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The Boys & Girls Club of Ulster County prides itself in helping to build a strong community through building the strength in our young men and women at club. We run a variety of programs that help to build the character and leadership in our members. These are a combination of programs focused on self-esteem and respect, service and developing a positive community mentality. These programs teach our youth not to just be the best representation of themselves, but also how to help and uplift others. Boys & Girls Club character and leadership programs we provide are:

SMART Girls: Teaches young women the importance of respect for themselves and making healthy choices specific to issues faced by young women. SMART Girls also addresses how to stay away from the peer pressure form unhealthy influences that surround our youth.

Passport to Manhood: This program helps guide our young adolescent teens through some of the most difficult and confusing times. Passport instills the character and morals necessary to the development of our youth. It also allows the opportunity for young boys to have conversations they may not always be comfortable with as they navigate their way to becoming a young adult.

SMART Moves: Program for teens that addresses how to make safe and healthy decisions when confronted with negative influences. This program targets prevalent dangers in our neighborhoods that our youth need help navigating around. This program gives attention to gang and drug prevention, psychological struggles of youth as well as the importance of living a positive and healthy lifestyle

Torch club: Torch club is a character building program that focuses on service. This club works with our members to build their self-respect and responsibility. Our members then learn the importance of passing this on to other members and the community. Torch club is active in volunteering in the community and within club.

Keystone Club: Keystone is a teen-based group that is an extension of the skills learned in torch club. Our youth are active in club decisions of what they would like to see and learn to use their independence and their voice. The focus of this group is to develop the leadership skills that are vital to our youth's success when they leave club.

Our character and leadership programs are near and dear to all the staff at the club. It is through these programs where we teach our youth how to respect themselves and everyone around them. The special part of our character and leadership programs are that we not only teach self-development, but also the importance of helping others and giving back. We instill an understating of the importance of being a positive role model and good neighbor in our community. These programs also prepare our youth for the next step of becoming leaders in our community and passing this mentality to our younger members and community.