Intentional Inclusion Model Championed in Bismarck

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Capernaum is about creating ministry spaces where teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can meet Jesus and grow in their faith.  This often looks like a Capernaum club specifically designed with our friends in mind, but it can also look like Young Life areas weaving intentional inclusion into their traditional Young Life, WyldLife, and College ministries. Ultimately, the vision is that all students with disabilities would have a sense of belonging within Young Life.


The Bismarck-Mandan area in North Dakota is one example of an area that has fully embraced a model of ministry that includes students with and without disabilities in their traditional Young Life club, Campaigners, and camp.  Sara Bohrer, special education teacher and Peer to Peer Leadership teacher/trainer/district coordinator, championed this model as a volunteer leader on their Young Life team based on her experience working at Century High School in Bismarck.  Hear from Sara below:


How/why did your area start doing intentional inclusion in the traditional YL ministry?  

We started intentional inclusion because we felt our ministry was ready for it and many of our students were already a part of inclusive mentoring and inclusive sports programs in our high schools. We have a program called Peer to Peer Leadership in our high schools that is a class where general education students mentor kids with disabilities in and out of the school day. We also have inclusive sports (flag football, bowling, and Wiffle ball) where there are teams made up of kids with and without disabilities competing in those sports and on the fields together. We felt our area was perfect to start with an inclusive club since many students attending club had or were fostering genuine friendships with a wide variety of individuals through those activities. 



Why do you believe in this model of ministry?

It’s the true body of Christ. Jesus welcomed all so we wanted to welcome all. We feel it paints a beautiful picture of the kingdom of God. Leaders were also seeing friendships build through these activities at the school, so it made sense to have an inclusive vision for club and ministry for our area. 



How has it impacted all the students?

It’s opened the minds and eyes of our students without disabilities. Two summers ago when we had an inclusive girls cabin and inclusive boys cabin where we had students with disabilities and their buddies in our cabins it was beautiful! Many of the others who weren’t “buddies” stepped in and were being the body of Christ to their friends with disabilities without even realizing it. They became like a family.


For our friends with disabilities, it’s a place where they now belong. They get to see and experience life just like their peers. Their eyes are opened to the beauty of YL club and activities. They get to be seen, heard, and valued! They get to be kids! We’ve also seen so much growth in social skills, being active, and self-advocacy. 



How has it impacted the Young Life club and the area as a whole?

I think it’s opened the minds and eyes of ALL leaders. Even if they are specific to Capernaum they get to see the beauty of what inclusion looks like when supporting ALL students. It’s allowed families to feel welcomed and loved well. Two summers ago when we were at the bus leaving for camp one of our moms of a young man with disabilities said “this is the first time I’m sending him away and not having to send pages of notes along since he’s going with friends!” This just shows how this mom knew he was loved well! It’s also shown our community what inclusion looks like and that it benefits not just kids with disabilities, but all kids grow. 



What would you say to those considering this model?  What is important for them to consider for it to be a win for everyone?

Do it, it is how God intended the kingdom to look! The pure joy you will find is amazing! The character, empathy, and understanding we have developed together is unbelievable. 


Important things to consider: 

  • making sure you have kids who are ready to model that inclusion 
  • trust and understanding from the parents of those with disabilities because it won’t be perfect all the time but you want all kids to feel welcome 
  • training leaders in Capernaum specific things so they have an understanding 

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Thank you Sara for sharing your heart and story!

For staff and volunteer leaders - we now have training posted on Staff Resources around Universal Design that would be a great starting point in this conversation!  You can find it here!

Your Capernaum Regional Coordinator or Divisional Coordinator is also a great resource!

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