Young Life is an international interdenominational Christian outreach ministry that is having a profound impact on the lives of high school and junior high students all over the world.  Through personal relationships, weekly outreach club meetings, weekly Campaigner Bible studies, and our camping program, Young Life staff and volunteer leaders attempt to help kids understand the Christian faith and apply it to their everyday lives.

 

Young Life began in 1940 and today is active in nearly 10% of all high schools in the United States and over 50 foreign countries.  Here in Naperville and Aurora, Young Life is active at Naperville Central, Naperville North, Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie Valley, and East Aurora High School.  In addition to our high school ministries, we also run a WyldLife for 7th and 8th graders from school districts 203 & 204.

 

Although Young Life is not affiliated with one specific Christian denomination, Young Life is endorsed and supported by churches in every major Christian denomination.

 

 

Christ:  It is our hope to introduce kids to the person of Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith by taking Christian principles and applying them to their lives.

 

Contact:  Young Life staff and volunteer leaders attempt to enter the world of high school students and “earn the right to be heard” by building friendships with kids.  We spend countless hours every week just hanging out with high school kids.  Perhaps you’ve seen us at football games, track meets, or school plays.  We do this in order to get to know students and share our lives with them.

 

Club:  Club is best defined as “Controlled Chaos”.  It is a weekly meeting that runs during the school year that includes music, crazy games, skits, mixers, and a short message given by one of the staff or volunteers that helps kids better understand the Gospel message.

 

Campaigners:  A weekly Bible study for kids that typically includes worship and a topical discussion on the Bible.  Some Topics covered in the last year include Drinking, Sex & Dating, Integrity, God’s Will for our lives, Understanding the Bible, Friendship, etc.

 

Camp:  Young Life owns 20 camp properties all over North America that can better be described as resorts versus camps.  Excellent food, great lodging and incredible activities (waterskiing, parasailing, mountain biking, etc.) make these facilities a great place for kids to experience life to the full while giving them a chance a take a step back from their busy lives and truly understand the love God has for them.  Every summer, about 250 high school kids from Naperville & Aurora will spend a week at a Young Life camp.  In addition to the summer trip, we run our Polar Bear Weekend for kids every Fall/Winter at a local camp we rent out.

 

Committee:  The back-bone of Young Life in the local area, the Committee is a group of adults in the community who have a vision and a desire to see Young Life continue to grow and remain stable.  The committee offers oversight, accountability, encouragement and support for the Young Life staff and volunteer leaders.  In addition, they help with the fundraising efforts and event planning.  To see who is currently on the Young Life committee, please see the Staff & Volunteers Page.