Almost 300 Young People and chaps met at Hope Christian School in Redlands, California, Monday, July 23, 1979. All these excited young people, representing all the Protestant Reformed churches in America, were gathering together for the 39th Annual P.R.Y.P. Convention. The convention theme was “Redeeming the Time” taken from Ephesians 15:15-16.
For the easterners, the California heat was a shock. As cabin sign-up and lunch were being taken care of at Hope School a few kids tried a game of basketball, but after a little while they too were looking for a little bit of shade. Buses left for Pine Summit Camp, near Big Bear Lake, later in the afternoon.
Arrival at the camp brought kids and luggage and excitement! Everybody found their cabin and settled in a little. The chapel was then filled for greetings and announcements. Quiet hour was at 10:00, then followed by cabin time at 11:30. Of course that didn’t mean activities for the day were over. Cabin friends talked about the past year and picked up friendships where they were left off last year.
Tuesday morning the sky was bright blue and the mountain air cool and fresh. Conventioneers headed to the chapel for devotions. This became a habit during the week. Before each meal everybody met at the chapel; scripture reading and prayer were handled by a member of Redlands society. Alvern then gave announcements and dismissed a cabin for K.P. duty. The remainder would join together in song until the meal was ready to be served.
Breakfast was served and tables cleaned. The convention picture was taken and once more we headed to the chapel. Rev. Hanko introduced the first discussion topic: “Covenant friendship and the Golden Rule”, after which the group divided up for discussion. The Delegate Board had their first meeting immediately following the discussion groups.
After lunch, the pool was open for the swimmers. Volleyball and basketball were played. For the brave kids, earth ball was played. Later in the afternoon, an obstacle course was run. To make things challenging, about eight kids had their ankles tied together, then ran in a row up a hill, through tires, over a log, around a swing, down a hill to the finish line. No one had to ask who ran. It was obvious by the rope burns around the ankles of about fifty kids!
Dinner was served at 5:30. There was time to clean up and at 7:30 young people, chaps, and visitors from church gathered to hear Rev. Kamps speak on “Redeeming the Time in the Age of Ignorance.” Directly after the speech, everyone went to Victory Circle where we could have a Bon-Fire-Sing-Along. Ten o’clock was quiet time and kids had to whisper or else be indoors. Adults were served coffee in the lodge, giving them a chance to visit. By 11:30, things were pretty dead at the camp. All those active bodies were a bit weary after a long busy day.
Wednesday morning came quickly. Devotions, announcements and singing preceded breakfast. After breakfast, people put on their hiking shoes. The 20 minute “walk” to the ski lift on Moonridge ended up being an hour-long uphill (mountain really) hike. Grumbling and sighs were heard until eyes could see the Alpine Slide. Suddenly steps became faster. Conventioneers were given a chance to take a chairlift up the mountain. At the top, each person was given a sled with wheels under it. The sled was taken down a cement track to where the chairlift started. When everybody that wanted to go down the chairlift had gone at least once we headed to the chairlift that went to the top of the mountain. The ride up took better than a half hour. Once at the top, it was with awe one looked around and saw a creation of nature wrought by God’s hand. It was in this setting that lunch was served and small groups were formed to discuss “The Role of Women in the Church.” After a well enjoyed discussion, one group at a time left the mountain for the ride down and long hike back to the camp. About twenty-five of us talked a man with a pickup truck into taking a load of tired kids. Once back at camp, people inspected their sunburn, took showers or a quick nap. By 5:30 everyone was back to camp waiting in line for dinner.
Rev. Dale Kuiper spoke to the group that gathered in the chapel Wednesday night on “Redeeming the Time: During the Sex Revolution.” After the speech kids walked around for awhile; but by 11:30 pretty much everybody was sleeping.
Thursday morning turned out to be as beautiful as the days we had already spent at the camp. By now, meeting in the chapel and heading to the lodge afterward were automatic. After breakfast, we once again gathered in the chapel where Rev. Hanko introduced our final discussion topic, “Are We Spiritually Honest with Ourselves?” After discussion groups, the delegates met to vote on constitution changes and new board officers.
Lunch was a hamburg fry. This was followed by the Girls’ East-West ball game. The East let the West slip by, winning with one run! The girls game was followed by the guys. The swimming pool was open at this time also.
Shower water was about 40 degrees by 3:30 which shows how early some people get started cleaning up for the Big Night!
By five one could look in amazement at the great looking guys and girls dressed up. Would you believe it was the same kids that looked like they only owned jeans all week. An excellent meal was served. Then an hour was spent talking, followed by gathering once more in the chapel. Rev. Miersma addressed the group gathered on “Redeeming the Time in a Fun-loving Generation.” Twelve o’clock was curfew!
Friday morning everybody had to be packed with luggage ready to be on the buses before breakfast. After breakfast, cabins were cleaned and inspected. By 10:00, 300 excited kids were heading down the mountain to the coast. After a few minor problems, like broke down buses, everyone arrived at the ocean. Hotdogs, pop, and chips were served. The big moment had arrived! The conventioneers went after the waves; some willingly, some found the water with the help of five other kids! The afternoon was spent body surfing, playing volleyball, and roller skating along the shore. The afternoon in sunny Southern California wore everyone out. The buses to Ontario High were pretty quiet!
Dinner was served by the mothers of Redlands. Farewells were said, and buses left back to Redlands or the airport.
Another convention came to a close. With it are many memories of friends, discussions, speeches and activities. Each one, as we sang “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”, had thoughts of God’s faithfulness to us as His covenant youth running through our minds. And we know God will be with each of us on our way and someday reunite us together again.