Our Flagship Event
The International Youth Festival is the ‘flagship event’ of Atlantic Bridge. It is the only activity during the year that brings multiple Bridgebuilders Clubs together and best expresses the vision of Atlantic Bridge. Youth from many different cultures, countries, lifestyles and beliefs meet each other for seven days of fun, friendship and faith. The key elements of the Festival are introducing and inspiring participants to the mission of bridgebuilding and the Christian faith.The International Youth Festival takes place in a different country each year with between 120 and 180 participants. Most groups come to the Festival after participating in an exchange with their Bridgebuilders Club. Each festival has a specific theme that is explored during the week.
The main elements of the Festival are:
- MeetPoint
- Small Groups
- Workshops
- Optionals
- Discovery Trip
- Country Presentations
- Talent Show
- Café de Connexxion
The morning of each day is filled with a MeetPoint where games, music and the news and love reports prepare everyone for the speaker of the day. Then everyone goes to their Small Group where the theme is unwrapped on a more personal level and youth can discuss related issues.
The afternoon is a relaxing time with various Workshops and Optional activities. One afternoon the entire Festival goes on a Discovery Trip to learn about the town or region that is hosting the festival.
The evening program is a chance for each group or individual to present themselves through the Country Presentations and Talent Show. And Café de Connexxion provides the perfect end to the day with a cozy chat and cup of coffee, relaxing music or invigorating game.