Character & Leadership Development Program

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.

Goals for Growth

Goals for Growth teaches club members ages 8–12 skills for setting and achieving goals, helps them identify their own strengths, and enhances their self-esteem by reinforcing their progress and recognizing their success in realizing their goals. Members set goals in seven areas: Club Involvement, Discovery of New Knowledge, Skills or Pastimes, Service to Others, School Improvement, Personal Improvement, and Career Awareness.

Torch Club

This small-group leadership development program, sponsored by Staples, is targeted to youth ages 11–13. Within the 700 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.

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.

Youth of the Year

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. The competition begins with each Club selecting a Youth of the Year who receives a certificate and medallion, then enters the state competition. State winners receive a plaque and a $1000 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 schoalrships, and is installed by the President of the United States.

Anne Thompson Scholarship

A local scholarship for Boys & Girls Club of Lake County members who have invested two or more years into the club. Scholarships of $1000 or more are provided to celebrate Club members’ service to Club, community, family, academic performance, moral character, life goals, as well as poise and public speaking ability. Please contact the BGCLC Administrative Office 847-473-5990 for specific guidelines.