Character & Leadership Development
Keystone Clubs
Keystone Clubs are chartered small-group leadership development clubs for Club
members ages 14 to 18. Commonly known as “Keystoners,” these teens elect
officers, choose their own activities and plan and implement community service
projects. Clubs with a national charter can take part in regional and national
Keystone conferences.
Torch Club
Youth ages 11 to 13 are the target group for this leadership development
program. Comprised of small groups, Clubs elect officers and plan and implement
their own activities and community service projects. Each of the 700 Torch Clubs
across the country has an official charter from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Youth of the Year
This high-profile awards program runs year-round. Each month, each Club chooses
a teenager who exhibits leadership qualities and meets other criteria to become
“Youth of the Month.” In January of each year, winners of the Youth of the Month
contest submit applications with essays and the recommendation of adults to vie
for “Youth of the Year.” Each Club selects its own “Youth of the Year” winner
who will go on to compete for the organization-wide “Youth of the Year” honor.
Business and community leaders comprise the panel of judges that select the
Youth of the Year from the Club entries. Winners are judged on the quality of
leadership and service in nine areas, ranging from home and school to community
and life goals, as well as their activity and role at the Club. They must
complete two essays: 1.) what the Club means to them, and 2.) the importance of
education after high school.
The judges select a winner and two runners-up. The prize is a plaque;
recognition at the annual Youth of the Year luncheon, held in January; and
scholarships of $1,000, $750 and $500, respectively for the winner, first
runner-up and second runner-up. The winners also attend and speak on stage at
various B&GCSM events throughout the year, further honing their leadership
skills.
The winner of the Southeastern Michigan program competes at the state level in
the spring, and that winner advances to the regional competition. Winners from
each region become contestants in the national competition. Youth of the Year is
the highest award given by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
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