This summer, YFC Lebanon’s centers buzzed with life as teens explored new skills, deepened friendships, and encountered God in fresh ways. From tech and art to food and faith, the programs at the Vocational Training Program (VTP), Manara Youth Center (MYC), and AXIS Youth Center created spaces where youth could grow creatively and spiritually.
Summer at VTP
This summer at the Vocational Training Program, teens got the chance to explore new skills through two hands-on courses such as: photography and artificial intelligence.
In the photography course, the teacher introduced the teens to the basics of how a camera works: covering lighting, color temperature, and composition. He also gave them a taste of video editing. The class sessions have been engaging and practical, with moments where students practiced framing and experimented with angles using projectors and real camera setups. The teacher shared: “It’s fulfilling to teach youth who have gone through so much and be able to motivate them—even a little—to believe they can do something.”
In the AI course, led by Mark, students were introduced to the everyday applications of artificial intelligence. They discussed questions like, “Should AI make life-or-death decisions?” and tried out prompts using chatbots. In one class, a student debate broke out about whether AI will replace jobs. One argued it would take opportunities away, while another insisted it would help people work more efficiently. Mark encouraged students to see AI as a tool that can support their ideas, especially if they’re thinking of starting a business.
Summer at MYC
Here are two popular courses of this year’s MYC summer program: drawing and Sweet Bites cooking.
The drawing course is divided into beginners and advanced groups. Beginners explore contemporary art such as the Kandinsky method, where they listen to classical music and let their feelings guide their drawings. “Close your eyes. Feel the music. Don’t think; just draw,” the teacher encouraged during one class. The advanced group focuses on portraits, learning to capture intricate facial features like noses, eyes, and hair.
The instructor shared, “I teach proper technique step-by-step. I want to give them everything I can.” The class is so popular that some youth join the summer program just for the art sessions.
Meanwhile, the Sweet Bites cooking class offers fun and affordable recipes perfect for gatherings like tacos in cups, brownies, onion bhajis, and Lebanon’s beloved tarboush, a chocolate-coated marshmallow treat. Students love preparing the snacks and some eagerly take recipes home to try again.
During one busy session, students prepared snacks for visitors: roasting nuts, mashing dates into a healthy dessert, and assembling mini sandwiches. The instructor chooses ingredients accessible to youth given their economic situations.
Alongside the skills-based courses, both MYC and VTP continued to offer spiritual programs, ensuring that teens had opportunities for personal and faith development throughout the summer.
Summer at AXIS
This summer, AXIS clubs (cooking, sports, and art) continued in full swing and concluded with a special closing event: a gala dinner. Teens dressed up for the occasion and were welcomed with treats and decorative masks. A video highlighted fun moments from the clubs, followed by a talk on how Jesus wants to use our gifts for a greater purpose.
The event centered on the idea of an anonymous dinner invitation, symbolizing how Jesus personally invites each of us into a relationship with Him. “Did you know who invited you to dinner? It’s Jesus,” a team member shared. “The decision is yours whether to accept or decline His invitation.” The message also tied into the purpose of the clubs, which help build friendships and encourage youth to join discipleship groups where deeper conversations about faith can happen.
Teens then shared their favorite club memories and what they’d like to explore next year. The evening closed with a festive dinner that celebrated all they had experienced together.
Discipleship groups also wrapped up with a series of fun outings, including beach walks, boat rides, laser tag, historical site visits, and art ateliers. Through each of these, youth leaders remained intentional about creating moments for spiritual conversations.