Thank you!
(contributed by a Vice-Principal in Burnaby/New Westminster)
I just wanted to send a thank you note as I was just talking to a youth that I worked with a number of years ago who was extremely at-risk. He recently participated in a Camp called RockRidge Canyon. He said he had the time of his life and mentioned that the leaders are what made it so special. Thank you for making such a difference in the lives of so many youth.
My Experience at RockRidge
by Ross (South Calgary teen)
In my final year of high school I got to know some amazing people from Young Life and it has changed my life. It has given me cool friendships that I was really looking for and also got me thinking about God in ways I never had before.
I had the opportunity to attend a week at RockRidge Canyon. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The atmosphere at RRC is so comfortable. Everyone there was trying to make it the best week of my life, and it really was. The memories I made and the experiences I had at camp are priceless.
The conversations you get into at camp are incredible. We had "Cabin Time", which is basically a conversation about life with everyone in your room. I was so surprised at how personal people got. It was also a place where we could ask questions about God. It has gotten me started in figuring out for myself what I believe. It ended up being one of my favourite things at camp. I would wake up in the morning and actually want the day to be over faster just to get to cabin time sooner. The things I did at camp and the people I met there were the highlight of my summer, and probably will be one of the highlights of my life. I was privileged to have this opportunity and it was all thanks to Young Life and the amazing people who support it!
(This excerpt taken from the December 2008 South Calgary newsletter)
How Young Life Has Affected Me
by John Tedham (Grade 12 student in Calgary, AB)
Young Life has been an amazing place for me to grow up. I began going to Young Life in grade 7, and I remember being very excited about hanging out with new people. The people I met there were kind, generous, and patient. I always felt welcome and at home. When I began my involvement with Young Life, I did not have many friends. However, the leaders worked hard to make sure I felt safe. From grade 7 through to grade 12 I've barely missed a Young Life Club, and to this day I still arrange my work and social life around Wednesdays so that I am sure not to miss Club or other events.
Growing up is tough - getting all your homework done, the ups and downs of high school relationships, feeling alone even though I was in a school with 1700 other young adults. I needed a way out, I needed to talk with people I trusted, and I needed to relax and have fun. When I needed these things Young Life was there, answering questions when I asked, being a friend to me when I thought I had none.
Young Life became my passion in grade 11. I felt that if I could get people from every program in my high school to come to Young Life, I could create a circle of fellowship unguided by stereotypes. Today at Club there are young adults from the football team, band, drama, and the AP program. Young Life means more to me than I can express with words, and I would love to see myself potentially working with Young Life in the future.
(This excerpt taken from the December 2008 Calgary Centre newsletter)
|