Character & Leadership Development

Helping youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills for participating in the democratic process is the main thrust of these programs. They also develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to Club and community and celebrating our national heritage.

 

 

V.I.P.'s

V.I. P.’s or Very Important Person is a group club for ages 7 and 8. Club members in this group learn about fire safety, bicycle safety, healthy habits, manners, being responsible and the importance of helping out around the house. The club also service as an introduction into the rules of the club and what it takes to be a great club member. Meetings are bi-weekly and are held on Fridays at 4:30 PM. Shelley Carr is the advisor.

 

JUNIOR LEADERS

Junior Leaders is a citizenship and leadership club for ages 9 and 10. Members hold weekly meetings on Thursdays at 4:30 PM Erin Roth is the advisor. The purpose of the club is to instill effective leadership skills at a young age. Club members learn to hone their listening, direction following and teamwork skills.

 

TORCH CLUB: AGES 11 - 13

Torch Club is a chartered small-group leadership and service club for boys and girls ages 11 to 13. Torch Club members elect officers and work together to implement activities in four areas: service to Club and community, education, health and fitness and social recreation. Meetings are held on Wednesdays at 4:30 PM. Gene Whaley is the advisor.

 

KEYSTONE CLUB: AGES 14 - 18

Keystone Club is a chartered leadership and service club for boys and girls ages 14 to 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 Keystoning principles. Each year, Keystoners develop a National Keystone Project. The combined action of hundreds of local Keystone Clubs results in a service project with a national scope.Keystoners meet on a monthly basis during Teen Center.  Gene Whaley is the advisor.

 

YOUTH OF THE YEAR PROGRAM

Established in 1947, Youth of the Year is BGCA's premier youth recognition program for Club members, promoting service to Club, community and family; academic performance; moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. The 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 to 18 as Youths of the Month and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competition. State winners each receive a $1,000 scholarship and participate in regional competitions. Five regional winners each receive 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.