Fun and adventure
in its DNA
Young Life reaches next generation with the gospel
BY AMY MORGAN
B E A CON W R I T E R
Sharing the truth of God’s love with
adolescents has been Young Life’s
mission since 1941. The Christ-centered,
non-denominational organization
has spread to 100 countries,
engages an average of 348,000 kids
weekly through 8,176 schools and
ministries, and sends 160,000 kids to
camp. Even more impressive, Young
Life reports that leaders know two
million kids by name. What a ripe
harvest field for the kingdom of Christ.
Over the years, Young Life has
developed time-tested methods to
offer adolescents hope and friendship.
Their strategy appeals to young
people’s love of fun and adventure. But
first, adult leaders build relationships
to “earn the right to be heard.”
A motto of Young Life is “kids don’t
care how much you know until they
know how much you care.” Leaders
intentionally seek out kids wherever
they gather—the football game,
theater practice, or math tutoring.
Kids spell love, T-I-M-E, and Young Life
staffers are committed to investing
time to build relationships. Kids feel
the love of God through their leaders'
caring presence in their lives.
Young Life engages kids in several
ways. The easiest ask is weekly Club—a
power hour of fun. Young Life Metro
Director of Greater San Antonio Annie
Mays says a typical night of Club
begins with group karaoke, then shifts
to crazy mixer games. Leaders surprise
kids with silly contests or skits, she
adds, before the mood gets a little
more serious. They’ll transition to
Christ-focused songs to prepare hearts
for the message. Over the course of a
semester, leaders tell the entire gospel
story, culminating with Christ’s invitation
to salvation. Ideally, the kids’
hearts will be soft and ready for the
next hallmark of Young Life—a camp
experience.
Camp is planned to be “the best
week of their life.” Kids ages 11-18
participate in a myriad of adventurous,
outdoor activities in five-star accommodations.
“Adventure is part of our DNA—at
camp we offer them something that
cannot be replicated at home,” Annie
says. Camp also provides a safe place
to process, away from phones. “They
have never had a mental break from
the constant, stressful, distracting
screen in front of their face,” she says.
Until recently, Young
Lifers had to travel
thousands of miles
to attend a Young
Life camp. This spring
Young Life purchased
Camp Lonehollow,
located in the Hill
Country close to
Garner State Park.
20 www.saBeacon.com May / June 2019