Impact One is hosted by YoungLife, which is an organization that focuses on making sure teenagers know that there are people in the world who care about them and who they can talk to if they do not have that already at the school or even at home.
“We just really want them to do something that we could come into the schools and hang out, be positive mentors to kids.” volunteer McKenzie Morris said.
Every week, volunteers from YoungLife come to BHS with four bursting boxes from Bearscat to encourage new people to show up and add to their growing group. Many students stay for the whole 45 minutes, but some ride the bus and only have enough time to stop by for a donut and head to class.
“Well, we bring four dozen donuts and they’re always gone,” said YoungLife staff member Mike Keller. “I would say there’s usually 30-50 students that show up.”
YoungLife is a Christian based organization that focuses on going where kids are and building personal connections with them, providing fun, life-changing experiences and working in a community alongside like-minded adults (volunteer leaders, committee members, donors and staff)
“Young Life is where I can be myself – broken and all – and I can trust that I will be loved and accepted for who I am.” said Kyle, an active part of YoungLife’s youth.
There are plenty of volunteers from YoungLife that show up every week. Mike Keller, Medora Sletten-Lauf, Mason Graves, McKenzie Morris and Jake VanHermelen are all of the volunteers/YoungLife staff members that show up. Some BHS staff members that show up regularly are Melissa Hill, Ann McKenzie and on a rare occasion, Landon DeKrey.
“I go not just for the free donuts, but I go for the community,” said BHS AVID teacher Landon DeKrey. “I feel like it’s a family and all the students feel a sense of belonging within that group.”
Every week there is a new game to play or a new competition to win. Some of the games are pretty basic like volleyball and basketball, but the most popular game at Impact one is Mat Ball, which is always suggested by at least a couple students each week.
“They [games] are all really fun because it helps connect and reach out to new people,” said BHS freshman Emma Strand.
Many students have not heard of Impact One and are missing out on quite an experience. When at Impact, the opportunity to meet many new people who are all super friendly arises. All the volunteers know every student that shows up every week by name and try to learn all new students’ names as soon as they can.
“Our mission is to reach out to high school students because they are cool,” Morris said. “We like them.”
Being a part of Impact One is like being a part of something bigger. It is a way to meet new people, have fun and enjoy being with other students.
