Character & Leadership

Leadership Overview

At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast, we empower our kids and teens to become young leaders. We show them the power and responsibilities of citizenship and expose them to different cultures. We teach them about potential career paths and help them develop skills related to interviewing and public speaking. Perhaps most important, we focus on the importance of building meaningful relationships, developing a strong self-image, and serving as a positive influence.

Youth of the Year

Youth of the Year is a year-round character and leadership program that recognizes Boys & Girls Club members who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership skills, and service to the community. Aged 14-18, these teens are working hard, investing in themselves, and have their sights set on achieving a GREAT FUTURE.

Keystone Club

Keystoning is the Boys & Girls Club Movement’s most dynamic teen program. It affords teens an opportunity to gain valuable leadership and service experience. Teens conduct activities in four areas: academic success, career exploration, community service, and teen outreach. We want to create a positive place for teens as well as for kids.

Torch Club

Torch Clubs are chartered​ small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 10-13. 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 Club and community, education, health and fitness and social recreation. Each year, Torch Club members from all over the country take part in a service-learning experience through the National Torch Club Project.

Workforce Readiness

At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast with Workforce Readiness, we teach members about judgment, creativity, decision-making, communication, and collaboration - which are all highly sought-after qualities and abilities by today's employers. We believe members that receive quality out-of-school opportunities, that intentionally support their workforce readiness, are well-positioned for Great Futures. The goal is to provide all youth, from age six through their teen years, with the knowledge, skills, and learning experiences they need to succeed in life & work. Learn More about Workforce Readiness.

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