Character and Leadership

Youth of the Year

Youth of the Year is our signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy.

In the 21st-century world and workplace, leadership skills such as communication, goal-setting and teamwork are essential for everyone - especially young people preparing to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. With a grassroots beginning in 1947, Youth of the Year has evolved into a comprehensive leadership development program, which includes:

• Youth of the Month – Leadership Recognition Program

• Junior Youth of the Year – Leadership Readiness Program, and

• Youth of the Year – Leadership Development Program

Keystone Club

Keystone Club is The Boys & Girls Club Movement’s ultimate teen program.

Keystone Clubs provide leadership development opportunities for young people ages 14 to 18. Youth participate in activities in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation and community service. With the guidance of an adult advisor, Keystone Clubs aim to have a positive impact on members, the Club and community.

BGCA hosts an annual National Keystone Conference for Boys & Girls Club teens that brings together members from all across the globe. Throughout the conference, Keystone members engage and socialize with peers, explore relevant issues, and develop skills to support and enhance efforts in their local Boys & Girls Clubs and communities.

Torch Club

Torch Clubs are chartered, small-group character and leadership clubs for boys and girls ages 11 to 13.

Torch Club is a “club within the Club,” helping to meet the special character-development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their life.

A Torch Club is a powerful vehicle through which young people develop and strengthen their 21st-century leadership skills, giving them a firm foundation of good character and integrity. Torch Club members elect officers and work together to implement projects in the four focus areas: service to Club and community; education; health and fitness; and social recreation.

Old Navy proudly supports Torch Club. Their annual back-to-school donation drive raises funds for the program nationally, and they also provide valuable volunteer resources to chartered Torch Clubs across the country.

Climate SuperStars, an online environmental challenge sponsored by Samsung Electronics America, is offered annually to chartered Torch Clubs. Eligible Torch Clubs can win Samsung products ranging from Galaxy Tabs to large-screen TVs.