Keystone Club continues to unlock positive message at youth center

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Tuesday marked the first meeting of the year for the Keystone Club members at the Whiteman Youth Center.

Parents and teenagers, ages 13 - 18, were present for the informational meeting to introduce and discuss upcoming ideas for the club.

According to Debbie Kermick, 509th Force Support Squadron community readiness technician the youth center became an affiliate with Boys and Girls Club of America in 1995 and has had an active club since 1998.

"The club is teenage-run, but myself and other staff members serve as a jumping off point for the students," said Mike Floyd, recreation aid advisor. "We are here to point them in the right direction and offer guidance as needed."

According to Mr. Floyd, the concept behind the Keystone Club is built on the foundation of community service, endorsing character and installing leadership qualities among club teens.

"Each year, the Boys and Girls Club of America projects a national project for each Keystone Club to do," Mr. Floyd. "Last year's project was: 'Take a Stand: Combat poverty.'

This year's national project is entitled "Show Our Support." The project entails support for troops' moral according to Mr. Floyd.

Students work throughout the year and discuss multiple ideas to show support according to Mr. Floyd.

Additionally, students take time to volunteer for various projects on base according to Mr. Floyd. They participated in a recent food drive at the commissary last Halloween.

Past projects Keystone Club students have participated in include co-sponsorship of 1st youth academic bash; volunteer work at Harvester Food Bank Kansas City; food drive for Warrensburg Center; Project Warmth; co-sponsorship Youth Center Lock-in; and Missouri Veteran's Home visits.

Meetings are held on Tuesdays at the Youth Center from 5 to 8 p.m. and teenagers, 13 -18, are eligible to join. For more information and to sign up for this program, contact the youth center at (660) 687-5568. For additional information about the Keystone Club, log onto www.bgca.org