Many people have realized that every Tuesday the high school lunchroom gets a sweet treat from the only stranger you’re allowed to take candy from, Logan Chagdes. However, many students haven’t asked him why he’s there.
Chagdes is the director of Campus Life, a branch of Youth for Christ. Students are able to connect with each other while talking about life and their faith. Meetings are every Monday during the school year from 7:11 pm to 8:45 pm and during these meetings students are invited to participate in a variety of activities and events. Freshman Kaylynn Gutierrez is a student that frequently attends the gatherings.
“Campus Life helps me mentally and I can just talk about how I feel and it gives me more confidence,” Gutierrez said. “I also benefit by meeting and talking to new people.”
Chagdes has been the director for approximately nine months, after taking over for former director Dylan Mason. Mason had previously been in that position for seven years. Chagdes met Mason when they were working together at a church and when the position opened, Chagdes was reminded of a man who did a similar job at his highschool.
“I have a very different outlook on life because of this guy, and he helped me through a lot of difficult times in high school,” Chagdes said. “I like being able to do that for students the same way someone did for me.”
Freshman Ashlyn Gutierrez has been attending Campus Life every Monday since she was in seventh grade. To this Gutierrez sister, the relationships she makes through the program are the most rewarding part.
“It’s very nice to just be able to build up a strong relationship with the leaders and have someone to talk to about your problems,” Ashlyn said.
Chagdes tries to connect with the community in many ways besides just passing out candy at the high school.
“My favorite thing about campus life is coming to lunch at Northview,” Chagdes said. “Beyond that, I talk to a lot of parents that want to be involved. I talk with them about ways that they can help support us and we can support them.”
Campus Life also holds a variety of events in the summer months. The dates have not yet been released to students but will be announced on their instagram account.
“There is a week-long summer camp in July,” Chagdes said. “We will go to NorthBay Adventure Camp in North East Maryland. Students can pay to go to that or there are fundraising opportunities and there will be monthly hang outs where we’ll do barbeques, campfires, mini golf and other fun stuff like that.”
Chagdes recommends everyone to go to Campus Life, even if it’s only for one event or meeting.
“No pressure, come hang out,” Chagdes said. “If you don’t like it we can just hangout and talk about what you don’t like and see if we can change some things to make it more enjoyable.”
