Young Life was founded in 1941 by Jim Rayburn, a youth minister in Texas. Rayburn wanted to reach out to high school kids who weren’t interested in church, so he went on their turf, built relationships with them and introduced them to Jesus Christ.

Today Young Life’s caring and quality staff and leaders continue Rayburn’s legacy of finding creative ways to meet and connect with middle school and high school kids. We desire that every kid hear about Jesus Christ and make his or her own decision about their faith. No matter what kids decide, Young Life leaders, who include college students to retirees, continue to love and care for their young friends. 

We’re reaching kids in other countries, kids with disabilities, teenage moms, as well as kids who live in suburbs, big cities and small towns. Young Life has started and been sustained in communities thanks to local adults who care about every kid. These adults have promoted Young Life in the community, as well as provided prayer and financial support.

Young Life leaders reach kids through unconditional friendships as well as through a variety of activities. At club, kids laugh, sing, play and hear a leader talk about God in a way they can relate to. Campaigners is a time for kids and leaders to explore the Bible and how it relates to life. And each summer, more than 40,000 kids head to one of Young Life’s 21 camps with their leaders for an unforgettable week of fun, surprises and to hear how much God loves them.