what is young life, anyway?
WE'RE GLAD YOU ASKED.
OUR MISSION IS TO INTRODUCE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO JESUS AND HELP THEM GROW IN THEIR FAITH. THIS IS HOW WE DO IT:
CONTACT WORK: The foundation of our ministry. Because kids don't care how much you know until they know how much you care, Young Life leaders show they care by going where kids are, meeting them as they are, and believing in who they can be. Within young life, we call the persistent going out into the world of kids "contact work," but kids just call it friendship.
CLUB: Our regular outreach event. We like to think of Club as a "party with a purpose." It's controlled chaos that's almost impossible to describe, but kids know it when they see it. Before the party ends, we share a simple message about God's love. After all, that's what the celebration is all about.
CAMP: Kids consistently tell us that Young Life camp is the best week of their lives. How else would you describe a week where deep relationships are forged in the midst of mind-boggling fun, AND you get to hear the greatest love story ever told?!
CAMPAIGNERS: For students ready to go deeper. Campaigners is a regular gathering for those who wish to grow in their faith through study, service, community, and leadership. We're with kids for the long haul to help them take the first steps of faith with unconditional love. Along the way, we encourage them to celebrate their faith through participation in a local church congregation.
Who We Are
at a Glance
1941
Young Life begins in the USA
In a town in Texas, at the request of his pastor, a young associate pastor named Jim Raybrun began showing young people how much God cares about them by showing up in their world and sharing the message of God's love through Jesus in ways and words they could understand and relate to.
100+
Countries with Young Life staff and leaders
Today, Young Life is a global organization with local focus. You'll find Young Life leaders from diverse cultures, nationalities and backgrounds in over 100 countries around the world.
Two million
young people reached by Young Life staff and leaders
Whether it's in cities or villages, towns or tower blocks, in countries on every continent, Young Life leaders are working with over two million young people, right in their own neighborhoods.
348,000
KIDS INVOLVED WEEKLY
Since 1941, Young Life leaders have walked with kids and earned the right to be heard in an exhausting and exciting world. In 2018, 348,000 kids were involved every week all around the world.
You Were Made for this
Your story matters, and it can make a difference beyond what you imagine.
Volunteer your time to work directly with young people.
Support the staff and leaders as part of the local adult committee.
Give resources to start or sustain the financial foundation at the local or national level.
