The Time of Their Lives
Since its first camp opened in 1950, Young Life has strengthened its commitment to reaching kids through its world-class camping ministry. Last year, more than 100,000 kids attended one of Young Life’s camps for either a weekend camp during the school year or a weeklong camp during the summer. These kids experienced the time of their lives and had the opportunity to open up to their leaders sharing their struggles, fears and thoughts about God. Young Life camping has, and continues to be, an effective means for sharing the Gospel with teens.
International Camping
While Young Life camping is most closely associated with the camps located in North America, camping has been an integral part of Young Life’s international outreach for decades. Young Life owns or has long-term use of camps in several international locations, including Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and France. In other locations, our staff rent space at available facilities on a short-term basis. Regardless of facilities, however, kids’ experience at Young Life camp is a “mountaintop” experience.
Camping at a Glance
During a week full of high adventure and fun, kids are given the chance to build strong friendships, hear the message of Christ’s unconditional love for them and have someone walk alongside them as they take their first steps in pursuing a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Every year, kids are challenged in new ways through the thrills of rock climbing, rappelling, horseback riding, parasailing and many other adventures depending on the camp they attend. Each camp has its own “’personality” and set of amenities.
It takes an army to run a camp, and volunteers work around the clock to give teenagers the best week of their lives. In addition to man power, more than 6,000 scholarships are provided to underprivileged kids each year, making sure that every kid has the opportunity to go to camp.
Camping and You
Does this sound like something you want to be a part of? It does to many adults, some of whom would even like to be campers — and who could blame them! It’s never too late to go to camp!
Here’s your chance to be involved:
- Come to camp as an adult guest. Spend a week at one of our beautiful adult guest lodges and see camp in action. You will be hosted by an individual, or couple, who will explain the ministry philosophy behind camp activities and ensure you are comfortable throughout your stay. The best part is, during the week, you will have the opportunity to be a "big kid" and enjoy all the same programs the campers do.
Watch this promotional video to get a glimpse of the adult guest experience.
If you are interested in being an adult guest at one of the Young Life camps, please download an application. Your local Young Life area director will supply you with additional information and assist you with the application process.
- Serve as a camp physician. Each year, more than 150 doctors and their families spend a week at camp attending to the medical needs of campers. Physicians serve at camp by being available to handle minor medical needs and discerning those which need treatment from local clinics or hospitals. The physician and his or her family attend camp at no cost and are encouraged to participate in all activities and enjoy the same programs that the campers do.
If you are interested in serving as a camp physician at one of the Young Life camps, please download an application and send it to the camp of your choice. Because licensing and laws vary from state to state, the camp will follow up by sending you specific requirements for their program.
Contacting Your Son or Daughter at Camp
If you need to contact your child at camp, please call the camp directly. A staff person will make sure your message is delivered to your son or daughter as soon as possible. Use the Locator to find a list of Young Life camps and their contact information.
Weeklong Family Camp at Trail West
As Young Life's only dedicated Family Camp, Trail West has three objectives: 1) To enable individuals and families to experience Jesus Christ in a way that is spiritually refreshing, 2) to enjoy a remarkable family vacation and 3) to learn more about the mission of Young Life.
In other words, we want to provide a family vacation experience that’s not only fun, but deeply meaningful as well. Each day is filled with programming that involves the whole family, with the sole purpose of bringing the family together in playful activities. At night, our families attend a "club" which includes music, songs, mixers, skits and a short, relevant message of God's love for us, expressed through His Son, Jesus Christ. The message is given in a clear and winsome way, which kids and adults alike can appreciate and enjoy.
For more information on our Family Camp experience at Trail West, you can order a brochure by calling us at (719) 395-2477 or sending us an email. You can also view the brochure online.