During the overnight hours of Sept. 26-27, approximately 100 teens spent the night in cardboard boxes with few amenities, but with much to ponder.

“Sleep Out for Homelessness,” in the parking lot at Union United Church of Christ, Neffs, was designed to raise awareness about the reality of youth homelessness.

The teens engaged in a variety of simulated challenges faced by their homeless peers and decorated their boxes with prayers and reflections of the lessons learned.

Some of the teenagers have participated for years, while others came out for their first time.

One of the campers was inspired by loved ones to participate.

Olivia Schuster, 12, was motivated to attend by her stepfather and grandfather, who have been involved with the event in the past.

“This is a big thing for my family,” said Schuster as she taped together pieces of cardboard to create shelter for the evening.

The teenagers, however, did not just sleep under the stars or raise money, they also discussed and contemplated the cause of homelessness.

Valley Youth House Street Outreach Coordinator Shane Burroughs spoke frankly with participants about the plight of homeless youth.

The Synergy Project, a Street Outreach Program headed by Burroughs, is designed to help runaway, homeless, nomadic and street youth in Bucks County and the Allentown area.

Survival supplies, peer support, counseling, information, referral services and assistance is offered to help the youth get off the streets, if desired.

Burroughs described what homelessness is and how often it really occurs locally.

“We have assisted about 350 local youth in the past 12 months,” Burroughs said. “We hope to create a greater and deeper understanding of the problem of homelessness among teens.”

Neff’s UCC youth group leader Dave DiPaolantonio and several other volunteers oversaw the events.

According to DiPaolantonio, Union UCC wants to make a difference when it comes to youth homelessness.

“We have about 110 young people here and 27 leaders,” DiPaolantonio said. “It’s more than just a sleep out, it’s an opportunity to educate and understand.”