CHOCOWINITY — Dozens of Southside High School students are setting aside a good portion of each Monday night to take part in a life-changing activity.

They are members of the SHS Young Life club, a nondenominational Christian youth organization that meets weekly at Extreme Action Park in Chocowinity. The club meetings include plenty of music, singing, comedy sketches, games, devotionals and good, clean fun.

“Anyone in high school is invited and welcome to come be a part of the biggest party of the week,” said Scott Stafford, the Young Life staff associate who serves teens on the south side of the Pamlico River. “I always tell kids it will be the highlight of their week and it’s only Monday. I encourage any high school student to come and see what Young Life is all about. They won’t leave disappointed.”

SHS senior Matthew Baxter joined Young Life two years ago. Today he is one of the more active teens in the group.

“Everybody accepts you the way you are,” he said. “I feel like you can be yourself and you’re part of a group, a family.”

Fellow senior Tokyo Baugham agreed.

“It’s an extension of a family,” he said. “No one judges you or the things you’ve done in the past. And ultimately it’s about building a relationship with Christ.”

Lynn Whittington, a Young Life club leader who has taken the sophomore girls under her wing, said she is continually blessed by her involvement with the group.

“I build relationships with my girls and walk with them through the ups and downs of high school,” she said. “After gaining their trust and respect, leaders are able to share God’s love with them. We believe this will help our high school students make better choices now and in the future, directly improving our high schools and community.”

The Southside Young Life group each Monday at 7:29 p.m., the same time another Young Life group comprised of Washington High School students gathers in Washington. For more information about either group, visit www.pamlico.younglife.org. To inquire about joining the SHS club, contact Stafford via email at scott.stafford21@gmail.com.