Todays “Youth,” used to be known as MYF, or Methodist Youth Fellowship. The same age groups as now, grades 6-12, would meet at the church at 5:30 for a snack supper, study, and fun. The suppers consisted of everything from hot dogs to pizza and chips, or sandwiches. Parent volunteers
coordinated and served the meal, which had a cost of fifty cents to one dollar per person.
Games and competition were often part of the fun, and included everything from broom hockey to volleyball, and basketball, to capture the flag, and water balloon battles. Study was held most usually in the Youth Room, but could be outdoors as well.
There were Youth Directors, MYF Counselors and chaperones, and occasionally summer interns assisting in the effort. There was also Afterglow.
Afterglow, so named for the “glow” or heart- warming experience felt after MYF and evening worship, would take place at least once a month. Church members would host the entire group at their personal homes, providing a relaxed atmosphere of fellowship, and of course more food!
While actually just hangin’ out, but there was no such term at that time, and lasting for an hour to an hour and a half, time was spent laughing and talking, perhaps playing pool or swimming in a pool, pingpong and maybe even watching Sunday night television.
Sunday nights with Afterglow would have a larger turnout than most others, and youth friends outside Pittman Park often joined in the festivities.
Hadley Campbell