An affiliation with Young Life back in high school has taken Scott Stafford on what is perhaps an unexpected career path.

Stafford was a member of the nondenominational Christian youth organization for four years while attending high school in Goldsboro, and he continued that affiliation while attending North Carolina State University.

Upon graduation, armed with a degree in history and religious studies, Stafford was offered a position with Beaufort County’s Young Life group, led by Tom Johnson. Johnson had been Stafford’s YL leader in high school.

“We like to say we’re the biggest non-profit you’ve never heard of,” Stafford said of Young Life. “We’re reaching a world of kids everywhere, and we hope to reach two million kids throughout the world by the end of next year.”

The international organization was founded in the 1940s, according to Stafford. While Johnson directs the local YL group, Stafford, as staff associate, oversees activities on the south side of Pamlico River. In that role, he frequents Southside High School, where he said Principal Dale Cole has welcomed YL with open arms.

Stafford said YL leaders are currently looking for meeting space in the Chocowinity area. Meanwhile, youth from the south side of the river join teens from throughout Beaufort County for meetings each Monday evening.

“Between 150 and 250 kids attend each week,” Stafford said. We sing, play games, do skits. … One leader will give a 10- to 15-minute talk on the gospel, centered around Jesus. Then we usually visit Sheetz afterwards; that’s kind of a typical Monday.”

There are no membership dues to join Young Life since the weekly gatherings are fully funded by donations, according to Stafford. The YL group is open to high school students, from freshmen to seniors.

Along with the large weekly meetings, smaller groups often get together for what Stafford called “campaigns.” Those gatherings offer an opportunity for more intimate Bible studies and are held various nights of the week.

Youth Life also hosts a series of special events throughout the year. A fundraising banquet is held in late winter, and camps are offered during the summer months. A Mr. Christmas Tree pageant, a tongue-in-cheek event, is one of the group’s favorite activities. And students and volunteers are gearing up for the Young Life Glow Race 5K fundraiser, scheduled for April 25.

“All the money from the race goes to our camp fund, which makes camp more affordable for the kids,” Stafford said.

The hours may sometimes be long, but the rewards are great.

“The biggest reward to me is being front row and watching Jesus change the life of these high school kids,” Stafford said.

For more information about Young Life on the Pamlico, call 252-402-5088 or visit www.pamlico.younglife.org.