With the goal of improving citizenship and character education in the elementary school child through learning by doing in the form of a school-based club, the Young Citizens League (YCL) appeared in rural South Dakota early in the twentieth century, introduced by Michael M. Guhin and developed by E.C. Giffen. By 1930, at its peak, it had an estimated 75,000 members in 4,000 chapters. Following its motto "Help Uncle Sam" and through its standing committees for Information and Programs, Health and Sanitation, Physical Training, and Patriotic Aid, the YCL focused on patriotism, personal health, and doing things each day to help the country. Beginning in 1926-27, state-wide projects were recommended to local chapters and included endeavors such as beautifying school grounds; recataloging, reconditioning, and building up school libraries; music appreciation and the purchase of musical instruments; art appreciation and placing good pictures in classrooms. Beginning in 1926-27, the YCL became an official state program, supported by budget appropriations. However, most project money was raised through club efforts such as traditional box socials. Annual student speech and essay contests offered trips to county and state conventions for winners. Although officially prohibited, YCL members were often enlisted by teachers for janitorial work. (NEC)