Leadership Programs

Torch Club

Torch Club is a small group leadership and empowerment program for youth aged 10 to 13. Torch Club (TC) empowers youth with the knowledge and skills to make positive choices in their lives in addition to giving them a place to use their creative skills to make a difference.

TC is a great way for these youth to get involved in their Club Community above and beyond the regular activities they participate in at the Boys' & Girls' Club of London. Over the course of the year the youth will participate in five units, Teamwork, Healthy Choices, Leadership, Services to Club and Community and Learning for Life - Education and Career Choices. Each individual unit will have its own special aspect: guest speaker, trips, fundraisers etc.
The goal is to set realistic goals for the youth, and to set activities that enhance their skills, improve self-esteem and provide opportunity to try new and exciting activities.

There is no additional cost, the youth must be a member of the Boy's & Girls' Club and prove to be a young leader in the club.

If you are interested in joining please contact the Torch Club Coordinator at 519-434-9115 ext. 257.

Junior Volunteers

The Junior Volunteer program is designed for children ages 9 - 13 years old who working with other children and adults, and be an enthusiastic role model for younger children. You must be willing to set a good example and learn skills to be a leader.

As a Junior Volunteer, you will attend a six week orientation course. After completing the course, you can start to volunteer as scheduled with the Volunteer Coordinator. You will participate in the children's drop-in program and assist the staff or other volunteers. You will rotate from room to room approximately each half hour to gain a variety of experiences and develop new skills.

To be a Junior Volunteer you have to be a member, please complete the application form. You will attend a six week orientation course. The next 6 week session will be held on Wednesdays from 7 pm - 7:30 pm in the Craft room starting May 5, 2010. The program will end June 9, 2010.
There are currently no plans to run the program on any other days due to a shortage of available volunteers.

Call 519-434-9115 Ext. 226 for more information or e-mail volunteer@bgclondon.ca.

Leadership Program

The Leadership program is a competitive, two year program for youth age 14 - 18 years old (with some exceptions for 13 year olds). This program offers young people a realistic work environment in a recreational facility, the opportunity to be a role model for young children, and the opportunity to learn new skills, and expand on skills they already possess. As a part of the Leadership program, accepted applicants (Leaders) will be enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program (http://www.dukeofed.org/on/) to offer more incentive for youth to complete the Leadership program, to give them a sense of contribution to the community, and assist with post-secondary education applications.

All leaders will be given First Aid/CPR, and High Five training at no cost to the Leaders.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

1.  "Youth" is defined as being between 14 and 18 years (with some exceptions for 13 year olds).
2.  Youth will be chosen for specific volunteer positions throughout the year. Their volunteer contributions will be rewarded with a small honorarium.
3.  Candidates must have been a Club member (minimum 2 years) or volunteer 100 or more hours.

4.  Youth selection will be based on:

i.       the applicant's financial need
ii.      information regarding educational and career goals
iii.     information pertaining to applicant's behaviour and participation history
iv.     information and support given by reference
v.       overall integrity of the applicant
vi.      leadership abilities

Please include a short, 250-word (or 1 page, double spaced) paper on why you would like to join the Leadership program. You can include the following information:

a.   What skills you want to learn/improve
b.   Future goals (career, post-secondary, short term goals)
c.   How you think the program can help you achieve those goals

Applications are accepted on an on-going basis. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Leadership Coordinator at 519-434-9115 ext. 226 or e-mail volunteer@bgclondon.ca