Youth Unlimited Celebrates 100 Years

Youth Unlimited, which has deep roots in the Christian Reformed Church and serves a range of students, churches, and communities through mission experiences and events, is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Established in 1919 as the American Federation of Reformed Young Men’s Society, and then including a Young Women’s Society branch in 1932, Youth Unlimited has evolved and grown into what it is today.

“Youth Unlimited has a long and storied history of partnering with the local church to deepen students’ faith and assist youth ministry workers in relevant and exciting ways,” said Rick Zomer, executive director of Youth Unlimited. “From our first convention event in 1920 and first summer mission trip in 1960 to the present day, we stand in awe of the work God has done through Youth Unlimited and the number of lives affected,” he added.

Zomer assumed the role of executive director at Youth Unlimited in 2018 after serving as the director of Next Generation Engagement for the Reformed Church in America. Before that, he served in several leadership roles at Calvin College. Youth Unlimited is recommended for one or more offerings per year by the CRC.

Currently, Youth Unlimited primarily serves students and churches through weeklong mission experiences across North America. Each summer more than 1,200 students and volunteers mobilize to minister in communities throughout the United States and Canada through SERVE.

SERVE mission trips are all-inclusive, five- to seven-day service trips for middle school or high school students. The students go into communities in the U.S. and Canada to care for and restore their world in an environment where they’ll encounter the concepts of justice and missional living.

The goal of SERVE is to be a faith-forming experience where the communities, congregations, and students who are involved all experience lasting transformation. “Youth Unlimited offers more than mission experiences for teens, but SERVE has proven time and time again that the experiences and lessons learned are truly life-changing,” noted Zomer.

Youth Unlimited has also successfully developed and launched various ministry support tools and curricula, staged large-scale events for teens and youth ministry leaders, and partnered with other ministries to increase their reach in sharing the gospel with teens.

“Our experiences have been wide-reaching over the years,” said Zomer, “but everything Youth Unlimited has done has been with the same primary focus — supporting church youth leaders to more effectively speak truth into teens’ lives and share the love of Christ with them.”

With excitement, Zomer noted, “During our 100th anniversary this year, we celebrate our past and all God has done for and through Youth Unlimited. But we also look forward with great anticipation as the Youth Unlimited team prepares for new and exciting ways to continue our ministry and, ultimately, to continue making an impact on our world for Jesus Christ.”

To celebrate the 100 year milestone, Youth Unlimited is planning several special events throughout 2019, including a golf outing, convention appearances, a celebration at Inspire 2019, and two celebration dinners. Visit www.thereforego.com to learn more.