In 1986, Capernaum began in San Jose, CA when Nick Palermo turned the corner in the local high school and ran into the Special Education class. He began getting to know the students and inviting them to the traditional YL activities. This grew overtime to what is now called Capernaum.
THE MINISTRY HAS GROWN ALL OVER THE WORLD WITH OVER 300 CAPERNAUM GROUPS FROM ETHIOPIA TO IRELAND TO PERU TO NORTH DAKOTA TO TEXAS AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN!
This is often a Capernaum club specifically designed with our friends in mind, but it can also look like Young Life areas intentionally weaving inclusion into their traditional Young Life, WyldLife and College ministries. In each country and town the local staff and volunteers adapt for that community.
3,300 STUDENTS ARE INVOLVED WEEKLY THRU CLUB, CAMPAIGNERS AND CAMP.
Young Life Capernaum leaders have the privilege of knowing and sharing life together alongside teens and young adults with disabilities. Through mutual, authentic friendship, leaders can be found cheering on a Special Olympics basketball game, attending their friends' musical theater production, grabbing coffee together, and playing video games.
A gathering for those who want to go deeper through Bible study, service, and leadership. We're with our friends for the long haul to help them take the first steps of faith with unconditional love. Young Life leaders also encourage students to celebrate their faith through participation in a local congregation.
What is it about club that makes it the best night for thousands of students? We like to think of it as a party with a purpose. It's a night full of fun, friends, music, games and connection. And we get to share a simple message about God's love for us. After all, that's what the celebration is all about.
Capernaum friends consistently tell us that camp is the best week of their lives. But how else would you describe a week where deep relationships are forged in the midst of mind-boggling fun and you experience and listen to what we believe is the greatest love story ever told?
Volunteer your time to work directly with young people.
Support the staff and leaders as part of the local adult committee.
Give resources to start or sustain the financial foundation at the local or national level.