GOOD CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP

At Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, our programs are built around key pillars that guide everything we do, ensuring that every child and teen has access to meaningful opportunities for growth and success. Each pillar – Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character and Leadership – represents a core area of child development, with programs designed to inspire, educate, and empower our members.

Good Character and Leadership

Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders Today

Building strong character and leadership skills is at the heart of our mission. Through our after-school programs in the greater Pasadena area, we guide youth to become active community members who embrace responsibility, volunteerism, and civic engagement. We offer hands-on opportunities for kids to participate in activities that show them how their actions can create meaningful change. With support from our dedicated staff, every member can grow into a leader who understands the power of community involvement and the value of giving back.


The programs listed below are a few examples of the many opportunities available under our Good Character and Leadership pillar. Every Club member has access to these resources, with participation based on age-appropriate guidelines for each program.

Counselor with boy child posing at a table with pink door behind them.

TORCH CLUB

Torch Club is a chartered, small-group leadership and service club for our 11-13 year-old members. Torch Club members elect officers from amongst themselves and learn to work together in planning and implementing activities in four distinct areas: service to Club and community, education, health and fitness, and social recreation.
Counselor with boy child posing at a table with pink door behind them.

KEYSTONE

The ultimate teenleadership program, Keystone offers a unique experience for  members ages 14-18. With the guidance of an adult supervisor, Keystoners participate in activities, both in and out of the Club, that focus on academic success, career preparation, community service, and mentoring of younger Club members.
Counselor with girl child learning to swim

YOUTH OF THE YEAR

A national Boys & Girls Clubs of America program and competition, Youth of the Year recognizes teen members for outstanding contributions to their families, schools, communities, and local Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as for personal challenges and obstacles they have overcome. Youth of the Year  emphasizes academic success, strong moral character, life goals, poise, and public speaking ability.
counselor and 3 children playing foosball

K9 YOUTH ALLIANCE

The K9 Youth Alliance program provides a unique opportunity for youth to build confidence, responsibility, and compassion through hands-on dog training and socilization. Participants work with rescue dogs, learning positive reinforcement techniques while developing patience, teamwork, and leadership skills. The program strengthens the bond between youth and animals and fosters personal growth and a sense of accomplishment while preparing dogs for adoption into loving homes.