Character & Leadership

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.

TEENSupreme® Keystone Clubs

Keystone Clubs are chartered small group leadership development clubs for young people ages 14-18. Keystoners elect officers, choose their own activities and plan and implement community service projects. A national charter entitles a Keystone Club to participate in regional and national Keystone conferences. The TEENSupreme Keystone Club program is sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation.

National TEENSupreme Keystone Conference

Keystone Club members from across the country gather in a different city each year to develop leadership skills, exchange ideas, debate and discuss current issues, and make friends. Each year, Keystoners select a national project for local Keystone Clubs to complete. The combined action of hundreds of local Keystone Clubs throughout the nation results in a project of national significance. The National TEENSupreme Keystone Conference is sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation.

National Youth of the Year

Sponsored by The Reader's Digest Association, 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. Clubs select a Youth of the Year who receives a certificate and medallion then enters state competition. State winners receive a plaque and enter the regional competition. Regional winners receive a $2,000 scholarship and enter a national competition held in Washington, DC. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $8,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States.

Torch Club

This small-group leadership development program is targeted for youngsters ages 11 to 13. Within some 339 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.