You don't need a background in ministry. What matters most is a love for Jesus and a heart for teens. As you get to know young people by name, we'll walk with you through training, mentorship, and support, equipping you to help make Jesus known.
Lead with love. Live with purpose. Step into the joy of walking alongside teens-knowing them by name, sharing life together, and discovering how Jesus transforms us as we make Him known.
We are a Kingdom minded mission community of Christ followers - loved by God the Father, committed to the way of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
We are relentlessly relational. In our everyday living, we communicate about Jesus, not only with words - but with our very lives.
We exemplify the nature of God through fun, humour and experiences. We create opportunities for each unique teen to belong.
We love God's word and act under its authority. From scripture - we learn, teach, grow and proclaim the good news of Jesus.
We desire to see all teens become fully alive in Christ - lifelong, resilient disciples who continue to grow in their relationship with Jesus and are integrated into the local church.
In our desire to glorify God, we are committed to high quality in all our ministries: field work, camping, and mission services.
We are committed to reaching every type of teen across Canada. We aspire to see Young Life thrive among every people group in our country and from coast to coast.
God has entrusted us with people, property and resources that we are accountable to care for. We take this seriously, acknowledging the generosity of God and His people.
Step into the lives of teens, build real friendships, and watch how Jesus brings transformation in their lives and yours.
Faith isn't just belief-it's lived out! As you lead, you'll put your love for Jesus into motion through presence and consistency.
You're never alone in this mission. You'll find encouragement, prayer, and support from a team of leaders & mentors walking with you.
The greatest reward isn't recognition-it's seeing teens encounter the hope of Jesus and knowing you played a part in their story.
In Young Life, leadership begins with presence. We step into the lives of teens, show up consistently, and earn the right to be heard through genuine friendship. Out of that trust, the love of Jesus takes root, faith grows, and lives are transformed.
Training that equips you for what you're doing. Friendships that last you two life times over. Community you can count on when you need it. Growth that transforms you and those around you.
Imagine Young Life in your community - a place where teens gather for laughter, adventure, and conversations about faith.
You don't need a background in ministry. What matters most is a love for Jesus and a heart for teens. As you get to know young people by name, we'll walk with you through training, mentorship, and support, equipping you to help make Jesus known.
Leaders usually give a few hours each week, spending time with teens, showing up at club, or leading a small group. What matters most is being consistently present and knowing teens by name. As you walk with them, you'll have the joy of making Jesus known, and we'll help you find a rhythm that fits your life.
No, there are no fees to be a Young Life leader, and all training is free. At times, we set aside weekends for leader retreats, which come with a small cost, but these are an important part of being refreshed and connected as a team. We also go on team-building trips or join teens at camp in the summer. When those opportunities come up, we fundraise together-because just as we want every teen to know they belong, we want every leader to experience the joy of being known, growing in community, and making Jesus known too.
Jesus does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. God works through ordinary people. If you love Jesus and are willing to step into the lives of teens, He will use you. Young Life is about building authentic friendships, knowing kids by name, and pointing them to the One who already knows and loves them.
We go where teens are, enter their world, and walk alongside them in real life. Our mission is simple: to know them by name, to earn their trust through friendship, and to make Jesus known. It's not about programs, it's about presence, relationship, and transformation through Christ.
FAQ answer here...
FAQ answer here...
"What I like about young life is that everybody's so kind and so nice to you. I really love Young Life Capernaum because it's fun and I get to talk to people, and that's what it's all about and if you're sad you get to talk to them. I really like Young Life because they have so much fun ideas and we get to do so much fun stuff and I just love it and I love everybody at Young Life."
"Hey, I'm Noah, recently embarking on my role as a volunteer WyldLife leader to grade 6-8 students this year. A distinct calling from God has stirred my heart, leading me to volunteer with Young Life. This experience has proven transformative, fostering personal growth in my community connections and deepening my walk with Jesus. Enjoying moments with children and sharing meaningful experiences is a source of profound happiness for me, and I look forward to the rest of this year."
"The training and team support made stepping in easy. I feel equipped, encouraged, and more alive than ever as I lead."
"Serving with Young Life has filled my days with purpose. The conversations I have with teens challenge and bless me in ways I hadn't expected."
"Balancing school and leading is doable - and deeply worthwhile. Young Life helped me find a rhythm and a place to belong."
"I've had the pleasure of being an Educational Assistant at L.Y Cairns School for 7 years and have experienced many changes over the time, but none as positive as having the pleasure of knowing the staff & students of YoungLife!!! It's been an absolute pleasure to see them on the mission field engaging teens and building lasting friendships, playing games, going for walks to buy Timbits and Slushies, and sharing about their faith in Jesus Christ."
"I joined Young Life because of the meaningful impact it had on my own teenage years. I see the heart of this organization and its people and I value their commitment to youth. As a mother of a teenage girl, this has never been more purposeful to me than right now. I delight in being of service to a vision that has a strong desire to see our young ones thrive in safe environments that embody their innate longing for belonging and identity at such influential ages. The relationships they form now are pivotal in setting them on a path that will either nurture their identity or lead them astray. I'm honoured to be on the nurturing end of that impact with a team that is so devoted to our children."
"The training and team support made stepping in easy. I feel equipped, encouraged, and more alive than ever as I lead."
"Serving with Young Life has filled my days with purpose. The conversations I have with teens challenge and bless me in ways I hadn't expected."
"Balancing school and leading is doable - and deeply worthwhile. Young Life helped me find a rhythm and a place to belong."
"Hi! I'm Maddy and I love Jesus, fishing and crafts! I'm a High School student who volunteers as a Junior Leader for WyldLife Club (Gr. 6-8). I want to encourage young minds to seek the Lord. We all have our journeys and YoungLife has played a big part in mine. Building these friendships has helped me gain confidence, personal growth and I'm passionate about helping others do the same."
"I have just begun the Young Life Leadership program which is fun and challenging as we learn to be leaders in life. I have also recieved training to be a Buddy and now visit LY Cairns with Jenny. I enjoy this very much as this used to be my school. It is great to go back and hang out with teens and see my old teachers. I like to be there for the teens and make them feel like they are wanted and are special."
"I volunteer as a Junior Leader for parkland WyldLife (Gr.6-8). I enjoy the outdoors a lot! Fishing, camping in the bush, climbing mountains and also sailing. I am currently working on my apprenticeship in carpentry and finishing up high school. I am involved in Young Life because it gives me a chance to lead and show Jesus's love to teens through my actions. It is amazing to see how kids' lives are changed and watch them come out of their shells."
"Serving with Young Life has filled my days with purpose. The conversations I have with teens challenge and bless me in ways I hadn't expected."
"Balancing school and leading is doable - and deeply worthwhile. Young Life helped me find a rhythm and a place to belong."
Teens don't need perfect people-they need present people. If you've ever wondered how God could use your gifts, this is it. Reach out. Start a conversation. See where it leads.
