Who doesn’t love a good video that captures the heart and personality of Young Life? Well, this is the blog you’ve been waiting for! Out of thousands of videos, we’ve chosen the top 10 Young Life videos of all time!
How did we choose these?
Lots of prayer and discernment … and a little help from metrics. We selected the videos that received the most engagement or stood out based on their unique style and impact. Starting in 2008, the lines around “best Young Life videos” get real blurry as video production equipment becomes more accessible, leading to a boom in areas making their own videos. We are incredibly thankful for how easy it has become to share Young Life’s story worldwide.
So, without further ado, let’s explore these standout videos, grouped into categories and presented in no particular order.
THE OLDIES
Disclaimer: Some of these older videos reflect cultural norms of their time and may include elements we no longer embrace. However, the heart and mission of Young Life shine through in every era.
A TIME FOR LIVING (1970)
This is arguably the most famous Young Life film/video ever (big shoes to fill)! This film was created to market Young Life camps (Silver Cliff, Frontier Ranch, Castaway Club, Saranac Village, Malibu Club, Woodleaf Towne, Windy Gap, Beyond Malibu, and La Vida) and the mission of Young Life camping.
Delivered to the mission via film reels, it highlights the joy and freedom of Young Life camping. From getting off the bus to making new friends to getting out of your comfort zone and being able to be who you truly are. The smiles, laughter, and deep reflection captured here still resonate with present-day Young Life campers. That consistency is amazing to see!
THE YOUNG LIFE STORY (1951)
This was the first-ever Young Life “explainer” film, featuring some of the early pioneers of the mission like Jim Rayburn, Andy “Goldbrick” Delaney, and Bob Mitchell. It’s a peek into the early 1950s Young Life, showcasing its camping and outreach methods while reflecting on the mission’s consistent heart of men and women globally sharing the story of Jesus with kids.
Fun fact: Before the 1970s, most Young Life footage was shot on 16mm film. Bob Mitchell used to talk about Jim Rayburn telling him to go buy a cheap 8mm camera, and Bob told him, “Nope, the mission is too important for the cheaper format. We need the good stuff.”
Just think how shocked those people would be with the ease and quality of smartphone videos today?!
JUDY MAKES A DATE (1950s)
This quirky narrative film follows a camper heading to Frontier Ranch for the first time. With its campy tone, it reveals the playful personality of Young Life that’s always existed.
A LIVING LEGACY (1998)
Welcome to the 1990s — anyone remember standard definition television? You’re in for a treat.
From film to video tape, A Living Legacy was delivered to the mission in late 1998. It was the last of the “long” form era of videos coming in at a whopping 12 minutes in length.
The voices in the video represent staff from all over the United States diving into the five C’s of Young Life — contact work, club, Campaigners, camping, committee — and culminating in the “Rayburn Prayer” at the end. You’ll see some of the first features of former president Denny Rydberg (1993-2016).
MOVE TO MODERN
MADE FOR THIS (2008)
Did you know that “You Were Made For This” wasn’t our tagline until 2008? What better way to announce a new Young Life logo and tagline than a video at the 2008 staff conference! This video was a creative way to engage with our staff on these changes. (Talk about staying on brand no matter what with that bright green background …)
LEADER PROFILE: CAPERNAUM (2011)
In 2011, Young Life set out to capture a handful of profiles of leaders around the mission. This one holds up well for its age and is still fun to watch after all these years by radiating joy and staying true to the present-day Capernaum ministry.
You see a powerful glimpse into the heart of Capernaum with notable quotes like, “They teach you more than you’ll ever teach them,” and “The most exhausting but most joyful thing he’s ever done.” It’s not only the lives of kids that are changed.
MARV (2012)
This behind-the-scenes gem highlights the often-overlooked workers who make camp happen. Through the story of Marv, a camp landscaper, the video compares these unseen heroes to those who prepared for the Last Supper. It’s a reminder that every role at camp contributes to the gospel experience.
Also, two videos on this list from one conference?! The video department was hitting on all cylinders that year.
IT ALL STARTED WITH A PRAYER (2016)
Created for Young Life’s 75th anniversary in 2016, this powerful video connects the mission’s history with its future. What better way to celebrate a major milestone than a video to remind us all of where we’ve been and where God is calling us to go? Still used to inspire new staff and donors, it’s a testament to Young Life’s consistency and faithfulness.
BELIEVE IN ME | NYC (2018)
This video was created in 2018 for the NYC region and is a beautiful expression of Young Life in the city. Kids are starving to be in relationships and to be seen. “When you start to believe what you are capable of, it really starts to change you.”
Fun Fact: While this video looks expensive, it wasn’t the priciest. That title goes to A Time for Living (1970), which cost $51,000 — or $390,000 adjusted for inflation! Keep in mind it was the main film used for over 10 years. So the return on the investment was much higher than the videos we now use for six months and move on from …
YOUNG LIFE | THE PROMO (2020)
This promo was created in 2020 for Cleveland Young Life; it was subtly modified (with their permission) for use by the greater Young Life mission. A fun and relevant look at what it is that drives us to preach the gospel to adolescents, no matter what!
BONUS VIDEO
JIM RAYBURN SUPERFAN (2012)
This staff conference favorite stars a young Pete Hardesty in a playful tribute to Young Life Founder Jim Rayburn. Filmed at the Service Center in Colorado Springs and Frontier Ranch, it’s a nostalgic and humorous nod to the mission’s early days.
Each of these videos capture the essence of Young Life through the decades, from its pioneering beginnings to its modern-day creativity. Which one is your favorite?!
