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.
Leaders-In-Training (LIT) is for members ages 13 to 17. Through this program, our youth learn the virtue of handling responsibility, self-discipline, and teamwork. LIT's assist our young Club members, lead recreational activities, and provide additional support. They gain valuable work experience and explore educational and career opportunities through personal guidance and career development workshops. The Leaders-In-Training program is generously supported by the Pacific Youth Foundation.
The Keystone Club is a small-group leadership development club for young people ages 14 to 18. Keystone members 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 program is designed to promote and recognize service to the Club and our community, academic performance, and contributions to family/home life. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Club member can receive through the Boys & Girls Club of America. For us, our Youth of the Year awards winner is one of the most important events in the Whittier community, as it is a time to celebrate the success of our youth as a whole. For our award recipients, it gives them a voice and a platform to showcase their personal development. Through essays and speeches, our award recipients illustrate how they have turned their aspirations into actions and overcome personal obstacles to achieve success.
Torch Club has chartered 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 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.
Healthy Lifestyles is a small-group program that emphasizes good nutrition, regular physical activity, and improved overall well-being.
Triple Play, BGCA’s comprehensive health, and wellness initiative strive to improve the overall health of members, ages 6-18, by increasing their daily physical activity, teaching them good nutrition and helping them develop healthy relationships. TRIPLE PLAY - BODY The "Body" component of Triple Play promotes becoming more physically active through fun daily fitness routines. Curricula/programs include Daily Challenges and Triple Play Leadership Clubs (formerly Sports Clubs). These resources encourage youth to become more physically active through fun fitness routines. Triple Play Leadership Clubs infuse small-group leadership and service into active play. TRIPLE PLAY - MIND Healthy Habits is the "Mind" component of the Triple Play program. Healthy Habits curricula is designed to teach young people about the benefits of developing healthy habits such as eating smart and being physically active; equip young people with skills to adopt healthier habits by participating in fun and engaging learning activities both at the Club and at home; and encourage young people to take small steps toward positive behavior changes. TRIPLE PLAY - SOUL The "Soul" component of the Triple Play program encompasses the social recreation activities that are critical to positive youth development. This includes strengthening interpersonal skills, positive behavior, and good character through social recreation programs.
Summer Brain Gain Summer learning loss has a devastating effect on America's kids, especially those who don't participate in enriching summer activities. That's why Boys & Girls Clubs of America is pleased to share Summer Brain Gain – a fun, interactive learning program designed for summer in the Club!
Keystone is the Boys & Girls Club Movement’s most dynamic teen program. It affords teens an opportunity to gain valuable leadership and service experience. They conduct activities in three areas: academic success, career exploration and community service.
ALL STARS program helps local Clubs implement leagues in youth football, basketball and cheerleading programs to teach young people character and teambuilding skills, as well as athletic fundamentals. Program participants are coached by Club staff and volunteers who have successfully completed sport appropriate training and certifications.