EMPOWERING TOMORROW’S LEADERS

Inside the Keystone Club at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County

At the heart of many Boys & Girls Clubs lies a powerful leadership development program shaping the future of young people across the country—the Keystone Club. Designed for teens aged 14 to 18, the Keystone Club offers a unique platform where youth build leadership skills, participate in service projects, and prepare for college and careers—all within a supportive, youth-led structure.

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County (BGCKC), the impact of our Keystone Club continues to grow. The organization operates two Keystone Clubs—one at the Lamont Club and another at the Armstrong Youth Center (AYC) in East Bakersfield. Between these two sites, there are more than 30 active members, each contributing to a vibrant culture of leadership, service, and personal growth.

Keystone Club members take charge of their development and their community. Teens plan and lead projects across three core focus areas: academic success, career preparation, and community service. While membership is open to teens 14 and older, 13-year-olds are also welcome to participate in pre-Keystone leadership activities based on their availability and interest.

“The Keystone Club gave me a voice when I didn’t think I had one,” says Emma, a high school junior and current Keystone President at Lamont. “I’ve learned how to lead meetings, organize events, and speak with confidence. I used to be shy—now I’m helping younger teens believe in themselves.”

Teens who meet the age requirement are introduced to Keystone through staff or peer outreach. Those interested can apply and join after learning more about the program’s mission and opportunities.

Once they become members, teens can explore leadership roles such as President, Social Media Director, Activities Director, Recorder, and Treasurer—positions that help them develop real-world skills in teamwork, communication, and organization.

Keystone Club members travel to Chicago for the 2025 Keystone Conference

What sets Keystone apart is its year-round commitment to teen development. Over the summer, members participated in a variety of enriching experiences, including a tour of the USC campus, weekly cooking lessons, and leadership workshops. Several members also attended the National Keystone Conference in Chicago this past July, where they connected with fellow youth leaders from across the country, engaged in hands-on learning, and celebrated their accomplishments.

To wrap up the summer, BGCKC hosted its own Teen Summit in Lamont. The event brought teens together from both Keystone sites for a day of reflection, goal-setting, and community building—a powerful way to close the season and prepare for the school year ahead. The summit also gave members a platform to refocus and renew their commitment to leadership and service.

Throughout the year, Keystone members engage in a wide range of meaningful activities, including community service projects, peer mentorship, college and career readiness workshops, teen outreach, job shadowing, and youth-driven philanthropy and advocacy. While the Club follows BGCA’s nationally recognized curriculum to ensure consistency and quality, BGCKC customizes the experience to reflect the unique goals and interests of its teens.

“Our Keystone program is active year-round, giving teens meaningful opportunities to grow, connect, and lead,” says Ramiro Martinez, a Keystone Club advisor and BGCKC’s Sr. Director of Teen Programs. “We’re here to guide them, but we let the teens lead. They learn best when they’re the ones making decisions, solving problems, and seeing the impact of their work.”

Teens are expected to show up, stay engaged, and contribute meaningfully. Progress is tracked through participation in projects, leadership development, and how teens engage with their peers and community. Regular meetings provide space for collaboration, planning, and personal growth.

Leo, a Keystone Member had the opportunity to go blazer shopping with the National Military Youth of the School

In a world where youth voices are often overlooked, the Keystone Club proves that with the right structure and support, teens are not just preparing for the future—they are actively shaping it.

“Keystone has helped me in so many ways. Before I joined Keystone, I was a follower. I didn’t have my own identity,” commented, Julien, Keystone Vice President at AYC. “With Keystone, I found my true self. Now I’m a leader. Now I help other members grow and learn.”

To get involved, visit www.bgckc.org for more information.