Young Life is a nationwide Christian ministry that’s making a difference in Fluvanna. It was originally created with a simple but powerful goal: sharing God’s love with young people. Seventy years later, those same ideals have grown into a vibrant, welcoming movement that focuses on reaching and connecting with high school students. The goal? To introduce them to the message of Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith.
What if there were a place where students could grow in their faith while having fun at the same time? That’s exactly what Young Life is all about. The best part? Young Life is open to all students, regardless of background, beliefs, or personal circumstances.
“Young Life has truly helped me deepen my connection with friends and with God,” said FCHS sophomore Mallory Esch. “It’s about building real, Christ-centered relationships that last. The leaders are so encouraging, and every week I leave feeling more grounded in my faith. I think everyone should try it at least once—you might find exactly what you’ve been looking for.”
Here in Fluvanna, the program has quickly become a meaningful part of student life, officially starting this school year. Since September, the weekly “Campaigners” Bible study, which began with only five students, now draws up to 30 students or more. That kind of growth speaks for itself—students are finding something real, welcoming, and life-giving in this community.
Christopher Markham, one of the local Young Life leaders and a teacher at the middle school, shared how personally meaningful the growth of the program has been.
“I grew up in Fluvanna and went through the high school. There wasn’t Young Life or anything like it at the time, but I really wish there was. Having that presence around me could’ve saved me from a lot of trouble. So I hope we can provide that stability and foundation for high schoolers now,” he added.
The philosophies and methodology of the Young Life program are included in their Five C’s of Young Life:
- Contact Work
This is where Young Life leaders show students how much they care by simply showing up, whether it’s a school event, student sports game, or other occasion. This continuous outreach to students is referred to as “contact work,” but many people just know it as being friendly. In Fluvanna, leaders like Christopher Markham and Sara Gretz are often seen showing up to student sporting events or making small talk with students to check in. It’s all about building trust and showing students that they matter outside of official events. - Club
This is where many students gather at someone’s house or a public location to participate in activities and games. The goal of the club is to bring in as many students as possible. Club does not currently take place in Fluvanna, as the program is still relatively new, but students and leaders are excited to change that soon. - Campaigners
Young Life Campaigners is a weekly Bible study specifically for kids who wish to learn more about their faith through engaging studies and opportunities to develop leadership skills. At these Bible studies, leaders encourage kids to grow in their faith and apply the teachings to their everyday lives. A typical Campaigners night starts with snacks, followed by casual time and students reconnecting. Then everyone settles into a space for a Bible passage and open discussion. Some nights involve deep conversations, while others focus on prayer or personal challenges. - Camp
The organization’s summer camp takes place during either June or July, and the program aims to grow individuals in their faith while also offering a variety of activities, all within a positive environment. Fluvanna plans to take a group of kids to camp this summer. This year, Fluvanna students are headed to Rockbridge Alum Springs in Goshen, Virginia, one of Young Life’s premier camp locations. - Committee
The committee is a group of adults who care about making a difference in kids’ lives in their surrounding area. These adults have a shared vision to create positive change and provide support to the kids around them. Through collaboration, planning, and action, the committee works on various initiatives that aim to enrich the lives of young people.
Why should students consider coming to Young Life? Young Life is about more than just meetings or events—it’s about fellowship, building relationships, and growing spiritually. For me, Young Life is an invitation to share my faith and theology with other students in a welcoming environment. These ideals are something that resonates with many students involved in the program.
“When my parents started this program, we just had a couple of people who met once a week for Bible study. We would also take trips down to Goochland to participate in their club. One of the biggest reasons I think people should come out is because of the fellowship and relationships I have been able to make with new people,” shared junior Jonathan Gretz.
The core mission of Young Life—to offer lasting identity and value in Christ—resonates deeply with its leaders. As Markham notes, “Most of the time, high schoolers are looking for identity, value, satisfaction, etc., in all of the wrong places. I know I was in high school, and that got me into some weird places later in life. The only true foundation is found in the Lord. Our job is to just help teens get there sooner rather than later.”
The momentum behind the Young Life movement in Fluvanna is growing stronger. With a core group of students, dedicated leaders, and a strong, supportive community, the vision for the future is full of potential.
“Over the summer, we’ll be taking a group to Young Life camp and continue doing our Bible study. Next school year, we plan to beef up the fun club portion of Young Life and invite more people to come and see what the Lord is doing in Fluvanna,” said Markham.
So whether you’re a regular attendee or just looking to check things out, whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher, there’s a place for you at Campaigners on Tuesday nights. Bring a friend and be a part of what God is doing in Fluvanna.
The Campaigners Bible study takes place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., Tuesday evenings at 123 Island Hill Road in Fluvanna. Snacks and activities are provided, as well as Bibles if you need one.
You can check GroupMe for schedule changes and upcoming events, or email Christopher Markham at [email protected], Sara Gretz at [email protected], or me at [email protected]
