Leaders Club is a program for teens ages 13-18 that provides opportunities for personal and professional development. Leaders are forces for good in our communities and are intentional about serving others. The Y is able to provide college knowledge and readiness, job and college application help, opportunities for travel and networking, and development of peer leadership skills through interactions with positive adult staff and mentors. Some Y locations offer a Jr. Leaders Club for ages as young as 10. 

  • Develops Leadership Skills
  • Increases Self-Confidence
  • Supportive Environment
  • Achieve Personal & Educational Goals
  • Creates Change
Want to learn more?

Caitlyn Dorion
Association Teen Director
 

Email Caitlyn
Central Leaders School

Central Leaders School is a unique week-long leadership experience for teens. A blend of personal exploration, skill development, and opportunities to grow, CLS is a life-changing experience for teens seeking to realize their full potential.

Learn More about CLS

You can meet many of tomorrow’s leaders at the YMCA. Teens improve their social and leadership skills all while discovering how they can give back to their communities.

Leaders Club is offered at a majority of branches and continues to expand. Visit the welcome center at your local branch to see if there is an active club in your area.

Our current club locations include:

  • Bayer YMCA
  • Carondelet Park Rec Complex Christian Activity Center- East St. Louis, Illinois
  • Collinsville Maryville Troy YMCA
  • Community Development/Downtown YMCA at the MX
  • East Belleville YMCA
  • Emerson Family YMCA
  • Kirkwood Family YMCA
  • O’Fallon Park Rec Complex
  • O’Fallon YMCA - Illinois
  • South City Family YMCA
  • South County Family YMCA
  • St. Charles County Family YMCA

Leaders Clubs typically meet once a week for an hour. During these meetings, they plan out service projects, discuss upcoming events and trips, and vote on which types of development opportunities they would either like to attend or bring into their future meetings. Leaders elect officers on an annual basis who serve as club president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. These officers have additional responsibilities and assist their advisor to support their peers and ensure the success of the club.

What ages are eligible for Leaders Club?
Teens ages 13-18 who are enrolled in school, 19-year-olds still in high school are also accepted.

Is there a cost associated with Leaders Club?
Members of Leaders Club pay dues, these go into their treasury account and help to offset fees for trips, purchase supplies for fundraisers, and use for day trips and other fun activities. These dues vary in cost but are nominal. See the Welcome Center at your local branch for more detailed information.

The YMCA and the Teen Leaders Club are proud to partner with the following Community Organizations and figures:

Innovative Concept Academy
St. Louis Public Library
University of Missouri St. Louis School of Social Work
Urban Strategies
Design for Change

If your organization would like to partner to help teens in our community become future leaders please complete the Letter of Program Interest and email to Caitlyn Dorion at caitlyn.dorion@gwrymca.org.

Youth and Government

Youth and Government (YAG) provides students the opportunity to experience the democratic process and develop the leadership skills needed to become citizens of a participatory society.
Learn More

YMCA Camp Lakewood

YMCA Camp Lakewood is where teens come in the summertime to have fun, learn new skills, make new friends, and to simply be a teen.
Learn More

Membership at the Y

Living healthy is about spirit, mind and body at every age and stage. That's why we offer membership for teens ages 13-17.
Join Today

Counselor In Training

The Counselor-in-Training Program teaches teens the job skills necessary to be a counselor and strong employee.
CIT
Learn More