Youth For Christ Camps
Youth For Christ, YFC, camps are known around the country for their fun outdoor activities, relationship-building, and most importantly, their emphasis on Christ. YFC Camp is dedicated to raising up lifelong followers of Jesus. This is done by creating a transformational environment for young people through authentic relationships, shared experiences, outdoor challenges and times of solitude. This draws students to the heart of God.
“The vision of YFC Camp is to provide an excellent experience through which Jesus Christ would forever alter the life of every person who comes to camp — that they in turn would be driven to alter the lives of those around them for Christ,” said YFC spokesperson Joe Beckler. “For so many kids, YFC Camp might be the first time they can connect with Christ followers their own age and learn about how they can have a loving relationship with God.”
Life Changing Experiences
YFC Camp provides a safe space away from the distractions of home, and for some students, the first time they hear the truth of the Gospel. For one student, Shaylee, a scholarship provided the means necessary to attend her first YFC Camp — and changed her life.
“I started going to YFC Camp when I was about 11 years old,” Shaylee said. “I went just for fun since my brother said it was super fun. I didn’t know anything about God and honestly was just a rebel. When I went there, I met a lot of new people (who are my closest friends now). At Camp, you play a lot of games, go swimming, rock climb, and even zip lining.”
“There’s always a speaker, and the speaker is always amazing. I didn’t know anything about God when I first came to Camp, but by the end, I knew a lot about Him and wanted to learn even more. I said ‘yes’ to God the last day of Camp! Now I am learning more about Him every day.”
Life Progress with Jesus
Siouxland YFC Tri-City City Life Director Drew Curiel commented on Shaylee’s progression. “When I first met Shaylee, you couldn’t really have a conversation with her. However, she kept coming to Campus Life activities, and then YFC Camp and said ‘yes’ to Jesus. After Camp, she turned into a different person. She was still herself, but started getting serious with us and talk about her life and the struggles she faced. She had really good questions — deep questions that sometimes I don’t even know the answer to. We figured it out together though. Our relationship has gotten deeper as I’ve come to know her and her story. I am so thankful for the experience she had at YFC Camp.”
Beckler said, “Our daily themes and messages cut to the heart of YFC’s mission. That mission is to reach young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus. It’s so powerful to hear how God is working in the lives of the campers. Especially for youths like Shaylee who may not have been able to attend Camp without generous scholarship donations. Now her life is forever changed by the Gospel.”
To see a snapshot of what YFC camping and trips are like for young people, click here to watch an informative video.
