YF Memories

Subj:    Re: YF Update #3 Date:            04/28/2000 5:57:10 PM

 EEEEEHAAAA!!!!!!!!!  A big Howdy from Tumbleweed country.   Ted it certainly sounds like things are getting exciting for the big day.  

 I am going to check the web for airline fares.  I will definitely be coming and no matter what it costs, I'm hopping on a jet!!!!!!!!!!  YF SAVED ME.  Not that I was a bad kid, but I could have followed in my sister's footsteps but chose YF instead and got through high school wonderfully.  I looked forward to YF every Tuesday  I loved the closeness.   I had a very dysfunctional family life during those years and YF held on to me through it.  My surviving sister and I are great people because of it.  Thus my reasons for NOT missing any of this.    Thanks for all your efforts and everyone else’s.  I have a feeling this is going to be an unforgettable weekend. 

 Love Cheryl (Marsland) Wettlaufer!

Subj:    yf reunion Date:            06/02/2000 10:18:42 AM

 Ted, Thanks for the information about the YF reunion. The web site looks great. FYI: I started attending Good Samaritan with my parents when we moved to Sunnyvale in 1959. I was seven years old and my brother, Laird was 11. The church met in the Del Oro Club building on Homestead and DeAnza Blvd until the current church building was constructed. It was then the Evangelical United Brethren (I think) denomination until the merging with the Methodist church some years later that became the United Methodists. My father and older brother Laird helped with the construction of the original building on the Homestead and Wolfe site. (Hey, that sounds like the name for a music group!) I just helped pick up nails and general cleanup.

 Laird, currently living in Placentia, CA, was in the start of Good Sam YF. I'm not sure of the years I was in YF, but I remember there was a younger youth group and that I was always envious of the older group that my brother was in. I was pretty excited when I got to go to the older YF fellowship. I probably stopped attending YF meetings in 1970(?) Most of the group we were with will probably remember Skip Howland and I struggling to be magicians, both at church and at summer camp. I still perform today (better, I think) and have kept magic a major part of my life....

 Thanks, Craig Anderson

I went to the site and read Ernie's story about his LBGS (Life Before Good Sam).  I couldn't help but be touched by the thought of Ernie at some point in his life making that crucial decision to leave the LA music scene and head in another direction.  Aren't we all lucky he did!  I can't help but feel that in the long run he was able to touch hundreds (if not thousands) of lives by choosing that path rather than singing songs about Surfing & Hot Rods!  I sure hope he  knows he's always famous to us!

  Will (Kee) Horton  

Editors Note:   Check out this story, written by Ernie, to tell his side of the Rip Chord story, but enter the url exactly as shown (don't use www at the front):

http://sundazed.com/RipCho.html

You can also hear some of their songs.  Search for Rip Chords at:
http://www.amazon.com/

Date:            03/13/2000 11:14:07 PM Pacific Standard Time

 Hey Ted, I once was lost, but now am found!

 I am so excited you are putting this shin dig together.  For years my sister Debbie and I have been saying what we would really like to do is go to a YF reunion.  It is especially cool to see the names and faces of people who mentored us and gave us so much to respect and aspire to during those formative and fun years.  We have a lot to appreciate!  We look forward to thanking you and others in person in August.....I can't wait to "Pass It On" to other Yfers.  Oh yea...Jack Hall from the YF list isn't missing anymore either.  I married him  

Mary Mayfarth Hall

Subj:    YF reunion Date:            03/13/2000 12:49:33 PM Pacific Standard Time

 Hi Sue and Ted!

 I got word from my mom in Redding that you were on the hunt for members of the old YF gang.  From what I've seen on the web site you are doing an amazing job!  What fun to see the old pictures and read the list of names!

 I had heard that a reunion was in the works last fall.  Bonnie Higgins had been so excited about the idea of the reunion.  Her death was very sad,  I know she'll be there in spirit, she would have loved it.

 It was wonderful hearing from you!  I'll be looking forward to future updates on the reunion.

 Sandy

Subj:    Re: YF Reunion Email Letter #2 Date:            03/17/2000 10:59:45 AM Pacific Standard Time

 Ted, How nice to be included on the list.  I want to also pass along my brother's email as well.  Skip and I  attended Good Sam YF from the very beginning!  Back in 1965, we had a group consisting of the Dunn's,  Skip and I, the Rupels, the Warrens, LaBelles, and a few others.  We used to meet in the attic over the narthex for the Jr. High YF!   Would be great to see so many again.  

Thanks,  Leanna Christie

Director, MBA Services Santa Clara University 

Subj:    RE: YF Update #3 Date:            04/27/2000 10:35:50 AM

Ted, I'm planning on being at there with my family.  They want to see what kind of people would have ever claimed me as a friend....

 Rich Avery Dad, D.A.R.E. Officer, & Sign Maker  

Subj:            creature features... Date:            06/06/2000 1:42:02 AM

OK Gang, Got to ask everyone... My son graduated high school this weekend, and being the family gathering that it was, my brothers told me during one of my many Creature Feature watchings at my house, someone tied them up upstairs cause they were being a real bother.  Everyone have a clue to this one?  Ted, you have something to do with it?  I think it does even sound like Rich Avery or maybe Bill Melanson... and I know my good buddies Nadine and Leslie will know this one... It was such a full circle to have him graduate at the time I am in touch with so many YF friends during my high school years.  I know I am older too because a lot of this I can not even remember...hahaha

 I will say that I remember the impact that everyone had on my life and how the YF group was a saving grace for me during my teen years.  You always gave me a place to go and be a part of and I was never lonely in the group.  Ernie showed me more true love than I have ever found elsewhere, and an acceptance for the person I was, good and not so good... I have tried to pass this on to my children, hoping they can have that acceptance that I found, and feel the sense of love and hope and being part of a wonderful greater thing...

 Thank you everyone for all those years you gave me.  I would have been lost without you.

 Teresa Patterson Estill  .....TP

Subj:    Re: YF and Camp Initiation Date:            06/06/2000 1:01:54 AM

 Funny, I remember Camp initiations but I can't, for the life of me, remember what was done to me.  At least not like that!  However, I shall never forget a different “initiation” at my first Camp Celebration, 1972.  The Rev. Jerry Trigg was camp speaker that year.  A little background:  Though I’d been exposed to a few assorted years of Sunday school in various churches (age 3, and 8, I believe)  I entered Mission Springs that year an atheist.  I’d been attending YF for about five months, and I enjoyed the singing, the jokes, the discussions, and all the wonderful things that Ernie did to make YF the place to be, enough to tolerate the prayer at the end and the occasional references to scripture. (Come to think of it, I bet that was Ernie’s actual plot!) (Duh!)

 I attended every YF activity there was that summer.  At the annual beach trip I got to know a lot of people, especially Sheryl Johnson and Craig Coffey. Sheryl and I ended up forming a band that went nowhere, but which kept me “off the streets” that summer.  Craig became a dear friend.  And he listened when I told him how I couldn’t believe in some mystical, all-powerful being.

 One Sunday afternoon Craig called to ask  if I was going to Camp.  I said I wasn’t sure, it cost a lot ($32 that year, as I recall) and blah, blah.  Craig encouraged me to attend.  He told me about all the fun stuff at Camp, (especially the “night hike”) and I said I’d think about it.

 A week later, I decided to ask my mom for a loan to pay for Camp.  She said “For a church camp?  I’ll pay the cost for you.”  I shoulda known something was up.  I called Craig and told him I was going. He was excited.  I asked more about camp.  He told me about the Friday night campfire, where “everybody” went up to tell how God had changed their lives.  I hesitated, and then asked Craig “Uh, what if you don’t believe in God?”  I could hear Craig smile as he waited silently at the other end of the line.  Frustrated, I asked, mockingly, “What-- you think I’m gonna become a Christian at camp?”  Again, that smiling silence, and Craig replied, “Yes, I do”.

 Well, I arrived at Camp to discover that my roomies were two older - and much revered - guys: Paul Brandt and Dave Foyle, in Fir 3. Our counselor was none other than the Rev. King Kong Keller.  I made a ton of friends.  Everyone was so loving and accepting.  And I listened with my heart to every word Jerry Trigg spoke.  On Tuesday night there was a mini-campfire, and people were going up to talk about their relationship with God the past year.  At the end, I remember gong up front and saying “I don’t believe in this God you all believe in - at least not yet.  But I can tell you that I do believe in all this love we have here at Camp Celebration.”  The next night Jerry Trigg did what I now know is called an “altar call”.  He asked if anyone would like to come forward to - I don’t remember his words exactly, but basically, to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.  I’d heard that kind of talk before - but this time, I felt something.  And I knew it was time -  my time.  I found myself going forward, singing a hymn I didn’t know ... “Oh Lamb of God, I come, I come”.  And as I knelt, it became clear to me that God was real, and that Jesus was more than a guy who pulled cool miracles, that he was, somehow, God.

 It’s a decision that I’ve often questioned, but have never once doubted in almost 28 years.  That’s the initiation I remember best.

  Love to you all, Dave Hibbert

 P.S.  About Craig Coffey... After camp, I asked him how he seemed to know that I would become a Christian at Camp Celebration.  He reminded me of our first phone conversation about camp, and said “After we got off the phone, I knelt beside my bed and prayed that you would become a Christian, Dave.  And then I asked God for a sign - would He please let me know if this was going to happen?  Well, I got up off my knees, turned on the radio, and the song “Love Is All Around” came on.  I was blown away!  That was the sign God gave me.”

Subj:    Re: YF and Camp Initiation Date:            06/06/2000 3:54:47 PM

 Dave (and all the rest of the gangers out there!),

 You've shared so beautifully the essence of YF.  It looked like just a bunch of kids, hanging out together and having fun.  But, Ernie created an environment where the world was held at bay while we experienced the love of God.  And, "once you've experienced it . . ."    Well, you know. 

 My favorite memories of Camp Celebration:

 1.  The very first Camp Celebration where we couldn't say goodnight.  We'd stand for what seemed like hours, arm-in-arm, in a huge circle, singing.  Ernie, how did you ever get us to go to our rooms?

 2.  Having my dearest friend, Bonnie Higgins, accept Christ in the quiet of our room one night with me and Debbie Williams (and Biddy - remember, Debbie?).  I'm truly going to be lost without her at the Reunion.  We were inseparable; we were "Nutty Buddies."  And, she always remembered every detail about YF.  We talked about it often. It’s a cherished gift from God knowing firsthand she's with Him and she'll be with us in spirit. 

3.  Seeing John Hansen (my future husband) grinning and glowing after encountering Jesus Christ.  Even if we hadn't gotten married, I'd remember that night. 

 Ernie, I hope you're getting these emails.  I wouldn't want you to be missing out on this!!!

 Love,  Judy (Francisco) Hansen

 Subj:    Re: Camp Celebration Date:            06/06/2000 7:38:22 PM

 Hi Everyone,

 Thank you for including me in your mailings, I'm getting excited about the reunion!

 My one great memory of Camp Celebration, which I celebrate every year, I, too, found Christ!  August 10, 1970.

 My initiation, I had to sit across from another person blindfolded.  We had to feed each other powered chocolate marshmallows.  I hate marshmallows. So I would take them out of my mouth and set them off to the side.  Then Ernie caught me and told me I had to eat them, I forgot what my "punishment" would be if I didn't.  But I refused to eat them.  Then one of the counselors came up took the marshmallows and threw them away.

 Steve I will write Sue and see if she has Sally's email, if no one else does.  I'm trying to talk her into coming to the reunion.

 Sandra

Subj:    Re: Camp Celebration Date:            06/07/2000 12:10:03 PM

 Hi Everyone,

 I too have so many memories from Camp.  Like the Human pyramids we did in competition, who could get the highest and use the most people and then hold the position.

  Or when the guys would serenade the girls dorm at night and it seemed the magic would never end.

 The night walks and the camp fire and commitments to Christ.

 Can wait to see everyone.

  Cindy Trotter

 Subj:    Re: YF Group             Date:            06/08/2000 6:05:28 AM

 Hi Everyone, I've been in contact with a few of you and of course, Brian Gundy consistently, but I wanted to write a short note to everyone.  I've been reading the e-mails that have been coming daily and the spirit is so strong! What a testimony to the love that Jesus Christ has shared with us all.  The flood gates have opened and I can't believe the amount of memories that have surfaced.  Earlier this year I had unpacked a lot of old albums and slides and had a good old slide show with the family.  Lots of laughs and memories. Every single one of you have touched my life in many different ways.  How about the camping and backpacking trips?  Those were some fantastic times for me.  Being close to nature has always given me the opportunity to feel so close to our Heavenly Father.  Can anyone share any information on Jim Cook, our fearless leader into the wilderness?  I am looking forward to sharing my love and memories with all of you.  Kathy (my wife) and I have purchased our tickets and can't wait to see everyone!

 I will be writing a letter to you Ernie....It's been a very long time and my thanks to you are long overdue.  You can't believe the number of times that I have thought of you and been thankful for the time, energy, selfless love, thought provoking talks and genuine concern for others.  I remember the times that we had gone out together at night to visit those who had called the church because they were lonely and fighting many internal battles.  You have touched many lives and planted the seed of the love of Christ.  With some it may have taken a long time for the seed to germinate, and you might not have been able to see that beautiful relationship with Christ blossom, but know Ernie that you are loved and appreciated by many.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.......!!!

 With love to all,

 Jerry Buck ( or "Bucko" a nick name that Ernie so graciously gave me!)

 Gangers,

I remember one Camp Celebration when we all gathered around a television set (I didn't even know the camp had a TV) and watched Richard Nixon resign the presidency of the United States.  Afterward everyone stood and applauded.  And Ernie, true to form, with a gentle rebuke reminded us not to applaud another man's pain.  That night history was made for our nation and for the Kingdom of God as we learned how to love someone whom many had grown to hate.  It's those kind of YF lessons that have made a difference in my life.

 Thanks for this moment,

 Dean Coffey