Younglife is a Christian based ministry that spreads knowledge to students. It works with middle school, high school and college students. This ministry is spread all throughout the country and in over 100 countries.
Altoona Younglife has five leaders. Their names are Nolan Rogers, Alana Rogers, Mara Bollinger, Alyson Hollingsworth and Andrew Moyer
“Our leaders are some of the best,” junior Baylin Smith said. “They’re incredibly patient with us. They are some of the strongest, most open minded people I’ve ever met.”
While Younglife is a Christian ministry, students can be involved no matter what their beliefs are.
“It is a Christian Organization, but anybody is welcome,” Altoona leader Nolan Rogers said.
Younglife provides opportunities for students to grow their faith and their relationships with the community and others.
“Younglife gives students the opportunities for people to have community and new friends,” Rogers said. “It also gives them opportunities to step up in leadership in different aspects.”
Young Life meets two times a week. The meetings are called Club and Campaigners. Club is a night where there are a lot of games, music and activities. Campaigners is a smaller group bible study.
“Club is essentially a big party,” junior Jackson Sipes said.
Club happens once a week throughout the whole school year but takes a break in the summer. Campaigners go throughout the whole year.
Throughout the year, there are many students who go every week, but there are also newcomers.
“The promise of a fun time keeps me coming back, knowing that I am going to go there and get closer to friends and get to sing songs and dance around at night,” Smith said.
While Younglife meets two times a week during the school year, it also provides other opportunities for students to go out and experience new things. During the summer, students have the opportunity to attend a week long summer camp at a Younglife facility.
Last year students went to camp at Lake Saranac Village, New York.
“It was one of the best weeks of my life,” sophomore Darby Hollen said. “It was such a unique experience; I could not describe it in words.”
This year students will be heading o Lake Champion, New York for camp.
“I am most looking forward to camp so I can see others grow in their relationship with Christ and honestly, have so much fun,” junior Derek Musser said.
Younglife at Altoona provides students with many opportunities to build community and make new friends.
“Younglife has changed everything about my life,” Sipes said. “We’re [ students who attend ] all friends. It is one big friend group.”
They are always open to returners and newcomers.
“I think something people should know about Younglife is come try it out,” Sipes said. “It is a very fun time and you get to see some friends. The vibe is very open to newcomers.”
