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This organization was a separate entity from the Sunday School program. It was a group that encompassed several classes and involved children from about age 13 through high school. Some children who came to Sunday School did not participate in the youth group and some who rarely showed up on Sunday mornings were active in this group which met on Sunday evenings. Perhaps one of the reasons was that this was not strictly a local program, but involved participation on a district and conference level. District meetings were held monthly, usually on Monday evenings, for business, study, fun and fellowship. There was lots of singing, mostly of songs from camping experiences. Various churches hosted the events and took responsibility for providing the program, games and refreshments. At one time the districts were divided into sub-districts, which cut travel time and distance. This group also made up a wonderful youth choir. It probably numbered about 20, and at one time was directed by Mrs. A.W. Franklin, the pastor’s wife.

These significant beginnings inspired and energized the spiritual growth of these young people. The Methodist Youth Fellowship, with its motto “Christ Above All,” has endured and accomplished many lasting good works through the efforts of dedicated, steadfast church young people. This is evidenced by the significant and dedicated leadership they have assumed in the strength of our church today.

Special summer training seminars from the 30s until the 50s (called the “Methodist Youth Assembly”) were held at Southwestern Methodist University in Georgetown for training Methodist youth in this area. Numerous local youth attended. The Methodist camping facilities in Glen Rose replaced the “Assembly” program.

Glen Lake Camp in Glen Rose, Texas, for many years has been a big part of the Children and Youth summer plans for our church. Many adults can tell of their life changing experiences at camp at Glen Lake when they were young. Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Schuman were both involved in the camp from time to time. Mr. Schuman gave money for a cabin when cabins were being built, and Mrs. Schuman was a volunteer nurse at the summer camps. In 1945, Bobby and Barbara Schuman had the type of inspiration from their experience at Glen Lake to come home to DeLeon and start a Vespers Service right in their own back yard; a silent trail to an altar under the trees complete with a pump organ. The kids led in worship, played the organ, and led the devotionals. The addition of a swimming pool in the Schuman yard was an added bonus for kids to come. Mr. Schuman saw that those who swam would also attend the service. The number of kids attending ranged from 10 to 88! These were simply children leading children by the guidance of their Methodist church upbringing and God's touch. What a wonderful testimony of our youth.

Through the years of Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) at DeLeon, we have had salaried youth leaders to hold MYF and to carry on other youth ventures; many young adults and older adults have taken on the voluntary position of Youth Coordinator or Youth Leader. Many have sacrificed hours and hours of time, energy and imagination in leading our youth. To mention one would surely put us at risk of not being able to list them all, so we won’t try to do that, but make note that many have put forth great effort and had wonderful ideas and gatherings to add to the enlightenment of the young people at FUMC, DeLeon. One such group made sure the Youth Center, which was added to the north end of the building in the early 70s, was open to the youth of our town during weeknights to offer a place to come for fellowship, billiards, ping-pong, and fun. The era of the 70s included chaperoned after-game dances and refreshments.

During the 90s our renovated Youth Center was open for Hispanic emphasis night for the youth to enjoy pool, music, ping-pong, and video games. The newly renovated youth center has become quite a “place to be” during church activities and other events held at the church. The room has been painted Maroon/White/Black with the scripture captured on the wall “Whoever claims to live in Him, must walk as Jesus walked.” I John 2:6. There is a pool table, ping-pong table, video game center, TV-video and music room, and a space for sitting and a snack bar area with bar-height tables and stools for visiting. The youth truly take advantage of “their” space and have really enjoyed it.

The recent fundraising the youth have begun regularly is fajita dinners and take-out. This seems to be a winner with our congregation. They have been taking trips to Six Flags, and have been attending the District Youth events in our area. The summer of 2000 the youth went to New Braunfels and San Antonio for a 3-day trip where they enjoyed Schlitterbahn, Fiesta Texas, the Comal River, and morning and nightly spiritual renewal time. The 2001 group would like to plan a Ski Trip for the winter. Our family at FUMC, DeLeon has been totally supportive anytime they are asked to help with, or take part in any activity youth want to do. They have a wonderful, giving church family.

The church, addressing the value of activities for youth, has provided adult leaders as sponsors, role models, and mentors. Additionally, appropriate space within the building itself accommodates the needs of youth for social and spiritual growth.