Character & Leadership Development
Programs in this core area empower youth to support and influence the Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image and good character, participate in the democratic process, and respect their own and others' cultural identities.
Keystone Clubs are chartered leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 13-18. 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. Taco Bell Foundation sponsors the national Keystone Club program as part of the multi-year TEENSupreme 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.
Torch Clubs are chartered small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 11-13. A Torch Club is a powerful vehicle through which Club staff can help meet the special character development needs of young 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 programs and activities in the four areas. Staples Foundation for Learning, Inc. and Stapels,Inc. sponsor the Torch Club program.
Youth of the Year. Established in 1947, Youth of the Year is a premier national youth recognition program for Club members, promoting service to the Club, community and family; academic performance; moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. Each of our Clubs selects a member (ages 14 to 18) as their Youth of the Year who goes on to compete in our local competition. A Youth of the Year winner is chosen from our six Clubs who then goes on to compete at the State competition with the chance to compete at the national level.