Character & Leadership
Developing leadership skills and community contribution opportunities
Character & Leadership
Our Character/Leadership development programs help develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision making and contributing to Club and community.  They learn the importance - and the joy – of giving to others. Torch Clubs are charter small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 11-13.

 Torch Club

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 the Club and community, education, health and fitness and social recreation.
 Keystone Club

Our Keystone Club is a small group leadership development club for teens, 14-18. It affords teens an opportunity to gain valuable leadership and service experience. They conduct activities in three areas: academic success, career exploration and community service.

Keystone members elect officers, choose their own activities and plan and implement community service projects such as food drives and cleanups. A national charter entitles a Keystone Club to participate in regional and national Keystone conferences. The Keystone Club program is sponsored nationally by the Taco Bell Foundation.
 Youth of the Year

Youth of the Year is BGCA’s premier youth recognition program for Club members. All members can benefit from participation in this program, which promotes and celebrates service to Club, community and family; academic performance; moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. Local Clubs recognize members ages 14-18 who were Youths of the Month and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competition. State winners, who each receive $1,000 scholarships, participate in regional competitions. Five regional winners each receive an engraved plaque and a $10,000 scholarship and compete on the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $50,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States