Character and Leadership

Keystone Clubs
Keystone Clubs are chartered small group leadership development clubs for young people ages 14 to 18. Keystoners elect officers, choose their own activities and plan and implement community service projects. A national charter entitles a Keystone Club to participate in regional and national Keystone conferences.

Youth of the Year

In Boys & Girls Clubs around the world, caring staff members encourage and support the Club members they serve.  Through this nurturing environment, many develop sound character, leadership abilities and the willingness to give back to their community.  These are the qualities that make a Youth of the Year.  They are also some of the most important qualities young people need to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

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.  In addition, the youth's personal challenges and obstacles overcome are recognized.

Participants are chosen on local and state levels, culminating with five regional winners meeting in Washington, D.C. to complete for the National Youth of the Year honor.

Since the program's inception in 1974, each National Youth of the Year has met with the President of the United States to formally accept the award and begin a one-year term as the teen spokesperson for all Boys & Girls Club members.

The young people who earn recognition as Youth of the Year are living proof that Boys & Girls Clubs work.  Indeed, there is no stronger testimony that "Great Futures Start Here".

Torch Club
This small-group leadership development program, sponsored by Staples, is targeted to youth ages 11 to 13. Within some 700 Torch Clubs across the country, members elect officers and plan and implement their own activities and community service projects. Each Torch Club receives an official charter from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.