Teen Haven

  A passion for Christ.

  A vision for the City.

  A heart for urban youth.

If puberty isn't hard enough, many of today's urban teens face drugs, sex, gangs, and violence on a daily basis. How do teens make the right choices? Do they have healthy role models? Do they understand that life is bigger than here and now?

In 1963, Teen Haven was founded to help meet the critical need for Christ among youth in Philadelphia. In response to the fleeing churches and pervasive gang violence of the early 1960’s, God used the vision and sacrifice of founder Bill Drury to share the love of Christ with at-risk inner city youth.

Since merging with the youth ministry of Water Street Rescue Mission in 1997, Teen Haven continues to provide urban youth with an alternative to life on the streets right here in Lancaster. While the rest of their lives may be unstable, Teen Haven provides a consistent message and a stable presence in teens' lives. Teen Haven youth develop decision making skills, leadership skills, and most importantly an identity built on a relationship with Christ.

Today God continues to blessTeen Haven, using this ministry to evangelize and disciple inner city youth in Lancaster, Columbia, York, Philadelphia and Brogue.

Teen Haven Camp

Teens often experience the ministry for the first time at Teen Haven camp, a 100-acre property in rural Brogue, PA. Recreational activities, chapel, and devotions allow teens a break from the drama often found at home. The humble grounds create an atmosphere perfect for reflecting and building relationships.

For first-time campers, Teen Haven camp may be the first time teens ever hear about a new life in Christ.

For older teens, camp serves as a leadership development opportunity as they serve as cabin supervisors or in other leadership roles. These teens often find chances to share their faith with their peers, conversations that often lead to a teen accepting Christ's forgiveness and committing their life to Him!

Camp is offered throughout the year:

- weekend camps from September - June

- week-long camp from June - August.

To register for camp, call a Teen Haven youth center near you (see contact information below).

Teen Haven City Ministry

Teen Haven youth centers offer teens healthy role models sharing a consistent message of Christ's love and forgiveness. When Teen Haven campers return home, it is our goal to connect teens with a Teen Haven youth center. It's through these Bible studies and events that teens become grounded in Christ, developing their faith and resisting temptations.

While age requirements vary by youth center, Teen Haven generally works with youth ages 10 -17. Activities include Bible studies, sports and recreation, discipleship groups, leadership training, and special events.

Church Partnerships

While Teen Haven was originally established at a time when churches were leaving the cities, churches are returning today. Teen Haven recognizes the importance of partnering with the body of believers  -- a strand of three cords is not easily broken!

Partnerships are based around a church's individual needs and a youth center's unique resources and abilities. The results of these partnerships are immeasureable:

- the body of Christ worshiping together as one through city-wide worship nights

- area youth leaders working together to network, equip, and train each other

- increasing resources and outreach opportunities as ministries share their facilities with each other

Highlights of what God is doing!

Teen Haven Camp (2006)

• 1,466 campers
• 183 campers committed their lives to Christ
• 124 campers rededicated their lives to Christ
• 9 retreats were held by churches and community groups

Teen Haven Youth Centers (2006)

• 638 activities (Bible studies and recreational)
• 27 teens committed their lives to Christ
• 11 teens rededicated their lives to Christ

What are teens saying about Teen Haven?

"I absolutely love Teen Haven Camp! I want to become a full-time Teen Haven staff person when I get older. Most of all, though, I want to serve the Lord throughout my entire life." -- Joe, Teen Haven youth

"My most memorable Teen Haven moment was this past summer when I served as a Junior Supervisor and in the kitchen. I got a glimpse of my influence on other kids my age, and these experiences made me love and grow with those around me."

- Steven, Teen Haven youth

"I like coming to Teen Haven because I feel safe here instead of being at my house, and I like worshiping God a lot."

- Chris, Teen Haven youth
  

Teen Haven - Youth Center Locations

 
Mission Statement:
Teen Haven is a regional youth ministry working in partnership with and in service to local churches with the goal of REACHING urban youth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, DISCIPLING them to maturity in the faith, and EQUIPPING them to be productive members of society, impacting their families, communities, and future generations for Christ.