Mike King

Youthfront Turns 70... Come Celebrate

RSVP now at http://youthfront.com/70years/birthdayparty for the Youthfront 70th birthday party! It's free to attend! Dinner is $5 (kids under 5 eat free). All water attractions will be open. It's on Saturday, June 22nd at Youthfront Camp West (formerly Circle-C Ranch). Camp opens at 2 pm and the main event starts right after dinner at 7:30pm. Questions? Just call our office at (913) 262-3900. Tell your friends, and bring the whole family!

Free Book Offer... Love, Loss and Life Beyond

From now until May 4, 2012 you can get a free digital book entitled A Mother's Journey of Love, Loss and Life Beyond, on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Apple.  Let me explain my connection with this book.

Recently, I received an email from Jennifer Scalise, a mother who wanted to share a story with me about her daughter, Brooke.  Just a few weeks after Brooke’s second summer at Youthfront Camp West, while on vacation with her family, she was killed in a negligent accident caused by a tour operator in Costa Rica.  This senseless tragedy became national news.  Ultimately Brooke’s mom wrote a book about her story.  Jennifer has appeared on ABC’s Nightline, Good Morning America, and World News with Diane Sawyer to tell Brooke’s story.

In her book Jennifer describes how their family did not go to church but Brooke had gone to camp (at Youthfront) and had become involved in church.  Brooke had become increasingly vocal about her love for Jesus Christ.  Her mom spoke about how gentle yet consistent Brooke was about her faith in God.  The book chronicles the process of her family’s discovery of Brooke’s deep faith and love for Jesus Christ by reading her Youthfront Camp Journals after her death.  As I read Jennifer’s book A MOTHER’S JOURNEY of Love, Loss and Life Beyond, I found myself moved to tears on more than one occasion. 

The summer that Brooke died was the summer we focused on Jesus’ parables in Luke 15.  It was amazing in the book to see Brooke's own handwritten words in her Youthfront camper manual.  She wrote about her life with Jesus.  She revealed how the parable of the Prodigal Son had impacted her.  In the camper manual we had the picture of Rembrandt's painting of The Return of the Prodigal Son.  Brooke’s mom included this picture in her book and wrote about it, “We found a picture of The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt, on which Brooke had written “God” with an arrow to the man depicting God and then “me” with an arrow to the son kneeling in front of God. We were shocked Brooke would think this way and would have viewed herself as the child kneeling in front of God.” 

I told Brooke’s mom, “We get to serve thousands of young people and minister to them.  We try to do this with a generous posture that creates space for their humanity.  Too many camps and churches try to force young people into a confining human-created mold when what is really needed is an environment that allows young people to lean into their own God shaped humanity.  Brooke definitely embraced Jesus Christ and allowed her spirit to be set free by God's life-giving spirit.

Brooke’s mom continues, “Much later, a friend looking at the picture discovered something I had missed. Brooke had also drawn and circled a distinctive mark on the back of the head of the son (the person she felt depicted her), a mark in the exact spot and in accurate proportion to what I would later learn was the most severe of Brooke’s injuries, and ultimately, the cause of death. Stunned, I moved in a fog for days after finding this, overwhelmed by the magnitude of what it proved.

This all surprised me. Brooke and I were extremely close. She had always confided in me about everything. Our love was so strong. I have many letters that she wrote to me in which she tells me that I am her best friend and we shared a bond like no other. But, as close as we were, I will admit that I was shocked to find out I was not what mattered most in her life. As we pored through what were now the greatest gifts of my life, I found a sheet that she had filled out at school, titled ‘Explore Your Future.’ Under ‘Who do you look up to?’ Brooke listed God, Jesus, and my parents. Under ‘What is important to you?’ she had written: ‘God, my family, and friends are all important to me.’ Not many 12 year olds would write this on a school worksheet in a public school. Seeing this and the other documents made me realize how her love for God was greater than even her love for me and that she viewed herself as God’s child first. As devastated as I was, it gave me peace knowing Brooke was with who she loved most.”

Brooke’s family is thankful to Youthfront for introducing her into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.  I am also thankful that Brooke’s story also involves an extension of God’s grace into the life of the entire family.  This happens all the time.  This is our mission and Brooke’s story is one of thousands of beautiful stories of young people transformed by Jesus Christ through Youthfront’s ministries.

To Stir a Movement

I am so excited about how well my friend Jeremy Affeldt's book is doing in such a short time.  Jeremy is on the 15 Day Disabled List because of a strained right oblique, which is a bummer. But he has been able to do lots of local and national radio and TV interviews. 

Get this book... it's just a great story.

Immigrants Need The Church to Stand Up For Them

We hosted around 100 Pastors, Youth Pastors and Ministry leaders yesterday at Youthfront for a focus on Immigration reform.  The event was sponsored by CCDA and featured CCDA's President Noel Castellanos.  Youthfront staff members Kurt Rietema and Amber Booth, along with Mission Adelante staff member Jason Schoff organized this informative event. 

Here is a video of the media coverage of the event.

  "When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."

Leviticus 19:33-34 ESV

Immigration Reform Lunch Briefing with Noel Castellanos from CCDA

Next Tuesday, April 23, Youthfront is hosting an event sponsored by the Christian Community Development Association.

CCDA is providing an Oklahoma Joe’s bbq lunch for pastors and ministry leaders.  The special guest is Noel Castellanos, CEO of CCDA.  He will be addressing the current issue of Immigration Reform.  Many churches in the KC metro support ministry initiatives among Hispanics which serve many whom are here without proper documentation.  Right now, immigration reform is at a critical juncture and many Christians are unsure what they can or should do about it. 

Join us from 11-1pm at Youthfront's auditorium to hear from Noel about how you can navigate your church to think differently about immigrants through Scripture and participate in making historic changes for millions of families that have been torn apart by poor immigration policy.  

Feel free to invite other key leaders, but please RSVP with the number of people who will be attending with you by emailing Kurt Rietema - krietema@youthfront.com

Youthfront Auditorium, 4715 Rainbow Blvd. Shawnee Mission, KS  66205

Isaiah 58:6-13

Isaiah 58:6-13
[6] “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? [7] Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? [8] Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. [9] Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, [10] and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. [11] The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. [12] Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

A Journey That Led to Youthfront, Sara Kline’s Story

It’s always amazing to me how God orchestrates things in our lives.  In the midst of daily living it’s harder to see what He is doing. But, in hindsight, it amazes me. Time and again, He has proven He is in control of my life.  Coming on staff at Youthfront was no different. About seven years ago, I accepted a job as Development Director at the Light House, a non-profit maternity ministry that began as a Youth for Christ ministry. I remember reading the organization history and learning how the Metsker family started the ministry, how it grew quickly and served many in our metro area. I remember feeling an affinity for this family who had such a passion for the Lord that they would give so much to start not only one, but two, amazing organizations.  Even though the Lighthouse began operating as a separate non-profit some time ago, I felt like I had this connection with Youthfront. And although I wasn’t part of Youthfront in any way (yet), we were part of a significant history together.

I worked at the Lighthouse for about a year, when I began to get involved in my church as the Youth Director. At the time, it was easy to manage a full time job and a ministry position. We had five high school students and our student ministry consisted of a small Bible study after church on Sundays. Over time, I felt like God tugging on my heart to give everything I had to the students at my church. After a few more years of juggling two jobs, I resigned from the Lighthouse and began working solely for the church.

While I knew God had plans for me in this role, I felt ill-equipped. As I sat in rooms with youth pastors, fresh out of seminary or with significant track records in ministry, I kept wondering why God chose me.   So I read…a lot.   My first book as a Youth Pastor was Mike King’s book, Presence Centered Youth Ministry. I wasn’t the typical youth pastor. I couldn’t play an instrument. I couldn’t sing. I lacked creativity when it came to catchy youth games. In fact, I never really liked youth games. So, the book gave me permission to not do any of it. And I loved it.  At first, I did Lectio Devina’s, Bible storying, and journaling. Then, something bigger happened. Kids were responding. We were all changing, myself included. Our youth group grew and I began to be very intentional about how we did youth group and ministry in general.  During my six years as a youth pastor, I began to walk alongside Youthfront. I attended pastor network meetings, took kids to camp, and read books written by staff members.I definitely feel like the ministry Youthfront offers to youth pastors played a huge role in my personal transformation as well
as that of our ministry.

After six years of ministry and raising my three girls, God did it again.   He planted a seed and I left my job as Youth Pastor. Shortly after, I accepted a job at Youthfront working as a Development Associate.  It felt surreal to begin working at this place that had been woven through my life for the past seven years. In fact, I feel like everything I had been doing up to this point, was shaping me for this next chapter.

Two Time World Series Champion Jeremy Affeldt and His New Book

On Baseball's Opening Day, Youthfront supporter, friend and associate Jeremy Affeldt releases his first book taking readers off the field and into his life story.  The story of Jeremy’s relationship with our President Mike King and his involvement in our ministry, as well as details of his active participation with Youthfront’s Something to Eat ™ initiative are featured prominently in the book.  Expected to make multiple best-seller lists, this book offers a compelling, page-turning story for all readers.  Another fan of Youthfront and five time Major League All Star, Mike Sweeney says, “Jeremy Affeldt may be a two-time World Series champion and one of the greatest left-handed relievers in major league baseball but that is just the tip of the iceberg as to the man that he is.  As you will read in this book, Jeremy Affeldt is not defined by baseball. He is defined and validated as a child and follower of the most high God.”

Affeldt, pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, tells of the ups and downs of his life and major league career beginning with his childhood spent in a military family, the impact his parents had on his life, and his tumultuous high school years.  Affeldt admits that he was often an uncaring, self-centered athlete who was difficult for his parents and teachers. So much so, that his dad kicked him out of the home on more than one occasion.   Although he attended a Christian school, Jeremy wasn’t buying any of it until a series of events led him to see his need for Christ.

After being kicked out of games and sitting the bench because of his behaviors and his attitude, one of his coaches gave him books on attitude and anger control as well as scriptures that Jeremy read mainly so he wouldn’t have to watch the games from the stands. As the Bible began to come alive for him, he was also influenced by God’s transforming work in the life of another student who had been Jeremy’s archenemy. That was the beginning of Jeremy’s close walk with Christ.

Jeremy Affeldt tells of his opportunities in baseball, his marriage to his high school sweetheart and, of course, his success including two World Series Championships – after many setbacks and injuries – in the major leagues.

The book includes Jeremy Affedlt’s passion for social justice and his humanitarian endeavors as he continues to use his time and finances to do God’s work throughout the world.   Available now, discover the side of Jeremy that thrives off the field; the side that is passionate about freeing the slave, feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty and seeking justice for the oppressed.

ORDER BOOK

The Importance of Theology and Theological Reflection in Youth Ministry

For me Jesus Christ is THE thing and the center of my faith. Youthfront's mission reflects this, to bring youth into a growing relationship with JESUS CHRIST.  Scripture, the Church, Christian History and Thought, have been vital for my faith development.  Additionally theology has been crucial for my faith journey. Theology helps me make sense of the world around me, to actively engage in faith seeking understanding, fueling my faith in the midst of challenging realities that emerge all around me. Reading Theology is one of the most devotional and inspiring things I do.  I love theology and I love youth ministry.

Church leaders and members are perplexed by decades of accumulating and overwhelming data indicating that the Christian church in North America is failing to form disciples among adolescents who stay connected to their churches.  Church leaderships first question about youth ministry is often “How many youth came to youth group this week?” followed by, “Did they have fun?” which is indicative of the reality that we have gotten way off course.  This is more than a youth ministry problem – this is a broader church problem.

I’ve been a proponent along with many associates, for a theological turn in youth ministry.  Theology is the study of the nature of God and religious belief.  A more serious encounter with faith, scripture, and truth is desperately needed.  Entertaining young people is NOT enough to build a sustainable Christian faith.  We cannot expect cheesy religious platitudes to satisfy the curiosity and intelligence of most young people who are examining the validity of Christianity.

Some Christians have downplayed the role of theology. But the reality is we’re all theologians, whether we know it or not.  Theology has to do with what and how we think about God and who God is.  Every human being is thinking about God and who God is.  C.S. Lewis declared, “If you do not actively engage in theology it does not mean you will have no ideas about God, it will mean that you have a lot of wrong ideas about God.”

Theology and theological reflection are a necessity for youth ministry to be true to Christianity and engage in Christian Formation that witnesses the salvation of young people and the development of disciples of Jesus Christ.  Certainly a theological turn in youth ministry is fuel for a much-needed correction of youth ministry practice and the progression of Christian formation.  The bottom line – If you want to do youth ministry that makes a difference you have to do theology.  What does that mean and how does it work?

I believe today’s young adults are eager to engage in deep theological reflection that allows them to wrestle with the issues that are really important and can ultimately bring deep meaning to their lives.  I believe that young people are at a unique place in their social, physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development, which gives them amazing potential to offer significant theological voices for the whole church. James and Evelyn Whitehead describe theological reflection as ‘the process of bringing to bear in the practical decisions of ministry the resources of the Christian faith’.

The role of a theologically minded youth worker is to help young people make meaning, Christian meaning for their lives.  The work of a Theologian involves – experience, reflection, and action. Helping young people process issues facing them and their friends are fundamental to theological reflection. Youth ministry is a wonderful opportunity to engage in theologically robust ministry.  Christian practice and ministry will consistently raise questions related to faith, ethics and action. Theology is engaged in most productively as a reflection of ministry.  By asking, “What was that experience all about?”  Where is God in this situation?  What is our human responsibility?  Who is Jesus for me in my everyday existence and life?  This is the kind of thinking necessary if we are going to truly build disciples of Jesus Christ that stay actively involved in the church and serve the mission of God.

At Youthfront we strive to curate the kind of environments that allow young people to engage in honest theological reflection and dialogue because it fuels faith.  Often churches don’t do this because they are fearful that questioning and critical thinking leads away from faith to unbelief.  The questions our youth wrestle with are often profound and are the same questions that have perplexed theologians over two millenniums.

Theologian David Tracy, believes that “two primary sources of theology are the Christian texts and common human experiences, and the task of theology is to investigate and correlate the two, in order to ‘show the adequacy of the major Christian theological categories for all human existence.”  At Youthfront we try to employ all of the sources of theological reflection – scripture, tradition, reason, religious experience, personal experience, community experience, culture, and Christian practices.  In all this process we uphold the Lord Jesus Christ as the object of our faith, because salvation is the work of Christ alone.

The ALL NEW Immerse Journal

At Immerse Journal, we believe in good and faithful cultural realities. For the past several years this has meant publishing seriously intelligent and creative essays on the topic of youth ministry.

But good things are meant to be shared. That's why we are pleased to announce that as of April 1 we are enlarging our focus to bring the conversation to our friends in the larger church community.

The new Immerse will sound like a person expounding. On the subjects you want. We're writing on more. And we're writing on mission.

What you love about us will stay largely the same: theological sophistication, expert opinions, and thoughtful commentary on church culture and culture overall. We had a hunch that issues impacting youth ministry must eventually be addressed in the broader ecclesial context. We knew there was more to the story, so now we want to go there too—and we'd like to bring you with us.

Beginning this spring, Immerse will publish four journals yearly. Arrangements have been made for the fulfillment of your current subscription. However, for those wishing to opt out, you'll find a refund option available inside your first issue. For the record, we don't think you'll want to leave.

 

 

To subscribe to the new Immerse Journal or find more information, please visit us at our website. Join the conversation.

  

YOUTHFRONT IS TURNING 70!

YOUTHFRONT IS TURNING 70!

Please save the date of our reunion on Saturday, June 22nd to celebrate with us at Youthfront Camp West in Edgerton, KS!

Whether from the days of Singspiration, Youth for Christ, the Rally, L-Bar-C, Circle-C, Impact, or TV-50, start passing the word and inviting your era of friends for this reunion and celebration.  We have 70 years of memories and God's blessing to celebrate together as we look forward to the future.   

 

Stay connected to youthfront.com. More details coming soon.

Youthworker Opportunities

Attn Youthworkers: Lot's of Great Training Opps w/Youthfront This Spring!

We wanted you let you know about a couple of great youth ministry training opportunities coming up in Kansas City:

April 9 Youthfront is hosting the Youth Specialties UnConference – for FREE! The UnConference is designed around collaboration, discussion and relationships. It isn’t about lectures or training but rather about learning from each other, identifying and solving problems we share in the field of youth ministry. We would love for you (and your whole ministry team) to join us at the Youthfront Headquarters (4715 Rainbow Blvd) from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm for a day of sharing life and ideas.  More details and registration online at ysunconference.com/kansas-city/

July 1-4 Youthfront will be hosting our annual Youth Workers Retreat.  We would love for you (and your spouse, your friends, your kids, your ministry partners, etc.) to join us for a few days of rest and refreshment this summer.  We’ll meet Monday evening to Thursday morning at Youthfront LaCygne to pray and play and be together. The cost is just $20 per person (with a family cap of $100.)  More details and registration online here.

Opportunities Available for meal packing!  Youthfront's Something to Eat ™ and Something to Drink™ programs are scheduling meal packing events now.  Schedule your youth group or community to package meals for the critically hungry and raise funds to give water to the severly thirsty.  Contact Amber Booth to discuss hosting an event: abooth@youthfront.com

Finally, we want yout to know that Youthfront would love to be helpful to your church.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be a resource – we’d love to pray with you, be a listening ear, suggest resources, and more.  Contact Laura Larsen: llarsen@youthfront.com or Jamie Roach: jroach@youthfront.com for more info.

The UnConference

On April 9, Youthfront will be a hosting a Youth Specialties UnConference – for FREE! The UnConference is designed around collaboration, discussion and relationships. It isn’t about lectures or training but rather about learning from each other, identifying and solving problems we share in the field of youth ministry. We would love for you (and your whole ministry team) to join us at the Youthfront Headquarters (4715 Rainbow Blvd) from 9a - 4p for a day of sharing life and ideas.  More details and registration online at ysunconference.com/kansas-city/

For the Bullied and the Beautiful

If you are a youth worker that hasn't seen this... WATCH.

UnConference - Kansas City - April 9 - 2013

The UnConference sponsored by Youth Specialties and Youthfront on April 9th at the Youthfront Auditorium is designed around collaboration, discussion and relationships. It isn’t about lectures or training but rather about learning from each other, identifying and solving problems we share in the field of youth ministry. Rather than a person or committee planning the direction of the event from the top down, the event “self organizes” from the bottom up. AND IT'S FREE, Plus the rumor is that lunch will feature OKLAHOMA JOE'S BBQ... ahhhhhhh, a perfect day for youth workers is right around the corner.  Check out the video below to hear Mark Matlock talk about the UnConference.

Stirring Imagination

Recently, Youthfront partnered with Generation Alive and Able Works to mobilize 450 high school students in East Palo Alto to package 100,000 meals for our Something to Eat™ initiative. East Palo Alto is divided from Palo Alto by a freeway. Palo Alto is a very wealthy area fueled by the success of the Silicon Valley. Apple, Google and Facebook are some of the corporate success connected to Palo Alto. East Palo Alto lies in stark contrast to Palo Alto. About 65% of the residents of East Palo Alto are Hispanic/Latino, 16% are African-American, and 10% Pacific Islander/Asian. Several years ago, Michelle Pfeiffer starred in the movie Dangerous Minds as a teacher, teaching a classroom of East Palo Alto high school students whose lives were being  destroyed by drugs, gang involvement, illicit sex, crime, etc. For a young person, living in East Palo Alto can still be a dangerous reality. In the few months before our Something to Eat™ event several young people were killed through drug and gang  violence.  The names Something to Eat™ and Something to Drink™ come from Matthew 25 when Jesus led us to imagine that when someone is hungry or thirsty and we give them food or water it is the same as giving food and drink to Jesus.

More than 450 young people from this under-resourced community moved outside of the dominating and destructive script many of them feel trapped in and instead worked to raise money to provide food for those around the world who are suffering from starvation. Most of these  young people have grown up with a script that imprisons them into thinking that they are stuck forever in a story that centers around poverty,  drugs, gangs, crime and violence. I wish you could have been an eyewitness to what happened in this Something to EatTM event. We worked hard all day and yet, these teenagers didn’t even want to take a break. We stopped for short five minute breaks throughout the event to talk and  reflect on why we were doing what we were doing – information about the world hunger crises, about the importance of taking care of each other along with inspirational thoughts. We had local artists perform Street Poetry that was uplifting and spiritually rich. It was amazing to see what was unfolding.

The East Palo Alto Police Captain spent the day with us. He was so enthused that he was on the phone talking to the news media reminding them that they were all at the recent murder scene involving young people and they needed to come and see the good things young people were doing.  I got into a conversation with the Police Captain, an East Palo Alto School Board member and a former mayor of the city. We talked about how important it was to provide the opportunity for these young people to participate in an alternative script to the broken scripts that they had grown up with and ensnared by. We agreed that these young peoples’ imaginations were being unleashed and this has the potential to alter their life scripts forever. It was also cool to learn that the Police Captain grew up in Kansas City and had served our country for many  years as a presidential appointed U.S. Marshall

Albert Einstein declared, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge  defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.” I believe Youthfront’s mission to bring youth into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ happens because we embrace the most powerful script of all – the Gospel.  The Gospel unveils a story that unleashes the imagination of those who have ears to hear. The Gospel story has the power to render other scripts impotent. Think of Jesus’ own  disciples. They fled in fear when he was arrested. They witnessed his crucifixion. They were hiding in a state of dreadful trepidation. And when a few of Jesus’ followers, mostly women, went to his tomb the Gospel story breaks forth with the declaration “He is not here, he has risen!” Still the disciples hid in disarray and confusion.  Although a few were convinced that Jesus Christ was resurrected, some, Thomas for instance still didn’t have the imagination to believe that the Gospel proclamation that Jesus was risen could be true. And then he saw Jesus. Thomas declared, “My  Lord and my God!”  I believe the Christian story properly told stirs the imagination of the listener. 

A Pilgrimage of Hope to Haiti

A Pilgrimage to Haiti by Moree Scofield

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness… Broad, wholesome, charitable views of people and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.  – Mark Twain

A pilgrimage is a sacred journey of deliberate travel; as a quest, or for a purpose. Experience will tell you that they are life-changing; one rarely returns the same. It is with this in mind, that Youthfront extends an invitation to all who are seeking broad, wholesome, charitable views that expand our imagination of God’s work to join us on pilgrimage to Haiti this July.

This pilgrimage will guide us away from our homes and our expectations.  As we spend a few days traveling together, we will connect and engage with locals of Haiti and we will learn from them.  Our time will be devoted to the present – to those we meet, to that which we see, to God.

We will see fruits of labor and sacrifice as we visit people who have been touched by Youthfront’s Something to Eat™ and Something to Drink™ initiatives.  We will visit communities who have received meals packaged by youth right here in KC and we will visit new wells that have been tapped bringing forth water and life.  Our fellowship with Haitian Christians and orphans, albeit momentary, will somehow leave its imprint on us forever.  Our times of solitude with God in this land may give us peace, yet perhaps it might disturb us.  Nevertheless, on our return home, we will be different.  We will discover that we have a pilgrims tale to tell not for novelty, but to be transformed into passionate advocates for God’s action for the poor and vulnerable both here and abroad.

Some things you should know…

This is not a mission trip.  This trip is open to participants 16 years and older, adults and parents are welcome.  Youth 14-15 may participate, however they must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them on the trip.

Estimated Trip Cost: $1,900/person (includes airfare, lodging and meals)  An additional $50-$100 is suggested for snacks and meals as we travel to and from Haiti.

All trip participants must be registered and submit the initial deposit by April 15, 2013.  Please note *late registrations may require more fees as flight pricing may increase closer to the departure date.  To register and submit your initial deposit go here.

This trip is open to 15 travelers so please contact us before April 1st to share your interest and register.  All trip participants must have a current passport.

If you are interested in joining Youthfront in July on pilgrimage to Haiti please contact Morée Scofield, the director of Something to Drink™ at mscofield@youthfront.com

Youthfront Camp Expansion Update

West Expansion Update

As we prepare for expanding Youthfront Camp West, one of the very first projects is to build a new utility building at the campsite. We are excited to announce that it is underway.

Read the full story.

Back From Croc

Back from Croc, Mexico - Amber Shares...

After serving in Croc on the Youthfront Mexico Team for the last seven years I am back in the states where I live and serve in the Argentine of Kansas City for Youthfront’s Missional Journeys program. The transition was welcome, and though at times difficult, I am seeing each day why God has me back in Kansas City. This past December I had the opportunity to join Austin Averill and Mike King in San Francisco where I witnessed something remarkable. Read the full story.

High School Senior gives Something to Eat & Drink

Local Youth Demonstrates Passion for Giving Something to Eat™

I have often had youth talk to me about facilitating a Something to Eat™ meal packaging experience in their schools or with their churches. Most times the logistics and effort required to host an event causes a youth to stop calling or emailing in order to pursue a community service project with less moving parts. For Kyle Sims there was no backing down. Kyle began discussing what it would take to host an event in August 2012 with a goal of packaging 10,000 meals. By November 11, 2012 he had handed out flyers, invited his peers, and spoke at church services until he had raised funds for 14,256 meals with an extra $450 to go towards Something to Drink™ clean water projects.

Read the full story.