In the 1960s, Young Life, in partnership with Youth for Christ, established Military Community Youth Ministries (MCYM) — also known as "Club Beyond" — in conjunction with the United States military as a focused effort to share the Gospel with military kids and offer the hope of Jesus Christ. Using the same strategies that have guided Young Life to more than 60 years of success in ministering to teens, Young Life Military extends the vision to reach every kid by stepping into the ever-changing lives of military brats.
Because of the constant change that these teens face, it often doesn't feel much like home anywhere. Military families find their roots in maintaining connection with people. Therefore, Young Life Military leaders seek to establish a sense of community by forming lasting relationships with kids and fostering a greater sense of home and caring for their unique needs.
Stateside, military kids attend club, participate in a discipleship program — known in Young Life terms as "Campaigners" — go to camp in the summer, and share in the laughter and sense of adventure common to the Young Life experience. In recent years, Young Life has established Military Family Camp — an opportunity for military families to enjoy a vacation experience at one of Young Life’s resort camps unlike any other.
Overseas, Young Life staff undertake great efforts to preserve the integrity of Young Life’s flavor and character. Military brats can still attend club — also known as MCYM/Club Beyond on certain military installations — every week. In the summer, MCYM offers the Italy Beach Break where military brats across Europe come together for a week of music, learning, laughter and fun that reflects the life-changing experience of attending a Young Life outreach camp. As a part of participating in Campaigners, military brats overseas also have the opportunity to participate in service projects through which they help to meet the needs of children living in the communities such as Slovakia and Czech Republic.
Young Life Military is committed to providing a place of acceptance, love, safety and support for the proud teens of our servicemen and women. Not every military installation has a Young Life ministry nearby, and we need adults committed to Christ who love military brats to get involved.