There is something exciting about the start of a new school year. For YOKE, August marks the beginning of countless opportunities to meet middle school students where they are and help them discover their identity and purpose in Christ.

After an incredible summer of camps and adventures, our staff and volunteers are preparing to welcome students back to school—and this year, we’re trying something new.

Meeting Students Before Club Begins

Instead of waiting for the first YOKE Club, our team will be present at Open Houses across each of our partner schools. We’ll be introducing families to YOKE, inviting students to club, and giving each student a YOKE wristband as a reminder that they have a place to belong.

Our goal is simple: start building relationships before the school year is in full swing.

Our First-Ever All-Schools Kick-Off Club

On September 1, students from every YOKE school are invited to Victor Ashe Park for our first-ever All-Schools Kick-Off Club. The evening will include food, games, music, and an epic Color War led by the YOKE staff.

We hope this event will reconnect returning students, welcome new faces, and build excitement before weekly clubs officially begin on September 15.

Following the Kick-Off Club, our YOKE Folk will continue investing in students by attending Kid Time Promo events such as football games and school lunches. We believe ministry doesn’t start when club begins—it starts when someone consistently shows up.

Looking Ahead to Our Annual Luncheon

As we launch into a new school year, we’re also preparing for our Annual YOKE Luncheon Fundraiser on September 10. This is one of the most important events of the year as we celebrate the impact of YOKE and invite our community to partner with us in reaching even more middle school students.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or are just learning about YOKE, we’d love for you to join us.

How You Can Help

As this new season begins, we invite you to pray with us:

  • Pray for students as they begin a new school year.
  • Pray for our staff and YOKE Folk as they build relationships in schools and communities.
  • Pray for our Open House outreach, the All-Schools Kick-Off Club, and the launch of weekly clubs.
  • Pray for our Annual Luncheon on September 10—that God would use it to inspire new partners and provide the resources needed for another impactful year.

Thank you for being part of the YOKE story. Because of faithful partners, caring volunteers, and God’s provision, thousands of middle school students will begin this school year knowing there is a place where they are welcomed, valued, and loved. We can’t wait to see what this new year holds!