Many Young Life leaders would agree with me when I say that being part of Young Life is being part of something extremely special. You get to form bonds with the students, other leaders and of course the Lord! Every Young Life city does things a little bit differently but overall things are pretty similar. Because of this, Young Life leaders tend to have many things in common.

1. You often think or say the words "It's for the kids"

2. Your ability to feel embarrassed is diminished because of all the crazy things you do at club and camp

Pie in the face, eating a banana that is being served to you from a student's feet, lip sync battles, and many many more.

3. Almost everything you own is Young Life related

Your clothes, mugs, stickers on your water bottle and much more.

4. Everything inspires you for club theme or game ideas, including but not limited to: Beyoncé, the nacho section at Cub, or your neighbor's cat

5. You make yourself vulnerable for the sake of the kids hopefully growing in a relationship with the Lord

6. You know exactly where to go to find/buy wigs, slingshots, props and costumes

Not only do you know where to go, you are considered a regular there.

7. "God in the bod", "Meeting kids where they're at", and "Y the L not?" all mean something to you

8. You get just as excited (maybe even more excited) about camp as the students

They come excited for the fun, you come excited for the possibility that students will find the Lord at camp!

9. Your calendar is filled with coffee dates with various students and other leaders

10. "ANNOUNCEMENTS! ANNOUNCEMENTS! ANNNNNOOOUNCEMENTS!!" *Horribly and ungracefully throws paper into the air*

Telling yourself that you will perfect this with more practice is normal.

11. Putting flamingos in friends' yards, buying loads of coffee, washing cars, willingly shaving your head and learning how to bake, all in the name of raising money to send kids to camp

12. You can't listen to the song "lean on me" without inserting the unnecessary words into it

"For (5!) it won't be long (short!) 'til I'm gonna need (elbow!) somebody to lean on".

13. A very random time is one that sticks in your head the most, because it is club time

"Club at 7:34, see you there!"

14. Occasionally feeling exhausted and insecure

But still knowing you are fullYLoved.

15. Asking tough questions, having deep conversations, and knowing how to listen well and love well

One of the most important parts of Young Life and one of the most cherished parts as well.

Although this picture does not go perfectly with any one point, I feel that it wraps it all up well! Good luck YL leaders, keep loving, caring and spreading the word!