Character & Leadership
The main focus of these programs is to help youth become responsible, caring, productive citizens and to acquire life skills. They also develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making and contributing to the Club and community. These programs empower youth to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image and respect their own and others’ cultural identities.
This small group leadership development program, sponsored by Staples, is targeted to youth ages 11 to 13. Within some 1,300 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.
Sponsored by the Reader’s Digest Foundation, the National Youth of the Year Program is designed to promote and recognize service to Club and community, academic performance and contributions to family and spiritual life. Competition begins with each Club selecting a Youth of the Year who receives a certificate and medallion then enters state competition. State winners receive a plaque and $1,000 scholarship then enter the regional competition. Each of the five regional winners receives a $10,000 scholarship and enters the national competition held in Washington, DC. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 scholarship, totaling $26,000 in scholarships, and is installed by the President of the United States.
This program helps youth receive the fundamental life skills and personal development philosophies necessary for success in school and in life. As part of the eight-week Success for Teens program, members learn how to set goals and realize the value of positive thinking and personal development. The mission of the program is to inspire and empower young people to value life, develop a positive self image and realize their full potential.
