LYNN— Six teens from the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn had a chance to meet peers from around the country when traveling to the Boys & Girls Club of America’s 58th National Keystone Conference in Chicago from July 17-19.
The Keystone Conference was a three-day event that brought together 1,200 teens from more than 5,500 Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide. The theme of the leadership conference was “GO! Connect, Create, Captivate” with attendees participating in breakout sessions on advocacy, identity, mental health, civic engagement and career exploration.
Keynote speakers included Jim Clark, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of America, and Common, a Grammy-winning artist and activist.
The Lynn teens who attended are: Brian Arias, Lynn Classical; Ruby Contreras, Lynn Tech; Daniely’s Delgado, Classical; Divine Egbuta, Classical; Coriani Foster, Classical; and Edbiel Melendez, Classical. The group was led by BGCL Teen Director Maria Alberto.
“After the National Keystone Conference we feel more then a club, we’re a crew with a cause,” Delgado said. “Stronger together, bolder forever. Keystone moves with purpose.”
The BGCL members were chosen to attend the conference based on their community service at the club and in the community. They collectively raised $10,000 to make the trip.
“I really liked building new bonds with people, over 1,000 other teens, it made the whole experience even more meaningful,” said Foster. “I enjoyed joining different groups and playing all sorts of games that required teamwork. It was a fun way to meet new people and work together.”
“My favorite memories were during the general sessions when everyone came together,” Melendez said. “The group games and activities were exciting, even if a little nerve-racking at first.”
