An exciting after school youth group is welcoming high schoolers across the county. Western Loudoun Young Life is a religious organization for high schoolers located in the Purcellville, Round Hill, and Hamilton areas. Young Life started in the early 1930s with the mission to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. They also have groups that meet for middle schoolers, as well as college students. These groups meet all over America and in over 100 countries around the world. Students that attend Western Loudoun Young Life meet Wednesday nights for “Campaigners”, for a deep dive into the Bible. Once a month the group meets for “Club”, where they have fun activities and events such as paint wars, dodgeball tournaments, and bonfires. Regular Young Life attendee, Sophomore Mary Grace Clegg says “My favorite event so far has been paint wars. We dressed in white and threw paint at each other, and at the end we had tie-dyed shirts.”
Young Life has their own sleepaway camps where different areas come together and have the opportunity to grow in their faith and have fun with their peers. Students can also have the chance to serve others and volunteer at various camps. Junior Katie Tully’s favorite part about young life is getting to go to camp. “I get to go with my friends and have no worries or responsibilities for a week.” Her sister sophomore Erin Tully, shares how she started attending because of her sister Katies experience. “I could see how summer camp had affected her in such a positive way, and she told me it was the best week of her life. I was hesitant at first, but I’m so glad she invited me.” Unplugging from technology and having time to be present adds to the excitement and experience of camp.
Other than camp, Campaigners and Club give high schoolers the opportunity to connect locally. Junior Thomas Mazeika from Loudoun Valley High School shares how his experience has affected him. “Young Life has helped me in my walk with God and it has also given me the most amazing people to call my friends.” Even though they are rivals, Woodgrove and Valley students come together and share a common interest: community. “My favorite part about Young Life is the community it has and the friends I have made through it. I love that it gives me the opportunity to surround myself with people that have the same faith as me,” sophomore Abby Doherty shares.
If a student is interested in meeting new people, having fun, growing in their faith, or attending a sleepaway camp, Young Life has something for them. “I would absolutely recommend other high schoolers to go to Young Life. It is such a great experience building your relationship with God while having fun with your friends,” Mazeika shares.
