and exploring nature on both land and sea. Each day, groups get to explore a different part of the island, including the Beach, Marine Lab, Music Barn, and Art Barn. Older children and youth also explore the rocks and row to neighboring islands. Please visit our website’s Youth Program (YP) tab for more information. ​

 

Theme Speakers:

Liv Radue – Connected through Sound: A Musical Exploration

Vandy Leigh – SoulCollage®

 

Minister of the Week

Rev. Mark Robel, Senior Minister at UU Wellesley Hills

 

Program Fees

$175 per adult

$100 per youth

Family Cap of $550

Room & Board

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

Adults (18+) 

Standard Shared: $1,325 | Standard Single: $1,890

Motel Shared: $1,665 | Motel Single: $2,435

Youth 

Under 6: Free | 6-11 years: $615| 12-17 years: $880

Financial Aid

If financial considerations are an obstacle to your attending Star Island in 2025, we encourage you to apply for a Star Island Financial Grant.

Boat Schedule

Departure from Portsmouth TBA

Departure from Star Island TBA

Questions?

April Rosario buildingbridgesonstar@gmail.com

Liv Radue olivia.radue@gmail.com