More than 30 Sanford High School students gather each week for Young Life Club, a Christian youth ministry that provides a welcoming space for teens. Photo: Brett Williams.
By Jordyn Martin
Being a teenager, especially post-Covid, is no easy task. From academic pressure to stressful home lives, teens require a space where they can feel fully supported and accepted, and Young Life in Sanford is more than willing to provide that environment. Young Life is a Christian-based youth organization made up of mostly volunteer leaders dedicated to serving and being present for every young person in the local community.
The program’s area director, Laken Lenhardt, explained that adults with Young Life work to build bonds with local teens by showing up for each of them as “cheerleaders.” Some of the ways they get involved are through the school committee, school events, sports and recitals.
“We’re all about caring about the kids in our community, really trying to help kids feel seen, heard and known by showing up in their life,” said Lenhardt. “We know that so many kids are struggling. So many kids feel alone and there’s so many amazing people in the school that I personally know, but we also know that there’s so many more kids than there are staff who care, so with Young Life we try to be a part of filling that gap of caring adults wanting to be with kids.”
The Young Life program consists of a club that meets once a week for the fall and spring semester with activities such as games, songs, and comedic skits put on by the staff and volunteers in an effort to restore “energetic, innocent fun” for high school-age kids. Between semesters, a Bible study group called “Campaigners” is hosted and offered to any members who are interested, or just anyone who wants to continue bonding with other teenagers and leaders. All are welcome to attend these meetings, regardless of their faith or beliefs.
“When we have our Young Life club they’re coming because they love it, but they’re also coming because they want to make sure if there’s a new kid walking in, that kid feels welcomed,” Lenhardt explained.
Many students and volunteers get involved in Young Life through group leaders or friends who invite them to join, Lenhardt said. Similarly, most Young Life leaders say that someone influenced them when they were high school students, and they want to pass on the favor.
More information is available at the Young Life York County website or from Lenhardt directly at ylyorkcounty@gmail.com.
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