“My son usually doesn't even like to spend the night at friends' and we did not hear from him the whole time he was at camp. He loved every minute. Thank you thank you thank you for all that you are doing for the youth in Lawrence.  How lucky we are to have you and all of the great leaders!  What an incredible experience they all had at camp!!  We look forward to another great year and look forward to the upcoming fundraiser in October.”

- Susan, Wyldlife Mom

“I just wanted to write to say thank you so much for these past few days at camp. It really changed my life. I didn't realize how lost I was! You really are an inspiration to me and I know that you are someone that I can trust and come to with anything.”

- Lindsay, Wyldlife camper, to her leader.

“I came home from Castaway and after leaving I really felt that I now have a better connection with God. You really made it a better experience for me. Knowing that I can keep improving my relationship with him throughout my life. So thank you very much for making my camp experience wonderful!

- Kirsten, Wyldlife camper, to her leader.

“I had no idea what happened at that Young Life camp, but my daughter was different when she came home … different in a good way. It was great to meet other parents whose kids had gone to camp too. Now I know what happened at camp.  It saved my daughter from making the same mistakes I did.  I wished there had been Young Life where I went to high school.”

- Regina, Young Life Mom

Douglas County Young Life is a group of Christian adults committed to giving kids hope by befriending them and earning the right to tell them about the God who loves them unconditionally.

Junior High and High School kids in Douglas County face challenges and tough choices—many unlike those we faced  when we were their age. We could list statistics about teen pregnancy, the breakdown of the family, suicide, self-mutilation, or eating disorders to make the point. But the bottom line is this: young people are desperate for an adult who authentically cares. Even the hardest young soul cries out for someone who will help them navigate the rough waters of adolescence. And no one does that like Young Life and Wyldlife leaders.

* Equip, train, and deploy college-aged leaders and other adults to provide stability and continuity for the kids of Lawrence.

* Continue to go to where kids go, earn the right to be heard, and share our lives and God’s love with them.

* Thank donors and keep them informed about the impact they are making on the local teens and their families.

* Help the rest of the community see how Young Life, an internationally recognized leader in faith-based outreach to junior high and high school youth, has been effectively using college age leaders and adults to impact hundreds of kids in Lawrence.

* Partner with the community to raise $109,000 to meet our 2008-2009 budget.