In the summer of his freshman year, junior Bryant Powell was talking to junior Brooke Neri when she mentioned that she was in Young Life, a Christian youth group, and that they were meeting at one of the other members’ houses. Powell then went after his football practice in hopes of meeting new people and trying something new.
When Powell went, he was overwhelmed by the feeling of community. Since then Powell has attended most meetings, worked at a Young Life camp in North Carolina and met people around the U.S. who also wanted to learn more about Jesus.
“Everyone is nice and respectful; there’s no hate, no drama,” Powell said.
Young Life is a faith-based community in Mount Prospect that consists mostly of Prospect kids, but everyone is welcome and the organization has no connection to Prospect. Young life started in 1939 in Gainesville, Texas, by Jim Rayburn.
He started the first Young Life, as he wanted to introduce kids to the Lord. Since then, Young Life has caught on and he has created communities in almost 104 countries, according to the Young Life website.
Mount Prospect’s Young Life was specifically created by a group of parents in the area roughly three and a half years ago. They heard about the organization, wanted it in the Prospect community, and started fundraising for it. After about a year they hired Lizzy Heuer as director.
Heuer took the position because of her faith. She understands that high school can be hard and wants to cheer on other high schoolers as they navigate challenges, while also creating a safe space for them to decompress.
“It’s just to give them a space to find purpose and hope and [for them to] realize that they are not alone and that they’re so loved,” Heuer said.
In the next few years, Young Life hopes to continue growing, forming a larger organization and teaching kids that they can be themselves and be accepted.
Powell did not grow up in the church, nor did he intend to grow his faith before attending Young Life meetings and camps. However, he now attends church regularly and feels he has formed a close relationship with God. He also found a positive, helpful, community that helps him keep his relationship with God. The group continually checks in with him and supports him every step of the way.
“Being around so many people that have a similar mindset to you or like to have relationships with God kind of pushes you towards Jesus and talking to him,” Powell said.
Young Life’s first meetings are held at various members’ houses, and other meetings are at places around Mount Prospect like Chick-fil-A or Tropical Smoothie Cafe. They consist of group bonding, and then, as the meetings go on, they become more faith-based. They usually start by reading and discussing Bible verses and how they apply to their lives. They also enjoy listening to worship music, talking about their weeks and playing games like Capture the Flag.
The community there is very welcoming according to senior Anna Mead, who attends the meetings regularly.
Mead was also trying to figure out her faith, and she was looking for a Christian community when she found Young Life.
“I’ve never met people [that] were so genuine and fun,” Mead said.
Young Life has given Mead a community where she found adults and kids who care and want to be there for her and show her she is valued.
With the welcoming community, Powell has attended some of the Young Life camps. Towards the end of August, all the Young Life groups in the U.S. get the opportunity to come together at the Young Life camp.
If you’re a camper you stay for one week, while if you’re a volunteer you get to stay for three weeks. Although Powell has been in the shoes of both the camper and the volunteer, he prefers volunteering because he gets to stay for longer and do more of the behind-the-scenes work. At the camp, you meet kids from other Young Life groups nationwide, play games and worship together.
“There’s never a dull moment,” Powell said. “You’re always doing something.”
Some of the activities at camp include cabin talks, speeches from leaders, Bible studies, worship time, ziplining, water sports and more.
Being at this camp has taught Powell many things, but one of the most important lessons he learned was feeling safe in the community.
“Sometimes it’s okay to put your faith in people and put your trust in people, and there are communities who will accept you no matter who you are or what you’ve done,” Powell said.
Mead has also learned important lessons she will carry for the rest of her life.
“I learned I don’t have to worry what other people think of me because everybody’s different, and I don’t have to shape myself a certain way,” Mead said.
Young life has made an incredible impression on Powell and kids like him.
“Young Life has been a highlight in my life. I look forward to it every week. It has truly changed my outlook on life,” Powell said. “I am a lot better, and my faith and relationship with God would not be where it is today without my leader and Young Life group. They truly have been like another family for me.”
