CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP

Teen Supreme®
TEENSupreme, a teen outreach initiative sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation, provides staff training and teen centers in Clubs nationwide, and supports the TEENSupreme Keystone Club program.

Keystone Club
Teen groups within Boys & Girls Clubs – focus on leadership development through community service projects. Examples of Keystone activities include raising money to buy health insurance for disadvantaged children, developing an exercise program for the elderly and involving homeless youth in Club activities. Each year, more than 1,000 Keystoners gather for the National TEENSupreme Keystone Conference to discuss issues concerning today’s youth.

Torch Club
Torch Clubs are small-group clubs that promote sound character and strong leadership in boys and girls ages 11 to 13. With the guidance of an adult advisor, eight to 15 youth elect their own officers, plan and manage their own activities, and conduct special projects and events. A powerful vehicle for helping Clubs meet the special needs of today’s adolescents, Torch Clubs offer:

• a solid foundation in character
• leadership skills and experiences
• a sense of belonging
• positive interaction with a small group of peers
• guidance and support of a committed, caring adult
• opportunities to make a difference in the world through helping others
• a sense of pride, self-worth and accomplishment that flows from learning to take responsibility.

EDUCATION & CAREER

Several BGCA programs help members develop attitudes and skills necessary for success in the classroom. Power Hour! provides homework help and tutoring every day after school.

Ultimate Journey
This program inoduces young people to environmental education and the world of nature. Participants learn about various issues impacting the environment and conduct projects to protect, restore or enhance their local environment. The Ultimate Journey has been internationally recognized for its ability to teach and motivate urban youngsters.

HEALTH & LIFE SKILLS

SMART Moves
BGCA’s award-winning SMART Moves (Skills Mastery And Resistance Training) prevention/education program addresses the related problems of drug and alcohol use and premature sexual activity. Based on proven prevention techniques, the program uses a team approach involving Club staff, parents and community representatives. More than simply emphasizing a "Say No" message, the program teaches how to say no by involving young people in discussion and role-playing, practicing resistance and refusal skills, developing assertiveness, strengthening decision-making skills and analyzing media and peer influence. The ultimate goal: promote abstinence from substance abuse and adolescent sexual involvement through the practice of responsible behavior.

THE ARTS

Cultural Enrichment
The National Photography Contest and the National Fine Arts Competition provide Boys & Girls Club members with exposure to the fine arts and a chance to develop their own unique talents. The most outstanding works from both the Photography Contest and the Fine Arts Competition are displayed at regional and national exhibits throughout the year.

SPORTS, FITNESS & RECREATION

Sports Program
This six-part initiative is designed to increase the number of youngsters participating in Boys & Girls Club fitness programs, while enhancing each Club’s ability to train volunteers and staff to work with youngsters as coaches and mentors.