YoungLife is a Christian organization which helps introduce high school students to God and grow in their faith. The program operates in all 50 states and impacts over 1.5 million students. At Olentangy the program continues to grow and bring new students into a life of faith every day.
“I have seen YoungLife change peoples’ lives for the better so many times. I see so much more kindness and patience at my school because of the people coming to YoungLife,” Lily Zemanek ‘27 said.
Leaders of Olentangy’s organization all attend college at the Ohio State University. They went to YoungLife when they were in high school and noticed the impact it can have on the world, which motivated their choice to become a leader. Each leader starts by shadowing and getting trained before they get placed at a school where they would start their voluntary career.
“Leading YoungLife at Olentangy has truly changed my life and starting to lead is one of the best decisions I ever made,” YoungLife leader Zach Shields said.
Every Monday they get together at 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. Mondays are focused on events and fun activities to do to build the people closer together. There are Events like trivia, game night, club, paint wars, pickleball and pool parties. Those nights end with a 10-minute talk about the gospel. The activities encourage students to attend and have a fun time and hear about Jesus.
“I feel like I have seen the tool of YoungLife bring deeper friendships and purpose to the lives of high school students at Olentangy,” YoungLife leader Sylvia Fulks said.
Wednesdays are for Campaigners. Campaigners are formatted in a similar structure as a bible study. One of the leaders sits and preaches to everyone else. Students get to read scripture, pray and collaborate with their peers on conversations about what they read and learned. This builds faith more and more. Olentangy has around 50 kids show up every Wednesday to hear about the gospel. Each talk is targeted to be able to apply to their high school lives, which is different from a church service because it relates more to their age and generation.
“Because of the questions we get asked at Campaigners every week, it has given me the opportunity to dig deeper into the questions and answers in my faith with confidence,” Zemanek said.
Jack Young ‘26 was baptized by one of his leaders. He is a junior and has attended since freshman year.
“It’s a place where everyone is welcome no matter where they are in their faith or if they even have faith at all,” Young said.
YoungLife encourages students to attend camp and Fall Weekend. Every summer students travel to spend a week in one of four different locations: Timber Wolf, Rockbridge, Lake Champion and Sharptop. Camp is an opportunity for students to commit to God and choose to grow in their faith. Alongside lessons about God, the camp has activities like jet skis, skit nights, ropes courses, volleyball, cabin-based competition and worship.
“Camp allows you to create deeper and stronger bonds with your friends and make new ones to last a lifetime,” Mara Fife ‘27 said.
YoungLife changes lives each day. The community has been built so strong, and students’ spiritual knowledge grows and continues throughout their life. It is a place everyone belongs.
“One of the most rewarding parts has been watching my friends and peers grow in faith because of YoungLife. Seeing how it has changed lives is incredible,” Young said.
Permission to print photos from @olentangyyl and Mara Fife.
