For over 35 years, a remarkable summer tradition has been empowering youth across Huron, Sandusky, Vermilion, Norwalk, Wakeman, and New London. Youth Elect Service (YES), which began locally in 1989, brings high schoolers and adult leaders together to provide free home repairs and painting for area families in need.
Currently hosted through St. Peter's Catholic Church in Huron, the four-day experience runs on a deeply intentional rhythm. Participants begin each day by attending Mass together at St. Peter's before heading out to their respective work sites. The retreat also intentionally kicks off with an opening night focused entirely on Jesus, reminding everyone that their upcoming service is firmly rooted in their faith.
Finding the right homes to service is a year-round logistical process, but the real story is what happens once the tools come out. As Joshua Vina, Youth Missionary at St. Peter's Catholic Church and the YES Retreat Director explains, keeping the teenagers grounded requires a unique rule.
"When I took over in 2023, I implemented a strict, completely phone-free policy for the teens," says Vina. "Unplugging allows the 20 to 40 teenagers and dozens of adult leaders to connect on a purely human level." Working side-by-side on daunting tasks, the youth build tangible life skills, self-confidence, and a deep sense of community.
"When you say yes, everything changes! Your view on the world changes," shares Parker Bertke, a recent Huron High School graduate. "This year's theme, 'Say YES to His Heart,' reminded us that when we open ourselves up to serve others, we are really letting Christ work through us."
But it’s not all hard work. Evenings are reserved for decompressing with backyard picnics, team bonding, and trips to a Mud Hens game. Friday nights feature a low-key backyard picnic with a faith-centered talk and small group time.
As Huron High School seniors Ally Murry and Sasha Fry shared, "We are doing YES because we want to spend time with our friends and serve our community!" Ultimately, YES proves that when local kids step up for their neighbors, they don't just change a house—they change themselves.