Organization approaches adolescents with planned fun and companionship

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Young Life is a world-class organization for adolescents. Staff and volunteers enter the world of kids, focusing on what matters to them - fun, adventure, friendship, and a sense of significance. In doing so, the members believe they earn the privilege of talking to them about the truth about God and his love for them.

Out There: Young Life goes into the world of kids, crossing barriers to build bridges of authentic friendship. Its volunteers enter their world with no expectation of who kids should be, but with every hope for who they can become.

Inviting: Young Life is like one big "party with a purpose" where all are welcome and treated like honored guests. It may be club - the best night of a kid's week; or just the invitation to spend time with a leader who has become their friend. But before the party ends, a message is shared about God's love for them.

Changed Lives: Young Life believes that every adolescent deserves a chance to consider the Christian faith in terms they understand from people they trust. The group encourages those who want to grow in their faith to explore it in study, deepen it in service, share it in leadership and celebrate it in a church of their choosing. And it respectfully continues to share and spread the message with those who choose otherwise, because friendship and love in Christ come without conditions.

Firm Foundation: Young Life is making a difference in the lives of kids around the world because it is supported by adults who care about kids in their community. Staff and volunteer leaders are trained in time-tested methods of relating with adolescents and are equipped by a world-class organization dedicated to effective ministry.

Believe it or not, a church service isn't always the best way to approach a teenager curious about his or her purpose in life, but who has rejected pastoral direction.

It's not that church is the wrong place," said Matthew McGovern, area director for Lycoming County Young Life, an interdenominational Christian youth outreach. "It's just that sometimes they don't need to be preached to," he said.

Young Life attracts teenagers who just won't step foot in church at all, he added.

The local chapter of the organization is celebrating its first anniversary.

"We're not a competitor of churches, but rather, a component to them," McGovern said. "We don't present them with that - sort of bias, if you will - but help them engage in conversation and enjoy themselves."

"We're really a world class organization for adolescents," McGovern said. "We have no agenda, don't proselytize or preach, and we're not affiliated with any church," he said. "We try to be positive role models in their lives."

Founded in 1941, Young Life is a non-denominational Christian ministry committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young teens and adults through the friendship and influence of caring mentors.

Adults and college students in the group take time out of their day to be with kids where they congregate, such as sporting events, movies and the malls.

If interested or curious about God, the volunteers will arrange meetings in the students' houses.

The local chapter began as a result of violence and senselessness in the city at the start of January 2008.

Amy Logue-McNamara of Montoursville said she was planning her 40th birthday celebration, but after hearing that seven people had been shot in the city on Jan. 4, 2008, believing it may have been the result of teenagers involved in gang initiation, she canceled her birthday party plans.

Instead, she encouraged friends and family to give monetary gifts to Young Life.

"I woke up in the middle of the night and prayed for guidance," McNamara said. "I heard God say to me, 'Think of someone other than yourself.'"

While the other people randomly shot throughout the city have since recovered, one man, Randy Speck, 47, died.

"I thought of how his 18-year-old daughter was left behind without an earthly father," McNamara said.

So she decided the best way to reach out to other teenagers was by raising money for the organization.

After one single letter, more than 125 people attended a dinner-reception at 33 East, among them philanthropists that helped her raise $64,000.

Randy Speck's mother, Jane, and his daughter, Brittni, believe enough in Young Life that they were willing to give a donation.

Because of the local donations kick-starting the organization, volunteers were able to begin to offer services last July.

Young Life is especially important to youth who don't have God in their life, McGovern said.

Through group outings, McGovern encourages youth to develop faith in God and ultimately worship at their own church.

"We try to send them back to the church they grew up in," McGovern said. "We're trying to get kids excited about having faith in their life."

Programs put forth are designed to change young lives and make a long-term difference in these lives. It teaches respect, self-esteem, respect for others and understanding God, he added.

The local chapter consists of four volunteer leaders who work directly with students and a team of six adults. Four of the volunteers are from Pennsylvania College of Technology and one is from Lycoming College.

It also has an adult committee, chaired by McNamara and her husband Tom.

Another special aspect of the group is called Club, which McGovern described as a party with a purpose. It's a lot of fun, craziness and music. At the end, group leaders give a 10-minute talk, to discuss God and their faith.

Every summer, the group goes to camp.

"Young Life owns 22 resort-quality camps across the nation," McGovern said.

Starting June 14, the Lycoming County group heads to a camp in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York.

"We spare no expense," he said.

The trip to Saranac Lake Resort includes high adventure such as parasailing, wake boarding and lake activities.

This will be the first camp trip and already 21 students and leaders are signed up from Montoursville High School, McGovern said.

All fundraising has been done locally through banquets, car washes, yard sales and coffee sales. The group does accept monetary donations from individuals, businesses and churches, McGovern said.

"We have to be sustainable," McGovern said. "Our disadvantage is not being connected to any church so we are always trying to secure and look for partners."

McGovern, a 1996 Lycoming College graduate, became involved with the organization after receiving a calling. He was working at Kuhns Brothers Log Homes and, while it was good work, it wasn't totally satisfying.

"At the end of the day," he said, "I had a feeling I was selling a want and didn't sell a need."

McGovern said he volunteered with kids and youth through his local church, cub scouts, AYSO and camps.

"While I enjoyed building my business career, I always felt like there was something missing and that was kids," he said. "Once this opportunity came across my lap, I quickly jumped at it, knowing it would be a very challenging but fulfilling position."

McGovern hopes excitement spreads, as he intends to spread from Montoursville to other areas of the county.

"We're currently working with students at Montoursville High School, but would like to expand to other school districts," McGovern said.

"It's continues to be a blessing," he said.

McNamara said the work done by volunteers in the youth organization has impacted the lives of many people, including Randy Speck's mother.

She said, "Now her son's death isn't going to be in vain," McNamara said.