A purchase can be about more than what you take home. At the Young Life Store, every purchase helps us reach young people around the world with the hope of the gospel.
The Young Life Store offers merchandise that reflects the heart and values of Young Life, helping leaders and supporters represent the mission wherever they go. Even more, a portion of the money from every purchase goes directly back to support Young Life’s mission, funding initiatives that help reach adolescents, equip leaders, and strengthen communities.
Through givebacks, grants, and strategic partnerships, the Young Life Store is turning everyday purchases into opportunities to make a lasting impact.
Creating Belonging, One Summer Tee at a Time
In summer 2026, the Young Life Store’s Summer Tee Giveaway provided 10 areas with up to $500 each toward summer camp T-shirts. The shirts helped students feel connected while at camp and provided a lasting momento, but the stories from camp reveal an even greater impact.
This summer, South Central Denver students experienced an unforgettable week at Young Life’s Crooked Creek Ranch. One recent high school graduate had spent the past year getting to know his Young Life leaders, attending Campaigners Bible studies, and asking questions about faith. At camp, he surrendered his life to Jesus. Rather than seeing graduation as the end of his Young Life journey, he began thinking about how he could return to his former high school as a volunteer leader and invest in other students. He’s even bringing his two younger brothers to WyldLife camp so they can have the opportunity to encounter Jesus, too.
Another student, who came from an Ethiopian Muslim family, also chose to follow Christ during the week at camp. Now the only Christian in his family, he’s looking for ways to share the hope he’s found. He’s expressed a desire to become a Young Life leader and serve on work crew.
These stories remind us that camp is about more than a week away. It’s a place where students encounter Jesus and begin imagining how their own lives can impact others.
Providing Hope and Practical Support
In December 2025, the Young Life Store gave back $30,000 through seven grants awarded to mission units — five grants of $5,000 each and two grants of $2,500 each — to support a variety of ministry initiatives.
For YoungLives Boston, the grant helped make camp possible for 11 young moms, five mentors, and the childcare needed to bring them together. Funding helped cover camp costs and transportation, while duffle bags and toiletries met practical needs for moms experiencing housing insecurity.
Three moms made decisions to follow Jesus during the week.
One mom attended camp for the first time with her daughter. She reflected on the kind of parent she wanted to become and her desire to break cycles of generational trauma. After choosing to follow Jesus, she connected with a mentor who continues walking alongside her as she works toward permanent housing and employment stability.
She recently shared that camp helped her begin praying in the middle of the night instead of scrolling on her phone when she couldn’t sleep.
Making Room for Life-Changing Relationships
Another of the seven mission units used its $5,000 grant to continue investing in Campaigners, supporting four existing groups where students can grow in their faith and build relationships with caring leaders.
One high school student had been struggling with substance use, violence, and relationships that encouraged revenge. During a conversation at a local restaurant, he opened up to a leader about his challenges, including a recent hospitalization.
The leader listened, asked thoughtful questions, and continued reaching out to offer support. A couple of weeks later, the student returned to the group with renewed excitement about the Bible. Over time, he began expressing a desire to teach others and share the gospel. Though his journey has included setbacks, he’s also begun choosing prayer over revenge.
Investing in Future Global Leaders
The Young Life Store’s impact extends around the world through its partnership with Young Life’s Developing Global Leaders (DGL) program. The Store currently sponsors three students, empowering them to be leaders in their community and the world.
Many DGL students are the first in their families to attend college. Alongside their education, they serve as Young Life leaders in their communities and receive ongoing ministry and leadership training.
Through this partnership, students are equipped to become leaders who invest in others, opening doors to new opportunities and helping challenge generational poverty.
A Legacy of Giving Back
The Young Life Store has a history of supporting the mission in meaningful ways. In celebration of Young Life’s 80th birthday (five years ago), the Store gave $80,000 back to the mission. It has also helped provide summer staff devotionals for Capernaum, supporting leaders who serve alongside friends with disabilities.
From camp T-shirts that foster belonging to grants that support young moms and Campaigners groups, to scholarships that equip future global leaders, each initiative reflects the same heart: using the Store’s resources to strengthen Young Life’s mission.
The next time you shop at the Young Life Store, remember that you’re doing more than buying merchandise. You’re helping equip leaders, support local ministries, and create opportunities for young people to encounter Jesus.
One purchase may seem small, but together, these purchases help create a ripple effect that reaches students, families, and communities for generations to come.
Want to be part of the impact? Visit the Young Life Store to shop for your favorite Young Life gear and gifts. Shop with purpose and be part of the ripple effect!
