CYC - Christian Youth Crusaders

Sponsor: Free Methodist Church of North America

1939

Motto: Increase in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and Man. Luke 2:52

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---Not to be confused with the 1930's "Christian Youth Crusaders" program, that was the youth program for the Kentucky State Citizens Committee, an anti-alcohol temperance group. ---

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Appears to have been created along the lines of most religious youth groups of the time, similar to scouting programs with a nod to the specific faith. Uniforms, earned emblems and fond memories are common. Like other youth programs - the CYC evolved out of youth programs in place that had been studied and modified, launching in 1939.

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Originally it was only open to boys and girls 12-14 years of age. 3 meetings a week were normal: Sunday School, a meeting later on Sunday (afternoon or evening) and a meeting during the week. The Sunday School meeting was to focus on the spiritual side of CYC, the later Sunday meeting was to visit the sick or elderly, prayer groups and such. The meeting during the week was to focus more the on the club aspect of the CYC - earning emblems, learning first aid, etc.

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Later the CYC had different age groups:

• Heralds: Grades 1-3

• Cadets: Grades 4-6

  • Pals - 4th Grade​

  • Volunteers - 5th Grade

  • Messengers - 6th Grade

• Crusaders: Grades 7-9

  • Knights (Boys)​

  • Pilgrims (Girls)

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The Service Year began on September 1 of any year. The "color" for the Cadet level was yellow. It appears that the button-style pins (the earned emblems) were also color-coded; red pins for Pals, green pins for Volunteers and purple pins for Messengers. There were 10 earned emblems for each year/level and extra emblems that covered such topics as camping, nature study, etc.

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Like all youth programs, the CYC grew and changed through the years.

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A kindergarten group was later started called Joybelles.

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The Canadian program used the same logo for CYC, but their earned emblems were different form the USA program.

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