They danced, sang Karaoke, engaged in deep discussion, prayed, ate a lot of chocolate, played sports and competed in video games—and did it all over the course of 12 hours without a wink of sleep. Of course, KidWorks teens are resilient, so sleep is optional!

It was all part of “Youth Lock-in,” the traditional annual kick-off of KidWorks’ youth programs, held this year on Friday and Saturday, January 17-18, at our Dan Donahue Center. This year’s theme was “Candy Land,” inspired by the legacy game and a salute to the sweet focus of the night. Tying into the theme was the verse “Taste and see that the Lord is good” from Psalm 34:8.

“We are so pleased that over 100 youth participated,” says Franklin Montoya, our Youth Development Coordinator. “In addition to the fun and games, there was a very serious side to the lock-in. It included ‘real talk’ about issues on the students’ minds that staff were able to process with our students. Plus, prayer and worship led by good friends of KidWorks brought a spiritual component that was refreshing. Finally, we had a message of God’s sweet love led by Pastor Jesus Hernandez, of Calvary Church, Santa Ana. The event overall was an opportunity for the KidWorks’ staff and students to forge even deeper bonds, which we believe they did.”

New this year was an opportunity for student leaders to work alongside our staff in managing the games, discussion groups, photography, fun zones and assisting with tear down. That leadership aspect of lock-in aligns with our recently announced Program Success Strategies.

The students were all-in for the yearly experience: "Every year I heard from my brother and sister about how great the lock-in is,” says sixth grader Ashley F. “I couldn't believe it was finally my turn."

We thank these partners who helped make the night such a success: Volunteers from the University of California, Irvine’s Circle K Club; Community Leaders of Santa Ana (CLOSA), our youth-led group that helps improve the surrounding neighborhood; the KidWorks Unity Council, student leaders from all four of our centers; the KidWorks’ Young Professionals network, corporate professionals in their 20s and 30s who are passionate about KidWorks; and the KidWorks’ Alumni Leadership Council, students who have graduated and are in college/in careers.

We are grateful for the forever memories that are “locked-in” for every student who enjoyed the 2020 event.