Character and Leadership Development
Helping youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills for participating in the democratic process is the main thrust of Character & Leadership programs. They also help youth to develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to Club and community, and celebrating our national heritage.

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. The Keystone Club program is sponsored nationally by the Taco Bell Foundation.

National Youth of the Year is designed to promote and recognize service to Club and community, academic performance and contributions to family and spiritual life. Clubs select a Youth of the Year who receives a certificate and medallion and enters state competition. State winners receive a plaque and enter the regional competition. Regional winners receive a $5,000 scholarship and enter a national competition held in Washington, DC. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $10,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States. Youth of the Years is sponsored nationally by The Reader's Digest Foundation.

Torch Club is a small-group leadership development program targeted to youngsters ages 11-13. Within some 700 Torch Clubs across the country, members elect officers, plan and implement their own activities and community service projects. Each Torch Club receives an official charter from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Torch Club is sponsored nationally by Staples.