Helping youth become responsible caring citizens and acquire skills to participate 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 a Club and community and celebrating our national heritage.

Leadership Clubs – – We encourage young people to develop a sense of pride and ownership in their clubs. We support this through small and organized leadership groups. They elect officers and plan and implement their own community service projects.

The Torch Club is for young people between the ages of 11 and 13.

Keystone Club is for young people ages 14 to 18.

In addition to regular meetings at the Club, Torch and Keystone Club members can attend supervised overnight retreats. These retreats give them a chance to meet and interact with fellow Torch and Keystone members from other Clubs across Chicago and the nation.

Youth of the Year – This program promotes and recognizes service to the Club and community, academic performance and contributions to family and spiritual life. Each Club selects a Youth of the Year who competes to become the Chicago Youth of the Year. The winner then participates in regional and national Youth of the Year competitions where they have the opportunity to win scholarships and meet high-ranking public officials, including the President of the United States. View the 2007 Youth of the Year here.