Ashlyn Bounds, BHS Journalism

Jessica Fleeman is the head leader in our Young Life youth group. It is located downtown, but is also located in other places all around the world. Young Life was created in 1941; however, it was just newly added to Hutch 4 years ago.

Young Life is a Christian outreach for adolescents (6th-12th grade). This focuses on what matters to teenagers – fun, adventure, friendship and a sense of significance. Their mission is “to reach every kid with the gospel.” Their method is in relationships, and their message is Jesus.

“One thing I enjoy is seeing the culture of acceptance and belonging that happens within Young Life. As we attend club, camp, and other events together, we become some kind of weird, loving family. Kids find a safe place to have fun and grow,” said Fleeman. “My favorite part about Young Life is that it feels like a family,” said Trinity Wells, BHS junior.

In the Hutchinson area, Young Life began over 12 years ago when Dr. Greg Miller moved to Hutchinson. Miller had been a committee chair for Young Life in Florida for 12 years previously. He saw the positive impact it had on his family and community. When he moved here, he believed God called him to begin Young Life in Reno Co. 

“Young Life was brought here because we believe every kid needs acceptance and belonging. We also believe every kid has the right to hear the gospel told in a way they can understand. We choose to walk with kids, regardless of their response to the gospel and we accept them where they are at,” said Miller.

Young Life is all about relationships. Leaders will hang out with teens and even come to their sports games or musicals. They will also take them out to eat and just have simple conversations with them about how their day went. Leaders also encourage teens to be their best selves and push them out of their comfort zones so they can experience a little more fun. 

“I had such a close relationship with many of the leaders. I feel heavily loved by each and every one of them and they have helped me through so much,” said Reagan Scherbarth, BHS junior. 

“We also spend time at Young Life club. Club is a party with a purpose! At club, we have crazy fun, but we also set aside time to seriously investigate the person of Jesus,” said Fleeman.

Young Life needs help getting kids to camp. When teens go to camp, it costs about $700 per kid and it's rising every summer. Teens get to experience so much fun and the whole time they get to learn more about Jesus! If you’d like to help, contact Jessica Fleeman at: (316) 518-1727 and ask her how to donate.

Contact Jessica for the next club date; all highschoolers are welcome to join!