As our world is becoming more interconnected through technology communication, it’s still important for youth to learn how to socialize and interact with people face to face. The Torch Club Summit was held on Friday, May 11, and Saturday May 12, at the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield, Connecticut. This event gave Boys & Girls Club members from all over the Northeast, ages 11-13, the opportunity to get together, learn from each other, have fun and form connections with youth who have similar interests. The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield was able to send 13 members, along with two staff professionals, to the summit.
Over 21 Boys & Girls Clubs attended the event with approximately 300 Torch Club youth members. Torch Clubs are chartered small-group leadership and community service clubs for youth who attend Boys & Girls Clubs after school. Torch Club members meet throughout the year and learn to work together to plan and implement activities in four areas: service to Club and community; education; health and fitness; and social recreation. The Torch Club Summit touched upon all these topics during its two-day duration.
Youth participants enjoyed a mix of fun recreational activities and instructional lectures. Small group lectures were held on topics covering bullying, positive communication, fundraising techniques and motivational speakers. Fun social activities included basketball games, cupcake decorating contests, obstacle courses, cooking lessons and a high-energy interactive trivia game run by the company, Brain Show.
“This summit really got the kids to network with other children their age,” said Blair Tomaino, education coordinator. “They were able to get ideas from other Torch Club members about how they run their meetings and different fundraisers they do each year. It gave them the chance to see what adults do when they attend work conferences. It was a great experience for our members and next year we hope to host the event at our new facility here in Westfield.”
The children also took this time together as an opportunity to give back to another organization. Over 300 gifts were collected and the youth created birthday cards for children supported by the Friends of Karen Foundation. The foundation provides emotional, financial and advocacy support to children and their families who face life-threatening illnesses.
“We all had a lot of fun and learned a lot,” said 12-year-old Delilah. “The best part was meeting other Torch Club members and seeing what their clubs do. I’m excited to see everyone again next year.”
For more information about Torch Club and other character and leadership development programs offered at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield please visit www.bgcwestfield.com or call 562.2301.
