The iconic angst of the teenage years is the stuff of countless novels, movies and TV shows over the years. It’s a time of insecurity, awkwardness, risk-taking and worries for kids and their parents, and those feelings have only been exacerbated of late by the pernicious influence of social media and the forced isolation brought on by COVID. Needless to say, there’s a deep need for positive opportunities for teens to express themselves, explore interests and perhaps most importantly get the support and role modeling they need at a critical time in their development.
Enter Y Leaders Club, a Y membership program in which teens meet, work and learn together to organize and provide volunteer service in their community. Y Leaders Club is designed to improve self-esteem, develop leadership skills, engender an appreciation of the power of service to others, enhance a commitment to education and personal growth, and help young people grow connections in their community while beginning to build a professional resume of sorts.
The annual Y Fall Leaders’ Club Rally was held recently at the Hill Y in Westminster, a full weekend of intentional activities. It included 22 teens from Y family center Leaders’ Clubs across central Maryland. Together they experienced a weekend in which they could be themselves while strengthening their leadership potential, all in an environment of trust, support, social activity, fun and community engagement.
This note from Rachel, a parent of one of the teen participants, is a glimpse into the real importance of Leaders' club and other Y programs like it that actively and intentionally meet young people where they are:
"As a parent of a teen who attended this event, I can tell you that he was TIRED when he got home. As a kiddo with pretty significant social anxiety, he feels welcomed and is already thriving and growing as a part of this group. I am excited to see the impact this has on him by the end of his journey with Leaders Club. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!"
As a parent of one young adult who has already passed through his teenage years and twin daughters about to do so, Rachel’s comments resonate with me in a big way.
Many thanks to all of the Y leaders who do such an amazing job guiding and supporting these young people through this complicated time in their lives.
All the best,
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland