Character & Leadership Development

Programs in this Core Program Area empower youth to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image, participate in the democratic process and respect their own and other cultural identities.

Youth of The Year
The National Youth of the Year program, Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier character and leadership initiative recognizes outstanding contributions to a Club member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club: as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. Participants are chosen on local and state levels, culminating with five regional winners meeting in Washington, D.C., to compete for the National Youth of the Year honor. (http://www.bgca.org/YOY/index.asp )

Keystone
Keystone is a youth led program to enhance leadership, responsibility, and develop a college bound culture among teens. Keystone is a chartered leadership and service club for boys and girls ages 14-18. Keystoners elect officers and implement activities in six areas:

Service to Club and community Character and leadership development
Education and career exploration Unity
Free enterprise Social recreation

Keystone Club members and their advisors can be nominated to steering committees that organize regional and national Keystone Conferences attended by thousands of Keystoners each year. Keystone Club Awards are presented annually to Keystone Clubs that implement programs and activities that best promote the Keystoning principles. Each year Keystoners develop a National Keystone Project. The combined action of hundreds of local Keystone Clubs results in a service project with a national scope. The Keystone Club is part of the multi-year teen initiative, a strategic approach to youth led programs tools and resources to create a positive place for teens as well as for younger club members. Areas covered could include: Leadership Development, Club and Community Service, Educational and Career Awareness, Social Recreation, Unity and Free enterprise. Keystoners also participate in the following activities. 

♣ National Conference
♣ Regional Conference 
♣ National Keystone Project 

For more information visit the Keystone Facebook page developed and operated by Keystone officers. (Keystone Facebook link)


Torch Club
Torch Club is a charter small-group leadership and service club for boys and girls. Torch Club instills qualities of tolerance, civic responsibility, community involvement and leadership that promotes an appreciation for the American way and democratic process in adolescent members. Torch Club members participate in activities to enhance a college bound culture among teens and their families.
Tourch Club