Young Life provides role models, safe activities and a sense of significance to high school and middle school students in communities across the United States and around the world. Founded in 1941 by a young pastor with a passion for the students in his community who had no interest in Christianity, Young Life offers kids:

• The friendship of adults who take the time to relate to kids in their world.
• A chance to gather and have fun in a safe setting outside of school.
• An opportunity to consider the basic claims of the Christian faith in a non-threatening setting.

During the school year, adult leaders (both staff and volunteers) build relationships with students attending the school to which they have been assigned. They may attend school activities open to the public, meet with students at school during open access periods (with permission of school administrators) or organize activities open to all students. Young Life leaders are committed to knowing and following the guidelines regarding school access established by school officials.

The central Young Life activity during the school year is a weekly gathering, called “club,” which usually meets in private homes. Club involves music, games and a brief talk by one of the leaders. Attending a weekend camp once or twice each school year is also a regular Young Life activity. Throughout the summer, Young Life operates weeklong camps at 21 premier camps in the United States and Canada. 

Young Life is active in all 50 states, more than 50 countries, with more than 3,000 full- and part-time staff and 25,000 volunteer leaders or local committee (the community-based adult support team). More than 300,000 kids attend weekly club meetings during the school year and more than 75,000 attend a Young Life camp either during the school year or during the summer. More quick facts on Young Life are available on the Facts at Your Fingertips page.