Hello! What's up, you say?

It's been almost twenty years since a much younger, slightly thinner lanyard-maker - fresh from his last summer at YMCA Camp Kern - embarked on efforts to contact camp alumni, trying to collect historical information, rekindle friendships, and work up a frenzy for the upcoming 75th Anniversary in 1985. On June 15, 1985, friends and alumni from across the country and as far away as Korea participated in a rather wet but enthusiastic tribute to the history and traditions of YMCA Camp Kern and the people who made Camp Ozone/Kern possible.

There were Ranch Camp Reunions, Outdoor Ed Reunions, Alumni Family Camps, and twice-a-year newsletters, with over 2,000 people on the mailing list at one point. In 1990 the camp was approached to present its Alumni Program at the YMCA's General Assembly conference.

Since the early 1990's there have been peaks and valleys, with occasional events but uneven administrative efforts. The list has since dwindled, communication has been sparse, and interest has waned among many.

Well, perhaps it's due to recent national events. Perhaps it's due to the fact that YMCA Camp Kern's 100th Anniversary is a mere 8 years away and historical resources are being lost with each passing year. Perhaps some of us are getting older and would like to reconnect with old friends. For any of the above reasons plus others, the time has come to get back on track.

Friends of Kern, Inc. has been created as a separate, non-profit membership organization, dedicated to 1) establishing and maintaining a network of communication among friends and alumni of YMCA Camp Kern; 2) providing resources for the collection, documentation, preservation, and distribution of historical information related to YMCA Camp Kern; and 3) providing resources to preserve and support the camp experience for future campers, extending for perpetuity the efforts of Carl B. Kern.

As was the case with the original Alumni Program, it is understood that some people want to actively participate in e-mail discussions, event planning, etc., while others may not want to be contacted at all except perhaps as historical resources or in cases of emergency (i.e., news about a camp friend). Friends of Kern, Inc. will strive to accomodate both, and web-based resources are being developed to allow individuals to select his/her level of participation. More information, including privacy policies, will be available on our web site, www.friendsofkern.org.

Whatever your desired level of participation, all of us at Friends of Kern, Inc. would enjoy getting back and staying in touch with you. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and comments. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Stuart T. Weinberg, MD
Executive Director
Friends of Kern, Inc.