My youth group means more to me than one person can ever imagine. Our youth group is full of kindhearted, caring, talented individuals. Plus, my youth leaders are extraordinarily amazing. They never fail to keep us united as a youth group. They plan retreats, lock ins, and other activities that allow me to build long lasting friendships with my brothers and sisters in Christ. My youth group is the support system that I have been lacking in my life, and although we may be a little dysfunctional, we love one another (almost as much as we loved God). Over the course of the years, I have come to love my youth group, and here are some reasons why.

We are a team.

Whether it is volleyball tournaments, pushing church vans in PT, or doing missionary work around the country, our youth group is united as one team, rooting for Jesus. When I first joined the youth group, I never thought that I would become so close to so many people. Today, there are so many people in the youth group, young and old, that I love, trust, and respect. I am so grateful that our youth group is more than a couple kids going to church on Sundays. Instead, we are a team, a family, brothers and sisters in Christ.

We have the most dedicated (and fun) leaders anyone could ask for.

Every single one of our youth group leaders are 150% dedicated to the youth group. I don't think that as youthies we tell them how grateful we are for them. Not only are they there for us every Sunday and Friday, but they spend lots of time planning events for us. They take time out of their daily lives to take us out places, whether it's Quickly or to a ski resort. I know that whenever I am in need of advice, I can count on my youth leaders. They are the youth group's biggest supporters and I wouldn't ask God for anyone else.

We find ways to use our talents to praise God together.

One of the most exciting parts of being in youth group was that I got to put together my very own dance team. I think I was the most excited out of the group, but that didn't mean that we were not dedicated to the team. We held practices week after week, rehearsing and learning and choreographing. Not once did any of us complain or give up. After months of rehearsing, it was all worth it because we danced the best we ever had, together, for God.

I found that learning about God doesn't have to be boring.

My youth group taught me that learning about God doesn't have to be something boring. God has a creative and wild mind. He wants learning about him to be a joyful thing in our lives, because He delights in our joy. Church lock ins and retreats showed me that I can have fun with my fellow youth members while still learning and reading the bible. Through this, I looked forward to learning about God, not only on Sundays but every day of the week.

I found my life long best friend at youth group.

I continue to meet tons of new people through youth group. Each person is unique in their own ways. When I first moved to Michigan, I didn't think I would make any friends at church. But that's when I met Danielle. Through Sunday School, we became best friends and I am so lucky to have her by my side for 8 years now. She continues to love me and support me, even after all these years. If it had not been for youth group, I wouldn't have meet my best friend in the entire world.

I've learned that mission trips are not just for those we are serving.

My first mission trip was with my youth group. We went to Washington D.C. to serve the homeless. At the start of the trip, I went to the mindset thinking that I was going to share the gospel with everyone I met. However, I learned something completely different while serving at the homeless shelter. The homeless shared the gospel and their faith with me instead. I never expected that I would learn what it means to have strong faith on a mission trip. From this mission trip, I learned that missions aren't dedicated solely to those we serve, but also to us.

We give up time from our daily lives to dedicate it to our church.

Through youth group, I learned that everyone dedicates a bit of their time to the church. I also learned that it isn't always easy. Most of the youth dedicates their time in the summer as VBS (Vacation Bible School) teachers for elementary and preschool children. I, on the other hand, decided to join my youth council. Being on the youth council taught me that being a part of the youth means dedicating time and talents for God.

We support one another as we "go against the crowd".

I wish high school was the only time when I would have to consider whether to follow what everyone else does (aka the "popular" crowd) or do what I know is right in my heart. In reality, everyone is confronted with that every day. Society questions our values and beliefs, pushing us to our limits. My youth group showed me that when I choose to live for God, I don't get the easy, simplistic life. They showed me that as a Christian, I will be tested, but when I live for someone other than myself, I can find joy and happiness that you can't find in this materialistic world.

Life is better when you have people you can rely on.

My youth group is made up of unique, talented, kind individuals. Although together, we may be a little dysfunctional, I love each and every person in the youth group. They are my family, my friends, my Tree of Life, and I can't wait to see what God has planned for all of us.