• Character over competition: Our intentional focus is on knowing Jesus and becoming more like Him. We earnestly desire growth in love for God, in the knowledge of His love for us, and in a humble life that pours out love towards others.
• People over programs: We exist for our communities: those we know and those we have yet to meet. The people. We were created for companionship, and at CYT we long to see strangers become neighbors and neighbors become community. This is our calling. We love God, and we love and value His people. We see and welcome people for who they uniquely are and not just what they can do for our organization.
• Service over spotlight: We believe in serving others in sacrificial and tangible ways. CYT exists for opportunities to know and see needs, and to meet them as the body of Christ. We see leadership through the lens of servant leadership, as best demonstrated in the person and work of Jesus. We aim to work slowly and mindfully to see the needs that walk through our doors. We would take servanthood over spotlights any day.
• Excellence over ego: We value giving God our first and our best. Excellence is our simplest expression of giving the gifts and talents God has blessed us with back to Him. We don’t seek perfection as a means of outward praise, but excellence as a form of worship from a heart of gratitude and diligence. Being excellent in all we say and do is a way we can be faithful to God’s calling on our lives and in our work.

Our CYT community includes diverse cultures, creeds, political beliefs and positions on social issues. CYT is the common ground where we work towards a common goal, treating all with respect, understanding, and love.

CYT leaders, families, and students must be able to hold to their personal convictions while simultaneously demonstrating grace and compassion to all those they encounter regardless of gender, faith, race, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. While we are passionate about making CYT a place where everyone is welcomed, we understand that it is not for everyone. No one will ever be turned away from CYT because of a disagreement concerning personal or political convictions. At the same time, CYT does not demand adoption of any specific religious doctrine or personal convictions and will not permit any leader, student, or family to disrupt the core mission of CYT by promoting any individual political or social issue while participating in CYT programs. Our personal convictions regarding politics, social issues, and doctrine should be left as personal convictions while at CYT.