Young Life

Fall is *finally* here! 

Even though summer camps have ended, that doesn’t mean camp facilities aren’t being used! Many Young Life camps are still used from August through May for retreats and conference uses. Young Life's premier facilities, pristine settings, great food and excellent service combine to make an ideal venue for your weekend or mid-week group. Young Life camps host church groups, school groups, adult retreats, college ministries and more. Want to look into using a camp’s facility or activities for your event? Check out the list of them here: https://lnkd.in/dUnN-ySY

“One of the great aspects of Young Life’s RELATE Project is the practical steps and considerations it offers for adults, like all are worthy of love, connection gaps can lead to opportunity, and moms make a difference.” – LaTasha Nesbitt, Fuller Youth Institute Download the free research report here: https://lnkd.in/dM-hgmJn

Did you know? 💡 🧠 🗺

Thoughts from a Gen Zer: What dreams do you have? “Having a tight-knit family and community of people. If I have those then other stuff isn’t as important. I used to be success-oriented, wanting to make a lot of money and have a lot of stuff. But as I’ve gone through college, the value of that has decreased and the value of family has increased.” *This response was shared in a focus group while conducting research for The RELATE Project.

Want to learn more about The RELATE Project, the findings, and how it all came about? This video is for you!   https://lnkd.in/drp8_FEd

Growing up I didn’t know what a relationship with God was or how to have one. I discovered the real meaning of this on my trip to Malibu with Young Life Catalonia. At camp, it was very easy to learn about these things because the young people were open to finding out more about God. There, we had plenty of time to talk about Him. Our cabin times were very special. This was when I started my relationship with Jesus. I am thankful to my leaders who helped me understand what it means to follow Jesus. At camp they told us that back in Spain, it would be more difficult to continue this relationship with Him. In my case, I tried to do things to strengthen my relationship with Him. I started going to Campaigners with my Young Life leaders and helping me in my walk with God. I also began looking for a church. In my life before, there was only me. Now, God is here with me and I know I will have Him forever, and that I can talk and be honest with Him all the time. My life is more beautiful with Jesus. – Claudia, Spain

Did you know? Wild Ridge is a Young Life camp in West Virginia that’s being developed in phases. In October, the camp will host an open house and groundbreaking event to commemorate the next construction project: a multi-purpose building, which will consist of a dining hall, club room, recreation center, camp store, and meeting space. “I am delighted to see the progress being made at Wild Ridge and am encouraged by the support we have seen thus far from community members and friends of Young Life.” said Derek Ritchie, Campaign Director for the Eastern Division of Young Life. “Each and every donation helps us take another step toward our ultimate goal, and aids in the development of this Young Life facility, which will certainly make an impact in the lives of kids, teens, and young adults for years to come.” Read more about Wild Ridge and its development in this press release: https://lnkd.in/d75kMu7h

Emma Faye Rudkin lost her hearing at age 3, and she questioned throughout her childhood if God could understand and love her. At 16, she went to Young Life camp with an understanding of Jesus, but no knowledge of Young Life. On the bus, Morgan, her leader whom she’d just met that week, looked at her and said, “You’re going to start Deaf Young Life here. I just know that about you.” Morgan planted a seed in Emma’s mind. A couple years later, Emma felt God’s leading to start this ministry in San Antonio, and the ministry continues to grow to this day. 98% of deaf people do not have a relationship with Jesus. However, since 2019, Young Life has poured time and resources into hiring interpreters and deaf staff members to help reach these people with hearing disabilities. We hope and pray this is just the beginning of God tearing down the language barriers through Young Life leaders, demonstrating the love of Jesus to these dear kids.

With kids heading back to school, now is the time to help get them plugged into a local Young Life Club! Offering loads of fun, new friendships, and an introduction to who Jesus is, all kids are invited to see for themselves what it’s all about. Find your local Club here: https://lnkd.in/eunrM-2V