The "Why" Behind the Policy

As a ministry, our mission statement is to "introduce kids to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith." We are committed to ensuring that every kid has an opportunity to know who Jesus is and respond to His invitation to put their faith in Him (however, we understand that not every kid will, and they are still welcome to participate in Young Life activities). Because camp spots are limited and we are committed to our mission, we have created the 2nd and 3rd timer policy.

Kids who would be considered a 2nd or 3rd timer also have other options in lieu of or in addition to a traditional summer camp with Young Life. Some of those options include Work Crew (a month-long service and discipleship opportunity at a Young Life Camp for high school sophomores through just-graduated seniors), Discipleship Weekend over Memorial Day (an opportunity to dive deeper than they would at summer camp in their understanding of a relationship with Jesus) or Adventure Camping (Beyond Malibu, Santa Cruz, or a Mission Trip). Adventure Camping is organized by leaders and a group of interested kids with support from the Young Life office. Typically, there would need to be 5-6 kids + a leader to make this happen, minimum. ​

Second and Third Timer Policy

High School campers who have been to YL camp as a sophomore or junior once before are considered "Second Timers" under the Young Life second timer policy. Second timers to our Senior High camping trip will be immediately placed on a waitlist until they have 2 friends from the school they attend recruited to camp who have not previously attended a Senior High YL camp.

High School campers who have been to YL camp as a sophomore or junior twice before are considered "Third Timers" under the Young Life third timer policy. Third timers to our Senior High camping trip will be immediately placed on a waitlist until they have 3 friends from the school they attend recruited to camp who have not previously attended a Senior High YL camp.

Deposits will be refunded to the 2nd and 3rd timers who do not make it off the waitlist.

There are no exceptions to this policy.

The How

It's important to us to keep the registration process clear and concise. In order to do that, there are a few key details to know: On the registration form there will be a space for first timers to write who recruited them, and spaces for second and third timers to write who they recruited. The names must match on both the first timer's registration AND on the second or third timers registration. If the names do not match, the second or third timer will not receive approval for that recruit.

Second and third timers may only recruit first timers from the high school that they attend. After the registration process, you will receive an email with your status. If you are on the waitlist, it will tell you how many recruits you need and what place you are on the list. Once you have all of your recruits, you will be moved to the go-list provided that we have camp spots still available at that time.