What happens when an insurance salesman calls a pastor to sell him life insurance? It changes the salesman’s life forever. Paul Evans became a Christian that day, which led to him and Connie, his wife, hosting a high school youth group in their home. That decision then led to the founding of Youth Dynamics, a Skagit County nonprofit youth program that has helped thousands of youths and spread to three states.
“That first year [of youth group], 124 students made decisions to follow Jesus,” shares Kayleigh McClay, one of the Anacortes staff members. “Inspired by that experience, Paul and Connie felt called to continue reaching young people. They prayed for financial support to enter full-time ministry and when it came through, Paul left his insurance job and Youth Dynamics was born.”
The nonprofit is what they call a para-church organization. “We’re not part of a specific denomination,” explains Kayleigh. “Our staff and volunteers share a common Christian faith, and we partner with many local churches – both denominational and non-denominational – to support youth in our community.”
Free Anacortes Youth Program Impacts Community
Youth Dynamics was founded in 1970 as a way to bring the Christian faith to local teens while providing a safe place for them.
Today, the need for places like Youth Dynamics has grown. Teens are more stressed, more troubled and in need of guidance. A study from Barna Research group in 2018 said only 4% of teens today have a Biblical worldview, teens are twice as likely as adults to identify as atheists and they spend half the time outdoors as their parents did at the same age. Suicide, peer pressure, bullying and other social issues are growing. And all this was before COVID.
The Anacortes youth program helps teens with these issues in a safe environment. “Teens today are searching for connection, identity, purpose and hope,” shares Kayleigh. “At Youth Dynamics, we provide a safe space for honest conversation and authentic relationships. Our goal is to walk alongside young people and introduce them to the One who gives lasting hope: Jesus. We have an incredible team of caring adults who are deeply committed to pointing kids toward that hope.”
Youth Dynamic weekly programs for local middle and high school students are free. They have drop-in programs on Wednesdays for both age groups. On Tuesdays, they have high school Bible Studies and, when there is interest, they expand these gatherings to Mondays as well.
“We’ve seen students build lasting friendships, find supportive mentors, and open up about difficult things they’re walking through,” Kayleigh says. “Some discover or deepen their faith. Others step into leadership or bring friends along.”
They also have special events that may have a small cost and paid adventure trips. “Once a month, we plan a bigger event, like a game night or outing,” shares Kayleigh. “In the summer, our focus shifts to outdoor adventures and Monday Fundays. Thanks to generous donors, scholarships are available for anyone who needs help.”
Year-Round Camps for Youth in Skagit County
Something unique about the Youth Dynamic programming is that they offer not just summer camps, but year-round camps for youth in Skagit County. While summer camps are naturally the busiest, campers get to experience all kinds of fun depending on the season. In the summer, rafting, kayaking and horseback riding are just some of the activities. In winter and spring, they offer rock climbing, skiing, hiking, backpacking and more. Each trip is tailored to the group and designed to challenge, connect and inspire
“Through outdoor adventures like rafting, climbing, or snowshoeing, kids build confidence, face fears, and grow in surprising ways,” says Kayleigh. “More than anything, they know someone is showing up for them.”
Camps are structured to allow for teamwork, adventure, socialization and time for reflection. “Students are guided by trained leaders and encouraged to disconnect from their phones, take healthy risks, and build stronger relationships with God, with other students and with caring adults,” Kayleigh adds.
Since 1970, Youth Dynamics has expanded to offering programs throughout Washington, two locations in Idaho and one location in Oregon.
“I feel different ever since I came to Youth Dynamics,” shares one Anacortes Middle School student. “The people are really cool around there and don’t judge you for who you are. And I started to read the Bible a lot. What I discovered about God’s love is how precious it is.”
To learn more about their free programming as well as their summer camps, you can visit the Youth Dynamics website.
