Celebrating 85 years of Young Life and the Moments that Made Us

early young life at a soda shop

When it comes to being born in 1941, we’re in good company. Did you know that global icons Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Placido Domingo, Wonder Woman, jeeps, and Velcro are also celebrating their 85th birthdays this year? Each began in humble origins, and over time their influence has grown to global proportions.

Young Life, too, began in a quiet way, and today, because of the Father’s kindness, we’re also global in scope and influence. We thank God for how he has sought fit to use this mission for his glory and honor. As with many octogenarians, we can look back and marvel at the moments that have brought us to where we are today and prepared us for where we’re headed.

Here’s just 85 moments (there are so many more!) that have formed Young Life.


Restore Frontier Ranch Option 2

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Jeff Chesemore 

Managing Editor/Writer 

Jeff’s life changed forever when he met Jesus at Young Life’s Frontier Ranch in 1983! He has served on staff since 1990, spending the first 17 years in the role of area director in Maryland and Delaware. Since 2008, Jeff has worked in the MarCom department, where he has the great joy of sharing what God is doing all around the world through the mission. He is the author of Made For This: The Young Life Story. 

Jeff lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his wife, Jodi. They have two adult sons, Timothy and Aidan. 

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