Charlotte grew up tall and strong.

She was athletic, softball and basketball especially. She loved riding her bicycle. Her brother described her as "Rough and tumble."  She was academically gifted, but that was almost expected - she could spell, recite and debate her way to any award they gave. She held every position of responsibility at Greenleaf academy, class president, clubs, etc. One childhood friend allowed as how it was unusual for a girl to lead so many efforts, but she added "But no one thought anything of it - It just Charlotte - She was just that good - at pretty much anything."  This is a theme heard time and again from those who knew her. Exceptions were made for her because she was exceptional. She was so enthusiastic and exceedingly competent, that to not use her talents would have been bad stewardship. 

Over at Greenleaf Friends Church, pastor Milo Ross knew he had a good batch of young people. He and the elders made sure that they formed a special training group and Bible study for them. Several were recorded as ministers in their early 20's. Christian Endeavor was a cross-denominational training program for teens. It invented the concept of what we would now call Youth Ministry. It trained leaders by letting them lead a mirror version of the church. It emphasized doing business by Roberts Rules of Order, taking careful minutes, election of officers and service on committees. Friends made minor adjustments. It sponsored regional and national conventions. It promoted the idea of righteous living according to an evangelical understanding, including temperence. They started every meeting with this pledge: