Character & Leadership Development:
We Develop:
* A desire to support & influence their community
* An ability to sustain meaningful relationships
* A positive self-image
* A desire to participate in the democraticprocess
* Respect their own and others' cultural identities
Youth of the Year:
Youth of the Year is BGCA's premier youth recognition program for Club members. All members can benefit from participation in this program, which promotes and celebrates service to Club, community and family; academic performance; moral character; life goals; poise and public speaking ability. The Youth of the Year Program is most effective when used as a year-round tool for fostering young people's character, personal growth and leadership qualities. Local Clubs recognize members ages 14-18 who were Youths of the Month and select a Youth of theYear, who then participates in state competitions. State winners participate in regional competitions. Five regional winners each receive an engraved plaque and a $10,000 scholarship and compete on the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States. Reader's Digest Foundation has sponsored the Youth of the Year program for more than 50 years.
Torch Clubs:
Torch Clubs are charter small-group leadership and service clubs for boys & girls ages 11-13. A torch Club is a powerful vehicle through which Club staff can help meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their development. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to implement activities in four areas: service to Club and community, education, health and fitness and social recreation. The Staples National Torch Club Awards are presented annually to Torch Clubs with outstanding program and activities in four areas. Each year, Torch Club members from all over the country take part in a service-learning experience through the National Torch Club project.Staples Foundation for Learning, Inc. and Staples, Inc. sponsor the Torch Club program.
Keystone Clubs:
Keystoning is the Boys & Girls Club Movement's most dynamic teen program. Keystone Clubs are chartered leadership and service clubs 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 and 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 bestowed annually on 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 result in a service project with a national scope. Taco Bell Foundation sponsors the national Keystone Club Program as part of the multi-year teen initiative, a strategic partnership between the foundation and BGCA that equips Clubs with the tools and resources to create a positive place for teens as well as for kids.