Character & Leadership

This Core Program Area empower youth to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image, participate in the democratic process and respect their own and others’ cultural identities.

Youth of the Year

Youth of the Year is BGCA’s premier youth recognition program for Club members. All members can benefit from participation in this program, which promotes and celebrates service to Club, community and family; academic performance; moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability. The Youth of the Year program is most effective when used as a year-round tool for fostering young people’s character, personal growth and leadership qualities. Local Clubs recognize members ages 14-18 who were Youths of the Month and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competition. State winners, who each receive $1,000 scholarships, participate in regional competitions. Five regional winners each receive an engraved plaque and a $10,000 scholarship and compete on the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States. Reader’s Digest Foundation has sponsored the Youth of the Year program for more than 60 years.

Torch Club

Torch Clubs are charter small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 11-13. 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 Staples National Torch Club Awards are presented annually to Torch Clubs with outstanding program 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. Staples Foundation for Learning, Inc. and Staples, Inc. sponsor the Torch Club program.

Keystone Club

Keystoning is the Boys & Girls Club Movement’s most dynamic teen program. Keystone Clubs are chartered leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 14-18. Keystoners elect officers and implement activities in six areas: service to Club and community, character and leadership development, education and career exploration, unity, free enterprise and social recreation. Keystone Club members and their advisors can be nominated to steering committees that organize regional and national Keystone Conferences attended by thousands of Keystoners each year. Keystone Club Awards are bestowed annually on Keystone Clubs that implement programs and activities that best promote the Keystoning principles. Each year, Keystoners develop a National Keystone Project. The combined action of hundreds of local Keystone Clubs results in a service project with a national scope. Taco Bell Foundation sponsors the national Keystone Club program as part of the multi-year teen initiative, a strategic partnership between the foundation and BGCA that equips Clubs with the tools and resources to create a positive place for teens as well as for kids.

Upcoming Events

Full Calendar of Events
Youth of the Year

Become a Part of the Team

Get Involved In Our Summer Program

The Boys & Girls Club is always looking for new, energetic people to add to our AfterSchool Teams.

Check out current volunteer and employment opportunities and access the application online!

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Employment >>

The Boys & Girls Club summer program is set to start on Monday, June 14th. Registration for the program will take place June 7-11 at Franklin School from 9:00am-4:00pm. There have been some changes to the program for this year, so please click the link below for more details on the summer program. See you this summer!

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To donate to the Club fast and easy with your credit card, or to sponsor youth for our summer program, click below on our secure link to Paypal!

Each year the BGC of Fond du Lac chooses one youth to represent them as Youth of the Year.

In 2010, Brittany Hernandez has earned that honor. For more about Brittany's story, click the link below!

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Main Office: Franklin School Building
382 Walker Street | Fond du Lac WI 54935
(920) 924-0530 | kidsclub@kidsclubfdl.org
United Way
Fond du Lac Area United Way, Inc.