Our Teens at the 2025 National Keystone Conference
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Baltimore, our mission is to inspire and enable all young people especially those who need us most to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. This summer, three of our Club teens brought that mission to life in a big way as they traveled to Chicago for the 2025 National Keystone Conference, an unforgettable experience centered around leadership, advocacy, and personal growth.
Hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, this teen leadership event united thousands of young leaders from across the country to explore their passions, strengthen their voices, and prepare for the future they deserve.
Connect. Create. Captivate
This year’s theme Connect, Create, Captivate was woven into every moment of the experience. Our teens were encouraged to connect with one another across Club communities nationwide, create change through innovative thinking and personal storytelling, and cultivate their individual growth and leadership.
From interactive sessions to city explorations, this theme served as a powerful reminder that their voice and potential matter.
Hands-On Learning and Leadership
Throughout the multi-day event, members participated in impactful workshops and immersive experiences designed to fuel confidence, compassion, and community.
In the session “Unfiltered Confidence: Owning Your Worth,” teens were encouraged to embrace their identity and recognize their value. Another standout session, “Navigating Anxiety and Building Connections,” offered practical strategies for managing stress while emphasizing the importance of building strong support systems.
Club member Karis shared, “The Keystone Conference was very impactful for me because I was given a space to socialize and learn new things I did not know before in a way that interested me. My second session was my favorite because I was given the opportunity to speak while also having a hands-on activity with friends called Hot Seat. After sessions, members from my club and I would go to the game room and parties, which I personally enjoyed the most. All in all, the Keystone experience helped me gain more friends, learn new things, and come out of my comfort zone.”
Teens also gave back in a meaningful way, joining fellow attendees to assemble comfort kits for patients at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital underscoring their commitment to service and empathy.
The Amazing Journey Expo challenged members to team up with new friends from across the country to complete fast-paced activities that tested their teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Preparation
Our Club teens also took full advantage of the College and Career Expo, gaining valuable insight into what lies ahead.
“I feel more prepared for the future and have a better understanding of life,” said Kiley, age 14. Jaheid, age 18, reflected on how the conference expanded his perspective: “The Boys & Girls Club is a place that provides kids and teens with opportunities to learn about their future.” He especially enjoyed offsite experiences like visiting Chicago’s iconic Bean and enjoying a scenic boat ride on the river with his peers.
The Impact of Investment
These transformative experiences are only possible because of the support from people like you. Your partnership helps fund powerful teen programming that opens doors, builds confidence, and helps shape the next generation of leaders.
Want to support more experiences like this? Consider making a gift to help fund our teen leadership programs and expand opportunities for youth across Baltimore.
Looking Ahead
Our members are part of a national movement of young people stepping forward with courage and clarity, living proof of our Club’s people-centered approach, dynamic passion, embrace of perspective, and relentless pursuit of a better tomorrow.
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