YFC volunteer spends 100 nights outdoors

YFC in Northern Maine

In Northern Maine, where temperatures can reach -45 degrees on some winter nights, one volunteer braved 100 nights outdoors in the cold to spread the word about Youth For Christ. Former YFC student Katahdin is now a volunteer himself with YFC Campus Life and wanted to help the ministry that has had such a significant impact on him.

Kayla Thompson, Ministry Director of YFC Northern Maine, describes YFC’s local impact, “YFC Northern Maine is located in Howland, walking distance from local Penobscot Valley High School and Highborn Middle School. We offer (YFC) Campus Life programs such as Macaroni Mondays, which is a safe place for middle and high school students to come hang out and have a meal together with mentors. We also have weekly food delivery services, community events, and a summer food program.”

It started with 30 nights outdoors

For Katahdin, his time as a student volunteer at YFC Northern Maine strongly impacted his life. Wanting to give back to the program that meant so much to him, he decided to sleep outside in a hammock to raise awareness for YFC Northern Maine. He started with 30 nights just to experience the challenge, which quickly spanned to 100 days.

Temperatures in the negative degrees, accumulation of snow, and lack of expensive gear drive most people inside quickly. However, Katahdin knew that he had a bigger purpose. He explains his motive as “perspective.”

Katahdin explained, “The environment you are in dramatically affects your attitude. YFC is a positive and safe place for youth to break their cycles and in an uplifting environment. We want you to sponsor a safe space, a positive change of perspective and the future dreamers— sponsor a life changing experience.”

YFC is a positive and safe place for youth to break their cycles and in an uplifting environment.” – Katahdin, YFC Volunteer

Katahdin chose to spend 100 nights outside to bring awareness to his local YFC chapter and to ask people to support the youth who are seeking to change their own perspective. Many students are looking for a change in their own life and Youth For Christ is the place that they can find a positive change and meet someone who loves Jesus.