What's Going On
Explore upcoming programs and see how Jump Start Bridge is growing across the country.
Latest Programs, Events, and Updates
Jump Start Bridge is celebrating a year of growth and looking ahead to new opportunities in 2026. Read the 2025 recap and 2026 plans to see how JSB is expanding classroom programs, teacher support, community outreach, and bridge opportunities for students across the country.
See upcoming camps and programs designed to introduce students to bridge in a fun, engaging way.
Westminster Summer Bridge Camp
June 1–5 & July 6–10 • Grades 4–8 • Atlanta, GA
Part of Westminster’s Summer Programs
A structured summer program where students learn and develop bridge skills through guided lessons and play.
Thinking About a Summer Bridge Camp?
A note from Patty Tucker for teachers considering starting a summer bridge program.
A Letter from Patty Tucker
Dear Jump Start Teacher,
We are so glad you have expressed an interest in the Jump Start Bridge (JSB) program. JSB was initially formed to provide you the opportunity to teach your students bridge. Originally an initiative of Atlanta Junior Bridge (AJB), JSB has grown so successfully that it is now its own non-profit entity. Both JSB and AJB have a significant history in offering local opportunities for young players to continue to learn outside the classroom. The goal is to provide a safe and happy environment for the youngsters to play the game with other children in your area. We think a summer camp provides a wonderful opportunity to support the efforts you started during the previous school year and to give students a head start on curriculum that will be introduced during the fall term. There are many summer camp variations that can be structured any way that works for you. We recommend a one-week camp with either 2-hours a day of bridge, or a ½ day of bridge with some other activity filling in the remainder of the day (think Golf & Bridge). Almost every child has one week during the summer where no other camp or activity is planned. The camp could be held a local church, recreation center, library, school, bridge club or any other locations you know of in your area that could accommodate your needs. You don’t need to be a ‘great’ bridge player to teach beginning classes or even know how to play the game of bridge. The curriculum is easy to follow and JSB provides a help line if you have questions. We can also help connect you with the local bridge club who can provide hands on support before and during the camp. And you get paid for your efforts!
JSB will provide you
A $350 stipend to participating Teachers completing a five day summer camp
Teaching supplies (boards, bidding boxes, table direction mats),
Advertising templates for camps and classes
Support via email, phone, or zoom.
Other support may be available if needed.
It will take at least 1-2 months to get your program in place for the summer, but it’s
worth it!
Please contact me if you are interested in learning more. Thank You!
Patty Tucker
Director
Jump Start Bridge
patty@jumpstartbridge.org
Recent Activity
Youth NABC – Philadelphia 2025
Philadelphia, PA • 2025
Philadelphia’s Youth NABC was a fantastic event, with ACBL doing an outstanding job organizing and hosting, with the next event set for July 16–18, 2026 in Minneapolis, MN.
Jump Start Bridge Tournament at FVBC
Kalispell, MT • 2025
Ninety-six Kalispell Middle School students competed in Montana’s first junior bridge tournament. The event was filled with competition, awards, and excitement. Students left with stronger confidence, teamwork, and enthusiasm for learning.
North Alabama • 2025
The first North Alabama Jump Start Bridge Tournament brought together 98 students for a competitive day. Students built math skills, confidence, and teamwork. The event was widely praised as a success.
Conferences & Outreach
Explore where we’ve connected with educators and students across the country.
Arkansas Association of Gifted and Talented Educators (AGATE)
Hot Springs, AR • March 5–6, 2025
Pam Dow and her team had a fantastic experience connecting with Arkansas educators, with over 40 teachers registering classes on the spot.
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Pam Dow and her team had a fantastic experience connecting with Arkansas educators, introducing the program and playing hands of bridge with many attendees. Sue Rolfe, Dianne Warrant, Laye Bennet, and Stephanie Threlkeld were part of a terrific team that engaged teachers throughout the conference.
Teachers returned to the booth multiple times, often bringing colleagues with them to learn more about the program and play additional hands of bridge. Over 40 teachers registered classes on the spot and are excited to introduce bridge to their students.
Georgia Association for Gifted Children (GAGC)
Columbus, GA • March 4–5, 2025
Our team connected with 116 educators in Georgia, introducing the program and exploring opportunities to bring bridge into their classrooms.
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Linda Dunn, Marty Nathan, Patty Nathan, and Michael Holmes had a terrific experience connecting with educators in Georgia, introducing the Jump Start Bridge program and playing hands of bridge with many attendees.
Several existing teachers stopped by to say hello and brought colleagues with them, helping generate even more interest throughout the conference. In total, 116 teachers visited the booth to learn more and consider bringing bridge to their students.
California Association for the Gifted (CAG)
California • March 1–2, 2025
Jump Start Bridge connected with over 70 educators, sharing the program and exploring opportunities to bring bridge into classrooms across the state.
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Mojo, Jennifer, Linda, and Johnny had a great time connecting with educators in California, sharing the Jump Start Bridge program and engaging teachers in conversations about bringing bridge into their classrooms.
Over 70 teachers stopped by to learn more, and we’re excited about the potential for many of them to follow up and introduce bridge to their students.
Kentucky Association for Gifted Education (KAGE)
Lexington, KY • February 10–11, 2025
Despite a snowstorm, the team connected with enthusiastic educators and introduced bridge as a valuable classroom activity.
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Jim Herchenroeder, along with William Flarsheim, Jackie Shroering, and Beth Dlutowski, had a great experience in Lexington connecting with dedicated educators and sharing the Jump Start Bridge program.
Despite a snowstorm limiting attendance, the team still met many enthusiastic teachers and introduced them to the benefits of bringing bridge into the classroom. We look forward to continuing those conversations as schools plan for the 2025–2026 year.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) – Spring Conference
Kansas City, MO • February 5–7, 2025
Jump Start Bridge introduced the program to over 300 math teachers, generating strong interest in using bridge as a math club activity, with 24 teachers ordering supplies on the spot.
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Michael Hughes, Patty Tucker, Stefanie Scott, Blakely Meyers, Jim Feisman, Doug Schulte, Aline Zimmer, and Rick Chartre introduced the game of bridge to over 300 math teachers from across the country at our first NCTM conference.
Interest was extremely high, with many educators considering bridge as a math club activity. 24 teachers ordered supplies on the spot, with more expected to follow, making this a highly rewarding experience for the team.
Mesa, AZ • February 4–5, 2025
Jump Start Bridge connected with 87 educators, with 30 registering classes on the spot and strong interest leading to a Spanish translation of materials.
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Linda Theiken, Sharon Smith, Margi Redden, Debbie Reichos, Mary Beth Voldberding, and Marianne Victor formed a dynamic team, connecting with educators and sharing the Jump Start Bridge program throughout the conference.
A total of 87 teachers visited the booth, with 30 joining ACBL and registering their classes on the spot. The enthusiasm was high, and attendees had a great time learning about the program and engaging with the team.
Based on strong interest, work is underway on a Spanish translation of the Jump Start Bridge materials, which is expected to be available by the end of the school year.
Minnesota Educators for Gifted and Talented (MEGT)
St. Cloud, MN • February 2–3, 2025
Jump Start Bridge established 12 new school programs and continues to expand opportunities for students.
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Jenny Peterson and her team—Jim Fisher, Mike Liedal, Jim Schnepf, and John Selden—had a wonderful experience connecting with educators from across Minnesota and sharing the Jump Start Bridge program.
The conference resulted in 12 new school programs being established, with excitement building for continued growth. We look forward to expanding further and exploring opportunities such as future city championships.
Past Highlights
Congratulations to the winners from the Winter Bridge Class Tournament from Ms. Allen’s class! Great job all!
Check out how RSS is spreading bridge in their community! Giving kids skills and tools they can use everyday and in the future.
Fourth and fifth-graders at James River Elementary School in Williamsburg learn bridge, enhancing critical thinking and social skills. They compete in tournaments and enjoy the mental challenge.
University of Oklahoma sophomore Eric Sieg breaks stereotypes by playing bridge competitively, aiming to attract a younger crowd to the game. Despite perceptions and the allure of poker, Sieg and others see bridge’s complexity and social benefits as reasons for its appeal.
Students at Sullivan Middle School in Bonsall learn bridge weekly, improving math skills and making new friends. Instructor Mark Freundel guides them, supported by the American Contract Bridge League. Bridge offers intellectual challenges and life-long skills, with prestige as a grand life master being a major goal.
Twelve-year-old Adam Grossack defies stereotypes as a competitive bridge player, teaching the game to peers. Despite its image, bridge attracts young players like Adam, prompting efforts by the American Contract Bridge League to promote the game among youth.
The article discusses efforts to teach bridge to younger generations, focusing on two California programs for children aged 8 to 11. Despite financial challenges, instructors like Teri Atkinson and Nancy Schramm are dedicated to expanding the game’s reach, recognizing its long-term potential.
Lamplighter Montessori students excel at the Youth Bridge Conference in Atlanta, winning first place trophies and enjoying the experience.
Jump Start Bridge
Bringing bridge to students through fun, engaging programs that build confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking.
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