Young Patriots Club

 YPC recognizes we are citizens and patriots first of Heaven, devoted to our gracious and good God, Creator, and Redeemer. Next, we're citizens of this greatest land in the history of the world - the United States of America, blessed by God with countless heroes who have sacrificed deeply so we can live our faith and our lives boldly. And that's exactly what we do, from hearts of gratitude. 

We come from different schools and backgrounds, but we all share a passion for serving God and thanking our sacrificial heroes. From kindergarteners to high school seniors, we bless our community however God calls us to! From fundraisers for a cause, to welcoming veterans home from an honor flight to singing for the American Red Cross volunteers, we're excited to bless those who bless us.

Our mission statement is to honor God and uplift American heroes while growing servant leaders. 

We are a discipleship ministry, growing children and youth to follow Jesus with their whole hearts. Then we go out in our community and share our gratitude and the love of God with our local heroes and their loved ones who support them.

 We learn and perform patriotic songs, poems, and historical documents to share at local programs honoring the US military, veterans, and first responders. We often find ourselves at local events, surrounded by very humble, top-notch servants, who amaze us. Meeting them is our drive to practice well and become our best at whatever we do!

 At our weekly, after-school practices, we gather as:

True Blue Crew: K-2nd Grade

Stars & Stripes: 3rd-6th Grade

Youth Leaders: 7th-12th Grade 

Though we started as a third through sixth grade club, now known as our Stars and Stripes group, we are a kindergarten through twelfth grade club. The Youth Leaders help with the True Blue Crew and many other facets of the club. We are a discipleship team, where little ones are shepherded by godly youth and adults. 

We practice an average of 

three Mondays a month, 

from 4:15-5:30 pm at 

Mount Olive Lutheran Church & School, 

5625 Franklin Avenue in Des Moines. 

Drop-off and snack time is available 

at 4:00.

2023-2024 Kick-Off Night:

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 6:30-7:15 pm

Mount Olive Lutheran Church

5625 Franklin in Des Moines

Registration fee: $50/child

(We turn no one away for 

financial reasons - scholarships available)

Contact Julie Dueker, 

third grade teacher at Mount Olive, 

with more questions or to register:

515-710-6719

youngpatriots1776@gmail.com

 Young Patriots Club's leaders and guest speakers instill gratitude to God and a spirit of patriotism in club members. We develop confident, Christian leaders. Youth leaders teach and model integrity and service to our younger members. Our Youth leaders use their God-given gifts to set personal goals that will bless our club or our community.  

These goals may have to do with technology, writing, teaching, organization, hospitality, directing, photography...they dream and we support their efforts to make their dreams reality. We're developing leaders who are rooted in God's Word, and find their confidence and hope in Christ. 

 As a mother of many children spanning a wide range of ages, our family has been involved in a great deal of activities over the years and there hasn’t been one more meaningful than Young Patriots Club! My children have learned a great deal. They have memorized large portions of Scripture, poetry, and historical pieces both verbally and through sign language. Each time the group performs, the students get to see the impact that sharing the love of God has on the larger community. Julie overflows with a genuine love for the students and the Lord.  She is consistently pointing them to Him.  Most importantly, this group has grown my children’s faith. 

- Jenn Merritt, homeschooling mom

"I love to sing for our veterans and I love seeing them with smiles on their faces when we sing. I have met so may new friends. I love learning the sign language with our poems and I love Mrs. Dueker." 

- Hope Carson, 11

"I'm glad we get to show love for our veterans and those who are serving us. I don't want us to forget them and the sacrifices they made for us and our country."

- Porter Vest, 11 

"You and the kiddos gave us, combat veterans, something we don’t often see and/or come across…..a subtle and beautiful reminder that despite all the horrors of war, it was all worth it, their voices gave us peace in our minds that are filled with constant battles with the demons of war."

- Fermin Iturbide, combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient

 "Just wanted to reiterate how amazing you are and how grateful we are that Grace and Lexi have had this opportunity with you and Young Patriots.  I don’t know where else Lexi would have been able to learn and help with the sign language like she has here.   I don’t know where else Grace would have been able to write and direct like she has been able with his year.  I love that they have been able to lead discipleship teams. I love the serving that they get to do through Young Patriots! Thank you! Thank you!:

- Shelly Heims, YPC Parent