Our Story: The Birth & Impact of the YX Movement

The YX Movement began with a question that came from close to home—our daughter looked at us one day and asked,
“Dad… are there other Christian youth besides the ones in our church?”

It was a sincere and searching question that struck something deep in our hearts. She wasn’t questioning her faith she was wondering if she was alone in it. Her words exposed something many young believers experience: isolation, even in the middle of a crowd.

That question ignited a vision.

In 2011, with a burden to show our daughter and so many others that she was not alone, we reached out to nearby churches with a simple invitation to join us for a youth retreat. Only one church responded that first year, but that single step of faith was the beginning of something much greater.

From that moment forward, God began building what would become The YX Movement (Youth Xplosions) a growing collaboration of churches across Greater Hartford. What began as one camp retreat has expanded into:

• Year-round YX Encounter services

• An annual YX Camp Retreat that draws youth from across the region

• A growing network of youth leaders and pastors working in unity

• Life-changing opportunities for youth to discover purpose, grow in leadership, and deepen their faith

Over the years, we’ve watched God do the unimaginable. Teens who once attended camp as first-time participants now return as leaders mentoring others in faith. We’ve witnessed worship experiences that broke strongholds and moments of fellowship that formed lifelong friendships. Youth from all backgrounds have come together to stand bold, stand united, and stand for Christ.

The YX Movement continues to grow because the need is still great. Young people are still searching for connection, purpose, and truth in a world that’s full of noise and distraction. And what started as a question from one young heart has now become a regional move of God drawing youth together to encounter Him and live fearlessly for His Kingdom.

This is more than a camp retreat. More than an event.

This is our story—written by faith, fueled by purpose, and led by the Spirit.