Our Week at Oakbridge!

This summer's Oakbridge trip was easily one of the best camp trips I have ever been a part of. From the kids all getting along, to the leaders doing an absolutely amazing job, to the camp staff… it was incredible.

We took 19 kids this year, and of those 19, 6 kids said "yes" to Jesus for the first time ever, and 10 kids rededicated their lives to Jesus that week. 

Please watch the following video and take a look at the pics to get a glimpse at what a week at WyldLife camp looks like! We will be going to winter camp this November 20-22, and then back again next summer (we will let you know the dates ASAP)!

About to have one of the best weeks of our lives!

Matthew meeting one of the WIlderness Explorers!

Mixers the first night.

The boys slept out under the starts the first night… it was awesome!

The food at Oakbridge is sooo good!

Unity game uniforms!

Again, that camp food is so good, Jack agrees!

Protect your leader… Matt was pretty dry compared to the other guy!

All camp pic! I see a lot of yellow!

The leap of faith.

Leaders got ruined at the carnival… so fun!

Grant, Matthew, and some pantyhose!

Max, having a blast at the messy games!

Spencer, about to do damage ith some shaving creme!

Best messy games ever!

Everyone had a blast!

Don't mess with Michele when it comes to card games!

Midnight dance party!

Water games!

Failed attempt at a human pyramid.

The high dive was a highlight! Natalie getting wild!

Archery! Kieron's got some great form!

Tyler G with the bull's eye!

The game room!

The ropes course was rad.

Spencer soaring down the zip-line.

The girls doing some awesome freestyle walking at the skatepark. 

Guys had epic pillow fights the last two nights!

Saying "YES" to Jesus!

Such a wonderful week!

Pray With Us

Best Laid Plans

Plans often fall apart at the last minute.  In fact, most of my life has consisted of well laid strategies that survive only until the first hurdle, where they all go to pieces.  Working with high school students is a similar process of continuous ideas turned into programs which have to be adjusted constantly for the simple reality that teenagers are never consistent.  Small games get thrown out when twenty extra kids show up.  Large games are downsized when a single dramatic event at school causes everyone to stay home ‘sick’.  

On club night, we had well planned games, a meticulous order of events, and a prepared 10 minute talk on Jesus.  And yet, when the start time came and went, we had only a handful of students to show for it.  We tried to come up with an eleventh hour plan and came away with only one thought...we were all truly craving some slurpees.  So, without much thought, we announced that we would be going to get some delicious icy treats.  Almost on queue, car after car of students arrived  - twenty minutes late, of course.  Yet, everyone was so excited about slurpees that we had no choice but to push forward with our new adventure.  

Unfortunately, our first gas station choice had a machine that was out of commission, so it was with mere minutes left of club that we swung by 7-11, grabbed our delicious reward, and snapped a picture.  After that, it was over.  All of our planning had turned into a hide-and-seek game for a simple cup of flavoured ice.  And yet, the students had fun, we got to still talk about life in our car rides, and everyone had a great time.  After all, isn’t this what friends are for?  Spending time together and letting them know that we don’t just like them, but we love them.  

Move Me Like the Ocean- Kyle Reynolds

Kyle Reynolds is one of our awesome Wyldlife leaders. 

He is also a very talented musician. 

Kyle is leaving this next year to work on music full-time. 

Kyle recently wrote a song that was inspired by his Young Life story. 

I asked him to write up an explanation on how the song came about. Below is his response.....

"Young Life has been apart of my life ever since I can remember and I've recently been fortunate enough to start leading music at Young Life camps. After seeing so many kids lives changed last year while playing music at Oakbridge, whether it was during "Say So" or just talking to kids throughout the week and seeing the Lord totally change their hearts, I was inspired to write this song. This song is about the kid  who is sitting in the back of the club room. This song is about me, you, and the person who has decided to go all in regardless of what is ahead and what they've been through. I hope this song can be sung and listened to as a prayer asking God to move us like the ocean. I want to step out of my comfort zone and allow God to fill me up with His strength and courage; and not rely on my own. In the chorus it says Move Me Like the Ocean, Move Me Like the Ocean, I still have my doubts, but it's time to step out in the ocean. I think this is something we can wake up every morning and ask the Lord. Everyday we have the choice to step out in the ocean, the unknown, and trust the Lord. All we have to do is say yes."

The lyrics to the song are below along with a link to his iTunes account. 

This month proceeds from the song will go back to Young Life. So take a moment and check out Kyle.

MOVE ME LIKE THE OCEAN

I know there’s  more to this at least that’s what I’ve been told

I feel alone and I’m so sick of it I need a place to call home

Can we forgive our past, lets go and not look back

move me like the ocean

Ocean

without a doubt you’re pulling me out of the ocean

Clouded by racing thoughts, I feel so far away

Told myself I’m doing fine, but was that just another lie to say

Can we forgive our past, lets go and not look back

move me like the ocean

Ocean

without a doubt you’re pulling me out of the ocean

move me like the ocean

Ocean

without a doubt you’re pulling me out of the ocean

Move Me Like the Ocean

-Dave

Young Life Bean Bag Tournament

Young Life isn't just for the kids, it's for the big kid inside you also!!!

Young Life is hosting a bean bag tournament to create a fun family filled day of Young Life. We will have things for the kids to do both big and small.

Please feel free to invite anyone you would like to join you in this tournament. 

Please sign up with the link below:

Sign Up

-Dave

High Rollers- American Idol Club

The last Wednesday in March has been known as our American Idol club for quite some time now. Each year our friends with special needs get to perform their favorite song for their friends and family. Each year this event is amazing! Our friends have an absolute ball and enjoy every moment of it. Here are a couple pics to give you an idea of the fun.

-Dave

Young Life Area Camping Trip 2015

For the past 3 years our area has made a tradition of going camping in the Spring. The reason we go is to build community among all the leaders, grow in the Lord, and rest. 

This year was another faithful example of how the Lord is blessing us. One of my highlights is when we talk about how and when we have seen God moving in our lives and ministry. 

There were a lot of "God Sighting's" this past year!!!

As an area we praised God in worship and in action. We had a solo time Saturday morning and communion together on Sunday. Each night we worshipped together and talk about God.

The Lord has been super faithful to our area once again. 

Enjoy the shots below from our very own Rachel Antoun

-Dave