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Why time spent with teenagers is time well spent
By Glyn Henman
Recently I heard a young High School student tell of the way Young Life has changed the direction of her life for the better.
Become a giving partner with Young Life today.
It was such a significant moment when you learn of the situations she has experienced.
But before I share her story, I would first like to thank the many people who share a deep concern for the future of young people and work with us to make a whole range of positive, locally-based, relational programs possible.
And if you are new to Young Life please find out more about our mission to help teenagers build confidence and grow in resilience. Some of those programs include:
- Early morning pancake breakfasts
- In-school support through sports, lunchtime clubs and homework assistance
- Young Life Club after school
- Camping experiences and day trips
- Small groups with a Christian focus
These are just some of the ways we help young people build connections and fight back against isolation and alienation.
Which brings me to Elle’s story*. Like many young people our youth leaders meet, Elle’s family life is complex but as Elle explained, in her particular case family friction and trauma nearly resulted in her becoming homeless.
When Elle met Young Life, she was an angry, unpredictable adolescent in desperate need of someone to care and help her through the emotions and decisions she was making. Someone like a big sister.
This is where Elle’s Young Life leader stepped in. At Young Life Club and Camp she discovered a place where she could unpack some of the hurt and find supporting friendships. It has changed Elle’s life. Today, Elle shares her story with others and has this to say. “Young Life saved my life. I didn’t have a family and now I do.”
You can be a transforming influence in a teenagers life by giving to Young Life. With your support, more young people like Elle will be helped.
To make a donation, visit our website www.younglife.org.au/donate or call our national office on 1300 557 647 to make arrangements in person. We’d love to hear from you.
Glyn Henman
CEO, Young Life Australia
*Not her real name
Young Life Club opens in Hawker
It’s happening. Our first Belconnen Club! And if you are in the Hawker-Belconnen area and in high school or college, you are invited…
Young Life Canberra is responsible for pancakes and Bubble Soccer at Belconnen High.
You can expect games, challenges, themes, food and a chance to relax and chat. It’s fun, a bit crazy and a really good place to hang out with friends outside of school.
The team who are leading Club are volunteers and are known to students at Belconnen High for running the pancake breakfast.
Young Life Australia runs camps as well as Clubs, including a national Summer Camp held in Jindabyne every January.
“So come along, don’t miss out. We meet this week on Thursday, 12th April, and every second-week starting next term in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10,” says Alex.
What: Young Life Belconnen, a youth group for all high-school and college-age young people
When: Thursday, April 12 at 3.36pm and every second week from the beginning of Term Two.
Where: Corner of Beetaloo St and Belconnen Way (Christ Church Hawker)
The venue for Young Life Belconnen, Christ Church Hawker
For more information about Young Life Canberra, email Alex Lee or call 0427 208 778.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @Younglifecanberra
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Young Life Staff gather
Young Life Australia’s annual staff gathering took place this week.
The team flew in from around Australia to plan, train and share their experiences working with young people.
“Thanks to everyone who has taken part, particularly those who have shared their knowledge and experience,” says Glyn Henman, Young Life Australia’s CEO.