Teen Programs: Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse

Summer Counselor-in-Training Opportunities

Grades 9-11

Fee: $130/two week session


The CIT program helps teens develop and strengthen skills as camp counselors and future leaders in all walks of life. Each program works directly with camp groups while learning behind the scenes camp planning and organization


.Application Process

  • Complete Application Form and schedule an interview.
  • Participants must commit to at least 2 weeks of volunteering for full days of camp.

If accepted, candidates will:

  • Attend a 3 hour CIT/LIT training program in June. Check back in May 2025 for dates.
  • Complete additional 60-90 minute online child safety training prior to camp.
  • Submit Camp Medical Form listing medical exam within past 3 years.
  • Undergo criminal background and reference checks by Wakeman BGC.
  • Be enrolled as a Wakeman BGC member for summer 2025.

Questions? Email Erika at esaucier@wakemanclub.org.

Teen Night at the Club

Grades: 8-12

Fee: Free for members 

Dates/Times: 6-9pm

February 7, March 7, 14, April 4, 18, May 2, 16 at the Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse

February 9, 23, March 8, 22, April 12, 26, May 10 at the Madison Avenue Clubhouse


Teens gather for fun, hanging out and camaraderie with their peers and staff, Gym, movies and the Performing Arts Center (MAC) will be available. A strong emphasis is placed on career exploration, career preparedness with SAT test preparation courses and more.


Keystone Club

Grades: 9-12

Fee: Free for members*

Start Date: Fall 2024

Days: TBD



Keystone Club is the Boys & Girls Club Movement’s most dynamic teen program: leadership and service clubs for boys and girls in grades 9-12 designed to develop good character and help members grow to become productive, responsible adults and leaders. Keystoners elect officers and implement their own service projects in three core areas: Character and Leadership, Service to the Club and Community, Education & Career Exploration. Each year, Keystoners develop a National Keystone Project which is the combined action of hundreds of local Keystone Clubs resulting in a service project with a national scope. The Southport Clubhouse’s 2023 Keystone Club was recognized with Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Award for Community Service – presented to only one Club in the USA. Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse and Madison Avenue Clubhouse are excited to launch Keystone Clubs in February 2024!

REQUIREMENTS: Members attend 2 meetings/month and perform 2 hours/month of Club or community service from October-May. All hours are completed through projects planned by Keystone Club members and advisors, as well as approved non-profits and community organizations. Program fee includes Keystone Club apparel.


PLUS: Keystone Club members annually have the opportunity to attend Regional and National Conferences with teens from around the globe. This gives members further development of their leadership skills and understanding of the broader scope of service. Teens can be nominated to steering committees that help organize these Conferences.


*Thanks to the generosity of funders, there is no fee to join Keystone Club at the Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse or Madison Avenue Clubhouse for winter-spring 2024. Active WBGC Membership is required.

Torch Club

Grades: 6-8

Fee: Free for members*

Start Date: Fall 2024

Days: Torch Club members meet twice per month and perform 2 hours/month of community service from October-May.


Torch Club is a powerful vehicle through which young people develop and strengthen their 21st- Century Leadership skills, giving them a firm foundation of good character and integrity. Torch Club members elect officers and work together to implement projects in the four focus areas: service to Club and community; education; health and fitness; and social recreation.


Requirements: Members attend 2 meetings/month and perform 2 hours/month of Club or community service from October-May. All hours are completed through projects planned by Torch Club members and Club advisors, as well as approved non-profits and community organizations.


*Thanks to the generosity of funders, there is no fee to join Torch Club at the Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse or Madison Avenue Clubhouse for winter-spring 2024. Active WBGC Membership is required.

Youth of the Year

Each year, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club names two Youth of the Year from each clubhouse. These extraordinary members serve as exemplary ambassadors for Wakeman BGC youth and lend their strong voices to all of our Club's young people. The application and selection process begins in the fall of the candidate's junior or senior year of high school. Learn more.

Questions? Contact Erika Saucier, Director of Teen Initiatives at esaucier@wakemanclub.org

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