YoungLife making strides in Kokomo

Nationwide Christian ministry reaches out to kids ‘where they are’

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Cole Braun was enjoying his life as a college student and baseball player, but an arm injury cut his playing days short. He returned to Kokomo looking for a new direction. He found it with YoungLife.

“At the end of summer 2021, I got reached out to about being the first staff person for YoungLife,” said Braun. “I was really kind of unsure what I was dealing with in life at that point. It was a little bit shocking, because I had never heard of YoungLife, even though it's been around since 1941 and is in more than 100 countries and in every state.”

Braun always assumed he would enter the ministry, following in the footsteps of his father, Jason, who is currently expanding his DADCAMP ministry in Kokomo. YoungLife seemed like a perfect fit.

“It seems like it's supposed to be,” said Braun. “It was a good time and for me to just kind of finish up school and do this as a part-time thing originally, and last October, I went full-time.”

YoungLife is a ministry that targets kids who do not have a faith background, Braun explained. Using engaging activities, trips, and regular get-togethers at the Kokomo Family YMCA, YoungLife introduces kids to the Word. It is non-denominational and is provided at no charge to participants.

The group meets twice a month during the school year, providing opportunities to interact with their peers in a safe, constructive environment. A short Bible story is shared at each session. And for those who already are active in their faith, a deeper Bible study is offered separately at “Campaigners” meetings.

But the ministry is more than a twice-monthly get-together. YoungLife is known for reaching out to kids where they are, Braun explained.

“YoungLife is a relational ministry,” said Braun. “It is part of my job to pour into our volunteer leaders who in return join me in pouring into the students. It is not an event-based ministry because we know high school students already have busy schedules and do not need another event to add to their schedule. Our leader model is to show up on students’ turf for things such as band, sporting, or any other school events.

“Everything we do is open to any and all students, even those with a faith who may already be involved in a local youth group. We believe and know that every kid needs encouragement and can benefit from experiencing the fun and joy we try to provide at our events.”

Through the summer, YoungLife offers an activity each Monday, from cookouts to volleyball nights to just hanging out. During these meetings, the volunteer staff promotes respecting one another and good fellowship. It is a chance for kids to be heard, Braun said, and to be validated.

Summer also means camping. YoungLife maintains camps all over the U.S., and the Kokomo organization organizes a trip each year. This year, the group will visit the Clearwater Cove YoungLife camp in Lampe, Mo. That trip takes place July 18, and Braun said there are still five slots available for youth who would like to attend.

Cost is not an obstacle for any of YoungLife’s activities. Though the camping trip and other activities do have expenses associated with them, between fundraising and donations from the community, thopse costs aren’t passed along to the kids, Braun said.

“There is no charge,” said Braun. “Camp is a little more pricey, but with the way we do things, like fundraisers throughout the year, we can provide these experiences for the students.

Once school is back in session this fall, YoungLife will really pick up steam. Already, Braun and the volunteers are planning out events and activities. And they’re looking for more help.

“We're talking about doing a ‘fifth quarter’ event,” said Braun. “It would be a hangout after football games in the fall; a fun, safe environment for students. We would love to partner with local churches to do it. We don't want to be a competitor with what they are doing. We’re looking for people who want leadership opportunities and want to invest in students.

“There are a few churches we've talked to, and decent few that have plugged in, whether that's being on a committee or being volunteer leaders themselves. So, it's been it's been a cool introduction to the Kokomo community so far.”

Beyond that, YoungtLife offers other programs which Braun would like to implement in Kokomo in the future. While the main program ministers to kids in high school, there is also WyldLife, which is directed at middle school students, Capernaum, which caters to special needs students, and YoungLives, which focuses on teen mothers.

“As we grow and build a team, we hope to establish these parts of the ministry as well,” said Braun.

Connecting to YoungLife online is easy. The local organization maintains a presence on Instagram at kokomo_yl and its own website, www.kokomo.younglife.org. Or, Braun can be reached directly by calling 765-461-4900.