Growing up in the Scandinavian-influenced community of Rockford, Illinois in the 1960’s, Dick Daniels was first introduced to the mission of Young Life through his parents’ involvement on committee and his siblings’ involvement in club. Once old enough, Dick eagerly attended club and Campaigners, and experienced Young Life camp at Starr Ranch in Colorado. Reflecting on these early years, Dick is grateful for the way in which “Young Life enlarged (his) vision of the church and God’s kingdom.”
Fast-forward several years and, following high school graduation in 1965, Dick pursued his master’s work at Trinity Divinity School and Loyola University, and his Doctorate at Bethel University. Throughout these years, Dick was not involved with Young Life; however, a reconnection was made as he began planting churches in both Phoenix and Minneapolis. Additionally, Dick’s kids were involved with Young Life as they entered their adolescent years. In fact, Dick’s son not only served on student staff and as an area director, he met his future wife at Malibu, while the two served on Summer Staff.
Dick recently had the opportunity to blend his love of all things Scandinavia with his love of service, meeting new people, travel and Young Life. A few years ago, a friend connected Dick with Young Life Europe Area Developer, Jim Hale, who invited Dick and a few other friends to Sweden and serve at a Young Life camp. All four friends said “yes,” and spent several days washing dishes at camp, freeing up the staff and leaders to focus on campers.
Following this incredible experience, Dick had a few days in Stavanger, Norway with Jim Hale. During this time, Jim asked if Dick might want to return in 2025 and serve at Young Life camp in Norway. A year later, Dick traveled to Norway and joined a group of Texas work crew volunteers. During their time of service, they prepared the rented property for Young Life camp and cleaned the dining hall for each meal. It was another opportunity to simply be extra hands and feet; to free staff and leaders up to focus on teenagers and encourage people wherever they could.
“When Dick and his high school classmates came to Sweden in 2024, it was great for them to join a team of other people from the US, from Sweden and from Norway. First, they were by far the most "senior” of the group. They also had a rich history with Young Life in many settings over the years. The impact on the rest of the team was great. For people in their twenties and thirties to see others in their seventies serving tirelessly, doing it with joy and the love of Christ, made a big impact. Our staff and volunteer leaders were inspired to see them continuing to serve Christ, the camp and pay their own way from the US to serve.” - Jim Hale, YL
Similarly, when asked why he has chosen to give of his time, money, and energy in this way each of the past two summers, Dick responded, “I have an appreciation for Young Life and for the church. Young Life has an opportunity to know kids that the church may not effectively connect with. For Young Life in Norway and Sweden the strategy is to go to where kids hang out. That’s how they build relationships. I love being a part of freeing up volunteers and staff to grow relationships with kids!” Dick goes on to talk about the impact these experiences have had in his life. “What impressed me in both cases was that I saw a passion in the Young Life staff and volunteers for lost kids at a level and depth that I have not seen in a long time. These adults would meet and pray for each of these kids by name. Their passion and heart were amazing.”
Reflecting specifically on Dr. Daniels, Hale said, “Dick has been a great encouragement to each team where he has served and is faithful to ask how he can pray for kids and leaders each day at camp. He quickly became a vital member of the team this last summer. We were a team of 8, and Dick only knew me and one other team member before the week, but after just a couple of days, he was able to engage each one, becoming good friends by the time our 10 days together ended.”
Today, Dr. Dick Daniels lives in Naples, FL where he serves as President of the Leadership Development Group. Dick continues to support Young Life locally and, prior to the global pandemic, served as a volunteer with the Naples Capernaum ministry.
When asked if he would be going back to serve in Scandinavia the summer of 2026, Dick responded, “I’m just waiting for the dates!”
In Jim Hale’s words, “The impact of people from the US coming to serve at camp alongside Europeans is encouraging to see. With the camp size being smaller than US Young Life Camps, a group of Americans serving kids, leaders, and the program team is a visible expression of Christian service. As hot dogs are served to hungry campers and leaders, they wonder why these people came all the way from the US to grill hot dogs. The door is open to share how much they loved Young Life camp and they want these kids to have the best week of their lives. Kids are blown away. Leaders are inspired. Staff are seeing the calling as life-long.” If you are interested in joining Dick and others who will be serving in similar ways, feel free to email us at ylcommunity@sc.younglife.org and we’ll be sure to get you in touch with the right people. In Dr. Dick Daniel’s words, “There are a variety of ways to serve those who are caring for teenagers,” and we’d love to have YOU join in the fun.
Written by Jonathan Schultz