“Club 37” – Young Life’s First Club and Our Lasting Legacy
When we think about legacy, what better place to start than at the very beginning of Young Life?
Over 80 years ago, Jim Rayburn had a vision: to build meaningful relationships with young people and share the life-changing message of God’s love.
Among Jim’s many skills was his ability to understand his audience. He recognized that to engage young people, he needed to create an inviting and familiar space. That’s why he named the first club “Club 37,” giving it an air of established community and continuity. What started as a simple gathering has blossomed into a movement that has touched millions of lives!
For many who began their journey with Club 37—or joined along the way—they have chosen to invest in this mission through their wills, trusts, and end-of-life plans. These remarkable individuals form what we now proudly call “Club 37” — a community of friends committed to ensuring the work of Young Life continues long after they’ve been “promoted.”
The Young Life Foundation is here to foster connections with those who have chosen to include Young Life in their will or trust. There’s no secret handshake or hidden code to join—just a shared passion for continuing our mission. We want to ensure that those who plan to give have a way to stay connected with the incredible work happening in Young Life today, and with others who share that love.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Have you included Young Life in your end-of-life plans through a will or trust? Let us know! Your commitment means the world to us.
Curious about the impact of Young Life and our vision for the future? Reach out to our team! We’d love to share the exciting developments happening in local ministries and explore creative opportunities for growth.
Want to experience Young Life in action? Join us at camp as an adult guest, volunteer, travel with Young Life, or visit a local club. Let’s get you connected!
If you’re interested in being part of this inspiring community or have questions about how to ensure Young Life continues to thrive, please reach out. You can contact us at 800-813-1945, email YLFoundation@sc.younglife.org, or visit us online at www.younglifefoundation.org.
We can’t wait to connect with you and hear your story of how Young Life has impacted your life!