“They wash dishes, serve tables, keep the grounds, clean the cabins, and overall help to make camp a joyful atmosphere. While at camp, campers stay in cabin dorms with their friends and leaders. Every event, from cabin volleyball tournaments, obstacle courses, square dances, and more, are designed to create shared experiences that build trust between friends and leaders. Each night, campers gather for Club full of singing and games, which culminates in the proclamation of the Gospel,” said Ross. “Campers go back to their cabins each night for ‘cabin time’ to sit and discuss what they have heard.” While at camp, campers turn in phones and technology for a full escape from outside noise. They are often fearful of doing so at first, but many will say it is one of their favorite parts about the Young Life Camp experience. “Each year over Labor Day weekend, we also take families to a Young Life Camp property in Georgia. We do many of the things we do at camp with teenagers, but geared towards families,” said Ross. “It is a chance for them to get a Young Life Camp experience, while having a weekend centered on Christ and sharing time with friends and each other.” Young Life offers kids a chance to experience good clean fun, while hopefully making a connection with a Young Life leader who will be there for them and encourage them to consider faith in Jesus Christ. “While not all kids choose to put their faith in Jesus, all involved consider Young Life to provide some of the best memories of their middle school and high school years,” said Ross. Young Life’s effect on Paducah is unquantifiable. Young Life leaders have been deeply present with teens in recent loss and heartache. Leaders truly walk with kids through life, helping them navigate important decisions and how to deal with emotion. “Today’s teenager navigates a world full of pressure, and Young Life offers a pressure free zone. Club is a place where they can relax and have fun. Each fall and summer, they can get away to various Young Life camps,” said Ross. “Young Life helps to deepen genuine friendships, and connect them to trusted mentors. Young Life will help make Paducah a more attractive place to live for young people, as it will continue to give them a place to belong and serve after their high school years.” While Young Life ministry started in Paducah in the fall of 2022, it has grown exponentially and added to our community in more ways than one. “We currently have two adult volunteer leaders who would say their lives were changed through Young Life ministry and have decided to give back as a volunteer in Paducah. Their names are Julia Helm and Matthew Kendall. Paul McKnight Jr. also serves as a volunteer Young Life leader in Oldham County,” said Ross. “We have also had 10 former students give up weeks of their summer to voluntarily serve at Young Life Camp properties.” To get involved, those interested can simply attend one of the Young Life or WyldLife meetings. These are not limited to specific schools. WyldLife is 6th through 8th grade. Young Life is 9th through 12th grade. “We also have a weekly College Bible Study. WyldLife and Young Life meetings are announced via our social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram,” said Ross. Parents can contact on socials, or via email at [email protected] with further questions. 96 NOVEMBER 2025 | INTHEVUE.COM
