Winter Blast 2025

We had an great turnout for Winter Blast, with 34 kids joining us on Friday night and from noon to 10 PM on Saturday! Young Life staff traveled from Ketchikan and Wasilla to help make the weekend special. We gathered at Sitka Assembly of God, with delicious meals and snacks provided by generous individuals, by the Episcopal Church, by Sitka Christian Center, and along with generous donations from Sea Mart.

Jonna and Ken from Wasilla kept us laughing with their hilarious skit as “fashion rain gear designers,” getting the kids involved in a variety of fun games. Spenser from Ketchikan Young Life led us in singing, and Aaron shared three messages breaking down the story of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15. After each talk, Emily, Iris, and Ken shared parts of their own stories—describing life before they knew God, how God met them, and how God is transforming their minds and hearts. Their stories were a highlight!

The weekend was packed with unforgettable moments, from Silent Disco and field games to "Bigger and Better" and the ultimate night game, "Grog." Both kids and leaders walked away encouraged, and many took meaningful steps of faith.

Thank you for your prayers, support, and for being part of the team as we reach out to Sitka and beyond!

We Blasted

 

This past weekend was so great! In so many ways God showed up and we all had a wonderful time. There were so many games and stories, so much laughter, and so many ways for leaders to share God's love in many activities- whether through sharing life stories or playing cards.  Thank you so much for your prayers and support! For a full description- please click the following link.

 link. https://ylsitka.blogspot.com/

WINTER BLAST THIS WEEKEND

Hey all! Please keep Sitka Young Life in your prayers this weekend as we host our annual outreach camp, Winter Blast! ❄️

We have a record number of kids signed up and are expecting a beautiful weekend with three amazing Young Life leaders traveling in to help. Thank you for your prayers and support—we couldn’t do this without you!

Here are a few pictures from last year’s Winter Blast to give you a glimpse of the fun ahead! 😊🎉

Youth Alive

This month, I had the privilege of meeting with students from Sitka High School who started Youth Alive, a weekly Tuesday gathering for those exploring faith in Jesus. Please keep these incredible young people in your prayers, and thank you for your continued support!

Meet RJ

RJ Sitka, Alaska Mt. Edgecumbe High School Senior RJ is a senior this year at Mt. Edgecumbe High School and is involved with Sitka Young Life. RJ was raised in both Sitka and Hoonah, a village of 800 people 60 miles northeast of Sitka. Coming to a new school was a big adjustment for RJ, but he found a home on the wrestling team. RJ is an athlete and quickly found success in both wrestling and basketball. Last School Year he won a state title in wrestling and began attending a Young Life bible study when his basketball teammate invited him. RJ said that those early morning bible studies allowed him to dive deeper into his relationship with God and his faith. Through those bible studies, he met a leader at a local church and he became more involved there too. 

God has really been doing a work in RJ's life and his coaches acknowledge there is a night and day difference in him this year. RJ is helpful, and concerned about his teammates. His new goal is to make others better and he is a constant positive voice. He wore a shirt that said “Jesus is King” to the first day of practice and he encouraged others to look to God too. Teachers are noticing a difference too. In the last few years he often let his grades slide and this year he has straight A’s. One of his teachers also noted that when he finished his work in class, RJ pulled out his Bible and started reading. His Heather couldn't be happier that her son is choosing to seek after God. His relationship with his sisters has changed and it has been so amazing to see the difference that God has made in RJ's life. Aaron has been one of RJ’s wrestling coaches and has seen a big change in him. He has had many talks with his mom, his sister, his teachers, and his peers. God is really changing this young man's life. RJ is just one of many kids that have been impacted by the Sitka Young Life team. I am so thankful that there has been a Young Life presence at Mt. Edgecumbe for the past years to point kids to Jesus Thanks for your prayers and support!

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Where we are going in SYL

"Going bananas"  at weekly club

Direction for Our Future: Goals for the Coming Year

• Encourage and Support Adults to Engage with Kids: We aim to equip adults by collaborating and learning effective strategies to connect with the next generation.
• Encourage Spiritual Growth through common Christian practices: teaching kids to read and study the Bible, teachings about prayer rhythms and strategies, and connecting young people to churches around Sitka.
• Assist Schools Facing Challenges: With shrinking budgets and increased student needs, we volunteer in various roles such as lunchroom supervisors, tutors, and group advisors, providing practical support and offering prayer.
• Hire Part-Time Staff: Expanding our team will elevate leadership and empower others to make a greater impact.
• Offer Hope in Times of Tragedy: This year, Sitka has faced numerous accidental deaths and suicides, and we aim to continue shining Christ’s light and hope to youth and families in difficult times.
• Deepen Faith: Helping kids and everyone involved in Young Life take the next step in their walk with Jesus and in their service to others.
• Impact Youth Across the State: Through connections with students and alumni of Mt. Edgecumbe High School, we encourage youth work through collaborating with churches and Bible camps throughout Alaska .
• Build Bridges Between Generations: Continuing to connect adults with kids while educating on generational differences and effective communication.
• Reach Every Young Person: Our goal is to connect all 1,000 young people in our community with caring adults who can share the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Thank you for being a part of the team that has seen so many good results this year. We are excited about the relationships we've built with kids are look forward to what's ahead 2025! Merry Christmas! 

MEHS Alumni at the the Young Life All-State conference

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What kids are saying about Sitka Young Life

Recently we gave a survey to 35 students asking their thoughts about Sitka Young Life and here are some of their common responses:

What do you enjoy about Young Life?

• Being with friends and making new friends

• Getting closer to God and the Bible studies

• The games and activities

• The talks and learning more about Jesus

• The energy in the room.

• Having A LOT of fun

  

How has Young Life helped you grow?

• In friendship as we learn about God together

• Grow in my relationship with God

• Read the Bible more and to better understand it better

• Find myself and be more confident

• It helps me grow to be a better person

• It helped me find the meaning of life

• “Young life has helped me grow closer to God and it makes my days better when I read the Bible and talk about God with friends. I’ve gotten so much more knowledge about stories in the Bible and gotten to know more about Jesus.” 

Words of thanks to a Young Life Leader

• For giving up time to do all this for us high schoolers,

• For spending time with us

• For pulling me out of my comfort zone

• Being positive, welcoming, and fun

• Helping me get on the right track for life

• For your words that have reached many of our lives.

Thank you for all you do to reach the lives of kids!