Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida - Alachua County Character and Leadership Programs

Keystone Club is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) premier teen leadership program. This program for teens ages 14-18 is designed to promote character and leadership qualities among Club teens; to provide awareness and impact in the areas of community service, academic success, career preparation and teen outreach, the four focus areas of Keystoning.

Torch Clubs are chartered small-group leadership and service clubs for young people 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. The Torch Club Awards are presented annually to Torch Clubs with outstanding programs and activities in the four areas. Each year, Torch Club members from all over the country take part in a service-learning experience through the National Torch Club Project.

Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members. Each year, one exceptional young person from a Boys & Girls Club rises to the role of National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year serves as both an exemplary ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for all of our nation’s young people.

The journey to being named National Youth of the Year begins locally and progresses to state, regional and national levels, with opportunities for winners to receive various scholarships at each level.

Youth for Unity – Promoting Diversity and Tolerance. Now more than ever, it is important for Club staff to partner with youth to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. Within this nurturing environment, young people need transformative opportunities and experiences to practice social emotional development, specifically empathy for others.

BGCA’s Youth for Unity program provides youth and parents with the groundwork that will help them better understand diversity and combat prejudice, bigotry and discrimination. This program consists of a comprehensive, broad-based set of activities and conversation starters that build the capacity of local Clubs to help members appreciate themselves as unique and special individuals; understand our society’s diversity; recognize bias and unfairness; and take personal leadership in confronting bias.

Locations in Alachua County:
NW Campus: 2661 N.W. 51st Street, Gainesville, FL 32606
Woodland Park Campus: 1900 SE 4th Street, Gainesville, FL 32641