The last bell of the day rings and school is over. In Kitsap and North Mason Counties, there are nearly 30,000 youth ages 11-19 that are in sixth grade to seniors in high school . . . many without plans for the rest of the afternoon. Through a partnership with three local churches in Bremerton and Poulsbo and an army of volunteers, Youth For Christ steps in to provide Teen Centers for these kids.
According to Joe Koski, Development Director for Youth For Christ, “It is a safe place for kids to go after school with video games, board games, snacks, and tutoring help. In a really great way, it is chaotic.”
At its core, the Campus Life ministry combines healthy relationships with creative programs to help young people make good choices, establish a solid foundation for life, and positively impact their schools. Primarily run by volunteers, the programs at the Teen Center sare a great community builder for the kids who participate, but also for the volunteers.
“The centers are a cool thing for the community; both the retired volunteers and the kids are excited to see each other,” said Koski. Normally, a big day has about 60 kids per center. Days and times of the program vary by the center and are influenced by the school district schedules.
The centers are not really about ministry but hang out time for the kids. “Conversation may bring up gospel, but there are separate times for that in the youth group clubs. “All kids are welcome and about 99% of the attendees are not church-based kids,” Koski said.
With three to seven volunteers per center, YFC is always looking for volunteers. Some former program kids come back to help out. “They don’t do it for themselves, but I hear all the time how much the volunteers get out of it,” said Koski. “They are always thinking about them, baking for them and, in some cases, praying for them.”
Youth for Christ Teen Centers
yfcwestsound.org
BY LYNN CASTLE