Keystone Club is the Boys & Girls Club’s ultimate teen program

Keystoning is the Boys & Girls Club Movement’s most dynamic teen program. It affords teens an opportunity to gain valuable leadership and service experience. They conduct activities in four areas: academic success, career exploration, community service, and teen outreach.

Torch Clubs are leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 10 to 13.

Torch Clubs are chartered small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 10-13. 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 Torch Club Awards are presented annually to Torch Clubs with outstanding programs and activities in the 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.

Youth of the Year is BGCA’s premier recognition program for Club members

Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. Club members who earn the youth of the Year title embody the values of leadership service; academic excellence; and healthy lifestyles. They exemplify the critical impact that Boys Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people.
Local Clubs recognize members ages 14 to 18 as Youth of the Month Winners and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competitions. State winners each receive a $5,000 scholarship and advance to regional competitions. Regional winners receive an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Six youth, including five regional winners and a military winner, advance to the National Youth of the Year competition for a chance at an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable up to $100,000 for four years. The National Youth of the Year represents all Boys & Girls Club youth.
 

  • The Local Clubs encourage members from grades 5 through 8 for the Jr. Youth of the Year and grades 9 through 12 for Sr. Youth of the Year, to complete the candidacy process for the Local Youth of the Year. This process includes writing 3 essays about their Club experience; their brand; and their hope for today’s youth.
  • Every January BGCSI holds the Youth of the Year Celebration Dinner. At this event candidates for the Jr. and Sr. Youth of the Year compete for the title by giving a speech in front of a panel of judges and then answer questions from the judges before they decide who the youth of the year is deserving of the title. The Sr. Youth of the Year then participates in the state competition. State winners each receive a $5,000 scholarship and advance to regional competitions. Regional winners receive an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000. Six youth, including five regional winners and a military winner, advance to the National Youth of the Year competition for a chance at an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable up to $100,000 for four years. The National Youth of the Year represents all Boys & Girls Club youth.

Junior Staff

Junior Staff gives teens an opportunity to learn more about mentoring and how they can impact the lives of younger youth in the Club.