About the School
Blue Ridge Leaders School exists to support, encourage, and focus the efforts of Leaders Club programs at YMCAs across the South.
Participant Divisions
The school is primarily focused on the Leader Division enrollees who are teens ages 13-18 years as of May 31st who are active members of their local Leaders Club. Additional opportunities for growth are available to the Senior Division enrollees who are adults age 19 and up (as of May 31st) who are actively involved in the local Leaders Club program and/or in the physical education department at their local YMCA. Observer Division enrollees are typically the spouse and/or children of school staff. Enrollment as an Observer must be approved by the School Director and for extenuating circumstances only.
Organization Standards for Leaders Clubs
I. The experience is based on membership in a small group (club) for youth between the ages of 12 to 18 (generally 25 or fewer members). (Hint: make an effort to balance membership between grades to ensure the longevity of the program and reduce class dominance.)
II. A caring adult role model, preferably a volunteer, works with the group of teens. (In some cases, especially when first starting a club, the advisor may be the YMCA professional staff person).
III. The group meets regularly for an extended period of time (9 to 12 months; there are incentives and opportunities for continued involvement beyond that time frame. (Hint: the journey is more important than the destination; growth opportunities occur through regular interactions at weekly or bi-weekly club meetings.)
IV. The group’s activities lead up to at least one major event involving teens from other areas (Hint: Blue Ridge Leaders School is built in as this opportunity but do not stress this as the reason to be in the club. It is a goal to achieve but still only one component.)
V. All activities address at least one of the four goals of YMCA teen leadership programs: leadership training, personal growth, service to others, and social development. (Hint: the growth process enabled by Leaders Club should be well rounded, addressing a teen's spiritual, mental, and physical development.)
VI. Teens assume responsibility for planning their own activities under the supervision of caring adult role models. (Hint: train the officers as SERVANT LEADERS, mentor them regularly, and trust them to run the club). This includes raising money to help pay the direct costs of the program. (Hint: there are life lessons to be learned when a student must take responsibility for their own participation.)
II. A caring adult role model, preferably a volunteer, works with the group of teens. (In some cases, especially when first starting a club, the advisor may be the YMCA professional staff person).
III. The group meets regularly for an extended period of time (9 to 12 months; there are incentives and opportunities for continued involvement beyond that time frame. (Hint: the journey is more important than the destination; growth opportunities occur through regular interactions at weekly or bi-weekly club meetings.)
IV. The group’s activities lead up to at least one major event involving teens from other areas (Hint: Blue Ridge Leaders School is built in as this opportunity but do not stress this as the reason to be in the club. It is a goal to achieve but still only one component.)
V. All activities address at least one of the four goals of YMCA teen leadership programs: leadership training, personal growth, service to others, and social development. (Hint: the growth process enabled by Leaders Club should be well rounded, addressing a teen's spiritual, mental, and physical development.)
VI. Teens assume responsibility for planning their own activities under the supervision of caring adult role models. (Hint: train the officers as SERVANT LEADERS, mentor them regularly, and trust them to run the club). This includes raising money to help pay the direct costs of the program. (Hint: there are life lessons to be learned when a student must take responsibility for their own participation.)