How We Show Up in the World of Teens
Young Life is built on the belief that teens are worth showing up for—consistently, authentically, and right where they are. Here’s what that looks like in real life:
Our Mission
We don’t just run programs—we build relationships. Our mission comes to life through the 5 C’s, a relational approach that meets teens where they are and creates space for friendship, belonging, and faith to grow.
Contact Work
Contact Work is the heartbeat of Young Life. It’s where leaders step into the everyday world of teens—showing up at schools, sporting events, coffee shops, malls, or wherever they spend their time. The goal isn’t an agenda—it’s genuine friendship. By being consistent, present, and interested in their lives, leaders earn the right to be heard and build trust over time.
Club
Club is the weekly gathering where all teens are invited into a fun, high-energy, and welcoming environment. It’s designed to feel like a place you can belong before you believe. With music, games, laughter, and a short, relatable talk about the Christian faith, Club creates space for teens to hear about Jesus in a way that makes sense to them. Everything about Club flows out of the relationships built through Contact Work.
Campaigners
Campaigners is a smaller, more intentional group for teens who want to go deeper. Meeting weekly—often before school or at another consistent time—this is a space for honest conversation, asking real questions, and growing in faith together. It’s also where students are encouraged to step into leadership, helping shape their local Young Life community and learning what it looks like to live out their faith among their friends.
Camp
Camp is often one of the most memorable parts of the Young Life experience. Whether it’s a weekend retreat or a summer trip, camp gives teens the chance to step away from the pressures of everyday life and experience adventure, friendship, and fun in a new environment. In that setting, many teens become more open to hearing about Jesus and considering faith in a deeper way. For many, camp becomes a turning point in their story.
Committee
Committee is the team of caring adults who support the mission of Young Life behind the scenes. This group may include parents, alumni, community members, and other champions for youth who help through prayer, fundraising, hospitality, administration, and encouragement. Committee members help create the foundation that allows leaders to continue showing up for teens and building life-changing relationships in the community.
Skatelife
Skatelife is a division of Young Life that demonstrates our true devotion to meeting teenagers where they’re at, and is “committed to skaters on their turf,” whether that’s at skate parks, shops, or elsewhere. Skatelife workers immerse themselves in the “skate scene” and seek to build a healthy community through individual relationships. Skatelife also hosts cutting edge leadership conferences, as well as weekly clubs, summer “Road Rage” camps, and tours.
Learn how to Get Involved
There’s a place for you here and many other ways you can get involved – Whether you’re ready to lead, support, donate or simply learn more, we’d love to connect with you!