On Saturday, 16 local teens will compete in the second annual Bath’s Got Talent talent show.
The event is put on by Young Life Midcoast, a local chapter of the national Young Life program that works with high school-age teens. Proceeds from the talent show will go toward sending Young Life members to a camp hosted by the national Young Life group.
The Midcoast chapter, which is the most Northern Young Life group in Maine, started up two years ago as a way to connect students with adult mentors. The chapter now consists of approximately five adult leaders and 30-40 teens.
“It’s an organization that is all over the country, actually it’s international, and the idea is to work with teens and go where they’re at and meet them there,” said Ruth Francis, who co-chairs the Young Life Midcoast committee.
The program consists of weekly meetings between Young Life leaders and students, but the relationship doesn’t end there. Young Life leaders often go to student’s sports events and other activities to show support. One local couple even keeps their home open to Young Life teens at any time in case they need to talk or need help.
“It’s like an open door for teens to share what maybe they wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing with their parents — though we’re in close touch with parents as well,” said Francis. “They just come alongside them, let them know somebody cares about them, and they’re open to mentoring.”
The group is putting on Bath’s Got Talent this Saturday to raise money to send 25 teens to Young Life camp this summer.
“Young Life has camps all over the country, and they’re just amazing places,” said Francis.
The talent competition will feature 16 contestants performing a variety of acts from singing to dancing to musical instruments. Many, but not all, of the contestants are already part of the Young Life program. Local judges will award prizes to the top three performers.
Bath’s Got Talent will take place Saturday from 7-9 p.m. at the Bath Area Senior Center. Tickets are $7 each.
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