VB North & Capernaum
1604 w. Hilltop Shopping Center, Suite 320 Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Young Life doesn’t start with a program. It starts with adults concerned enough about kids to go to them, on their turf and in their culture, building bridges of authentic friendship. These relationships don’t happen overnight — they take time, patience, trust and consistency.
So Young Life leaders log many hours with kids around the world — where they are, as they are. Leaders faithfully go up to the schools in order to build relationships and friendships with many kids with disabilities. We listen to their stories and learn what’s important to them because we genuinely care about their joys, triumphs, heartaches and setbacks.
We believe in the power of presence. Kids’ lives are dramatically impacted when caring adults come alongside them, sharing God’s love with them. Because their leader believes in them, they begin to see that their lives have great worth, meaning and purpose.
Who We Are
at a Glance
High School
Cox / FC / Princess Anne
We have a thriving outreach to high school students in our area. This includes our weekly clubs and weekly small group meetings.
Capernaum
Students with Different Abilities
Our Capernaum Club has students from over 10 different schools in the area. Kids experience true life, laughter, and friendship at club.
Middle School
Lynnhaven / Independence
We have an evening WyldLife club at Lynnhaven MS where kids from numerous middle schools attend. We also have an after-school WyldLife club at Independence MS.
Adult Committee
Executive Board
Our committee consists of adults in the area who help plan and strategize for our continued growth to reach more kids.
Stafford Craymer - Area Director
Stafford grew up in Mechanicsville, VA and then went to college at Virginia Tech. After graduation, he went on Young Life staff in Salem, VA and then moved to Virginia Beach to be on Young Life staff in August 2012.
Stafford married his wife, Kerry, in August 2011 and they have 2 kids - Nolan and Hayden. They love that they get the opportunity to live life with many different students in Virginia Beach and love getting the chance to talk about their lives and about the person of Jesus!
Cooper Browning - Associate Area Director
Cooper grew up in Virginia Beach, VA where he attended Cape Henry Collegiate and then went to Virginia Tech. While studying for a degree in Construction Engineering, Cooper volunteer led at a Young Life Club in Floyd, VA.
Cooper went on Young Life Staff in 2016 in Virginia Beach. Cooper’s family (Jim, Dale, Wade and Grayson) has been encouraged and transformed by the ministry of Young Life over the years and we love that we get to reach out to students and see the Lord impact families just like He did with ours!
Amy Hemmer - Area Administrator
Amy grew up in Baltimore, MD and then attended college at Christopher Newport University, where she studied Marketing and Accounting. After graduation, she moved down to Virginia Beach and joined our staff in April, 2022.
Gabby Duff - Staff Associate
Gabby grew up in a Navy family, moving around a lot, but her family has been stationed in Virginia Beach for the past 7 years, so she considers it home. Both of her parents are on committee and her family has been involved with Young Life since they moved here. She went to James Madison University, studying Psychology, and graduated in May of 2021. She started staff in August of 2022 and loves getting to share the Good News with middle school and high school students!
You Were Made for this
Your story matters, and it can make a difference beyond what you imagine.
Volunteer your time to work directly with young people.
Support the staff and leaders as part of the local adult committee.
Give resources to start or sustain the financial foundation at the local or national level.
