Bridge Builders
Where Youth Come Together to Serve, Learn, Lead, and Build a Better Future.
A New Way to Grow in Faith and Community
Bridge Builders is a collaborative, interfaith summer service initiative for youth in 7th–12th grade, launching in Northern Virginia in Summer 2026.
In a time marked by, disconnection, uncertainty, and division, Bridge Builders invites youth from different faith traditions and spiritual experiences—Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and others—to come together in service, dialogue, and community. Through local outreach projects, interfaith learning, and shared experiences, young people are empowered to listen, lead, and live out the values that unite us.
Our Mission
Bridge Builders exists to transform lives by building bridges between youth from different faith backgrounds as they serve together, develop leadership skills, and model peace and civility across diversity.
Why Bridge Builders, and why now?
Youth have taken part in powerful summer experiences to strengthen their faith for many years through pilgrimages, camps, retreats, mission projects and even family vacations but times have changed. The social and religious landscape has grown more complex. Youth today face new challenges in exploring faith, identity, and belonging. And opportunities to have meaningful conversations across lines of difference are rare.
Yet in the face of growing division, we see a rising generation ready to do something different.
Bridge Builders was born out of that hope.
Founded by clergy with more than 30 years of combined experience in youth ministry and service leadership, this new project is designed to meet today’s moment—with a bold, inclusive approach to faith formation, community action, and leadership development.
What to Expect
During two week-long experiences in the summer of 2026, participants will:
Learn by Doing
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Explore other faith traditions through site visits and dialogue
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Reflect on personal beliefs and shared values
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Gain tools for real-world leadership and respectful conversation
Serve in Community
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Partner with local nonprofits to meet needs in Northern Virginia
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Work alongside peers from other backgrounds on meaningful service projects
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Address issues like food insecurity, housing, education, and environmental care
Play and Connect
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Build deep friendships through games, meals, and shared downtime
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Experience the joy of community in a safe, welcoming space
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Discover that fun and faith go hand-in-hand
Our Vision
We envision a generation of changemakers who are grounded in faith, driven by service, and prepared to lead in their neighborhoods, schools, and communities. In a world too often divided by fear and misunderstanding, Bridge Builders offers youth a place to come together and experience what it means to live in unity.
Who's Behind the Movement?
Bridge Builders was founded by Rev. Abi Foerster and Rev. Drew Ensz, two seasoned ministry leaders and youth advocates.
Rev. Abi Foerster
Rev. Abi Foerster co-founded one of Virginia’s largest United Methodist youth ministries and has helped launch several nonprofits across Northern Virginia to address food insecurity, early education, and cross-sector collaboration among faith, government, human services, and business. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction for diverse young learners from GMU, is an ordained elder in the UMC, and serves on the board of The Arc of Greater Prince William.
Rev. Drew Ensz
Rev. Drew Ensz helped create leadership development curriculum for high school students and co-launched a mission experience at the same youth ministry program Rev. Abi Foerster founded. He has consulted with youth ministries across Northern Virginia and now serves as the campus minister at Arise Campus Ministry, which supports students at George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community Colleges.
After decades of faithful service and leadership, they envisioned something new: A local, interfaith, justice-minded youth service experience rooted in shared humanity, bold faith, and the belief that young people can—and should—lead the way toward a more compassionate world.
For Parents, Faith Leaders, And Parents
We know that trust matters—especially when it comes to youth. Bridge Builders is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and enriching experience for everyone.
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All leaders and staff are experienced, background-checked, and trained in youth safety
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Leadership will reflect the faith traditions that are represented in camp.
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The program, developed by a diverse group of religious leaders and scholars, is designed to affirm youth of all faith identities, genders, and backgrounds
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Faith-based reflection is woven throughout, grounded in curiosity and respect. While student-led discussion is prioritized, proselytization is prohibited during the week of Bridge Builders as it breaks down the camp’s values and purpose.
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Partnerships with trusted nonprofits ensure hands-on, meaningful community work
Bridge Builders is not just a summer experience. It’s a platform to launch a new generation of changemakers—equipped with empathy, courage, and a heart for justice.
Students
Are you ready to do something that matters? Make friends from all walks of life. Discover your voice. Serve your community. Learn about other faiths while deepening your own. Bridge Builders is a place where you belong—just as you are.
Young Adults
We are looking for six young adults who are interested in serving on staff. We are looking for young adults who have graduated from high school and are 19 years or older by the beginning of camp. Staff needs to be interested in interfaith experience and community building. Staff is paid for the weeks of camp, and we will have more information in the coming months.
Parents
Looking for a program that is safe, spiritually enriching, and values-based? One that encourages leadership, reflection, and compassion? This is it. Let’s work together to raise a generation that leads with love.
Clergy, Faith Leaders & Partners
Join us in creating something meaningful for our region. Whether you’re looking to refer youth, serve as a partner site, or help shape this movement, we want to hear from you. Together, we can model what interfaith community looks like and why it matters now more than ever.
Community Partnerships
We're actively building relationships with nonprofits, faith communities, and regional partners
Staff Hiring
Young adults (ages 19+) will serve as team leaders and camp staff
Religious Partners
We are looking for a variety of religious partners to help participants understand their faith. We are looking for people who are comfortable answering questions and speaking with integrity about their own spiritual practices and faith tradition. We are also looking for collaborators to come alongside the leadership team as we develop the program and values of Bridge Builders.
Pilot Program Launching Summer 2026
Two one-week sessions for 60–75 youth per week
Hosted locally in Northern Virginia with daily service projects, faith exploration, and leadership programming
Religious Partners
We are looking for a variety of religious partners to help participants understand their faith. We are looking for people who are comfortable answering questions and speaking with integrity about their own spiritual practices and faith tradition. We are also looking for collaborators to come alongside the leadership team as we develop the program and values of Bridge Builders.
Community Partnerships
We're actively building relationships with nonprofits, faith communities, and regional partners
Staff Hiring
Young adults (ages 19+) will serve as team leaders and camp staff
Pilot Program Launching Summer 2026
Two one-week sessions for 60–75 youth per week
Hosted locally in Northern Virginia with daily service projects, faith exploration, and leadership programming
