Curtis was first introduced to Young Life during his sophomore year of high school in Lynden, Wash. In his own words, Curtis says that at a time in his life when he was a little dissatisfied with church and authority in general, his Young Life leader, “Neil Parker, walked into our cafeteria, pursued a relationship with me, and ended up fostering a discipling relationship through high school, which transformed my wobbly faith.” Based on an invitation from Neil, Curtis began to attend club, went to camp the following summer at Washington Family Ranch, was involved in a Campaigners group with what he calls a “rag-tag group of guys,” and became a student leader.

All of this led Curtis to the opportunity of a lifetime, as he was given the chance to serve on work crew at Malibu Club in Canada. According to Curtis, “My job was working in the deep pits, washing the big kitchen dishes by hand. It wasn't the job I wanted, but definitely the job I needed. As a popular guy in high school who was often out in front of his peers, it did me well to stay in the back and serve where no one could see.” During this time, Curtis says he learned the following five lessons. “1) It's not about me. 2) In God's kingdom, we rise by descending. 3) Life is less about what happens to us and more about how we respond. 4) Say ‘yes’ to opportunities of community and adventure. 5) Say ‘no’ to food fights in the dining hall; they'll get you in trouble.” Along with these life lessons, during this time on work crew, Curtis met Ty. Ty had a disability, and according to Curtis, “his approach to life taught me a lot about playing well the cards you are dealt.” These lessons and this God-ordained friendship with Ty influenced Curtis significantly and accompanied him as he transitioned to college and headed east to Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash.