NASSAU, BAHAMAS — “How do we bring hope to a generation that seems to be hopeless?” It’s a question asked by Tyarra Ambrister, Area Director of Young Life Bahamas, as she shared with Eyewitness News the organization’s efforts to reach out to a seemingly disillusioned generation.
Young Life Bahamas, a branch of the global faith-based nonprofit operating in over 110 countries, is on a mission to share the gospel with uninterested and unchurched teens and adolescents. Young Life provides students with a safe environment for spiritual growth through clubs in schools and communities, small Bible study groups, and annual summer camps.
Their recent efforts, such as their “Walk for Hope” campaign, encourage students to be active members of change as they pray for various communities.
“The goal is always, how are we praying for people in this community and how are we connecting to them” Ambrister stated, illustrating this point by highlighting a prayer focus on the Police Station in Bain and Grants town, an area plagued by violence seemingly daily. “I know many times we criticize the police, but how many times have we stopped and prayed for them?”
The summer camps, which Ambrister affectionately described as “controlled chaos,” introduce another dimension of hope; According to Ambrister, “it’s all about relationship building.” Her favorite aspect of these camps is the “cabin time,” where leaders engage in personal conversations with campers, fostering mutual understanding and support. Ambrister underscored the profound impact of simple gestures, such as knowing a child’s name, particularly in environments where they often feel overlooked. “I’ve cried with kids, and I’ve been the shoulder for them to cry on, and I’ve built real lasting relationships,” she added.
This summer, Young Life Bahamas will be hosting various summer camps with varying activities—from devotion sessions and beach fun days to engaging activities and biblical teaching, these camps offer a holistic experience. One notable initiative, the teen mom summer camp, seeks to provide a nurturing space for young mothers to participate alongside their children. With babysitters on staff, Ambrister stated that the camp “allows them to be teens.”
The dates and locations for this year’s camps are as follows:
Eleuthera: June 20th-25th (High School Students)
Nassau: July 26th-28th (College Students), July 29th-August 3rd (High School and Junior School Students), August 3rd-5th (Teen Moms)
Grand Bahama: August 14th-16th (High School and Junior School Students)
As Young Life Bahamas continues its mission to bring hope and support to the next generation, it invites the public to join in, whether by volunteering their time, supporting its programs financially, or spreading the word.
For further information on the programs or how to donate, Young Life Bahamas can be contacted at twilson-armbrister@younglife.org or visited online at https://linktr.ee/YoungLifeBahamas.
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