Have you ever wanted to visit a place where there are no distractions, fun activities while learning about the greatest story ever told?
Many South students were able to escape St. Louis over the summer and headed to Castaway Club in Minnesota for 7 days of Young Life camp.
English teacher Anton Ruiz serves as a leader in Young Life and also attended the camp.
“Young Life camp is a place where teenagers can experience complete fun and joy without any distractions,” he said.
Ruiz said Young Life camp is also a way for teenagers to have stress-free fun. According to the organization’s website, there are 31 camp locations in the United States.
“Nowadays most teenagers may have a lot of going on with stress and just personal things in life that’s throwing them off. Young Life Camp put a smile on my face every day of the week while I was there and I recommend others to visit,” Ruiz said.
Junior Luke Watkins went to camp this year and said it was the best week of his life.
“I recommend every to go out and experience what life is like at the camp you won’t regret it,” said Watkins
This was junior Carter Lewandoski’s second time going to Young Life camp. Last year he went to Carolina Point in North Carolina.
“When I saw how happy everybody was and how much I bonded with my friends,” he said. “It also isn’t a specific group or only certain individuals that should check out Young Life–it’s a place for everyone.”
Ruiz commented on some of the activities that go on at camp.
“We do a lot of high-energy activities at Young Life. Some of that include sports, singing, dancing, etc. Some people may not be interested in those things, and that is completely okay,” he said..
The lack of a phone usage may be where some people draw the line but although there’s no electronics allowed at Young Life camp, that didn’t stop junior Sienna Breen.
“I actually enjoyed it. I liked it more than having my phone. I think it allows me to be more social,” she said.
Junior Carter Lewandowski says he enjoyed attending Young Life camp.
“I saw how happy everybody was and how much I bonded with my friends,” he said.
Young Life doesn’t end when summer ends. The youth group meets every Monday at students’ houses.
Ruiz said he thinks Young Life can help students deal with stress.
“I think Young Life is the most unique club that’s offered to students because there is no pressure to compete or duty that you have to fulfill. The goal is for teenagers to experience joy and feel removed from pressures of high school,” Ruiz said.
