Torch Club is a small leadership group and service club for boys and girls in 7th and 8th grade. Torch Club is a powerful vehicle, which club staff can help meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their development. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to implement activities in four areas: Service to Club and Community, Education, Health and Fitness and Social Recreation.

Service Projects conducted in 2007-2008 included a Play-a-Thon, which benefited the Boys and Girls Village, Inc., American Cancer Society Relay for Life, two dances for younger members, Munchkin Madness and Jam the Van food and clothing drive. They also constructed Easter Baskets for local agencies, a fall clean up at Red Bakers house, spring clean ups at the Audubon Society. Fundraisers included concession stands, a Penguin Plunge and bake sales. In addition to their hard work, the Torch Club members also enjoyed social events, which included an Ice Cream Social with the Keystone Club, activities with the Stratfield Torch Club, ice skating and a trip to Six Flags. Members of the Torch Club are required to attend two meetings a month and perform two hours of Club/Community Service through the Club, per month from October-May. These hours may be completed through the events listed above.

HOW TO JOIN: Please follow closely! Everyone who is interesting in joining the Torch Club (including returning members from 2007-2008) must submit a hand written essay of 125 words or less stating the reason WHY you want to be a part of the Torch Club. Also, include a fresh idea that the Torch Club can partake in this year. The essay is due Tuesday, September 23rd (NO EXCEPTIONS). Members that have numerous sport-related commitments may find it difficult to be active members of the Torch Club. Please make sure you will be able to fulfill the commitment of attending meetings and completing the two hours a month of Club/Community service. 2008/2009 Torch Club members will be posted on the web page on October 5th on www.wakemanclub.com at "Programs" + "Torch Club".

MEETINGS: The Torch Club will meet twice a month on Sunday evenings from 6:00pm-7:30pm beginning October 12th. Meetings are planning sessions to help identify upcoming projects and social events. The Torch Club wraps up in early June.

The Torch Club (7th/8th grade Club & Community Service Group) will accept 30 participants into this session. They will split the children into three groups of 10. Two Torch Clubbers will coach each group. They will explain games such as Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, Sharks and Minnows, Speedball, tennis baseball and more! The Torch Club members will stress the importance of sportsmanship and ensure that everyone is having fun! There will be time spent in the game room as well. Registration date – Tuesday, December 16th This class will run from 4:00-5:15pm Session I – Tuesdays January 13, 20, 27 (fee includes t-shirt). Session II – Tuesdays February 3, 10, 24 (fee includes t-shirt)

A winter dance organized and chaperoned by the Torch Club. The dance will be on Friday, January 23rd from 6:30-9:00pm. Events for the night include music and dancing, food, dodgeball, capture the flag, two-ball and a dancing contest. Registration date – Wednesday, December 17th

Come join the Torch Club and help raise money for a new Wakeman picnic table. This event is open for 1st and 2nd grade members from 4:00-6:00pm on Tuesday, September 30th. This event is an opportunity for Wakeman members to raise money for a picnic table and those who participate in this year’s Play-a-thon will have their names inscribed in the new table! Members will rotate between six 15 minute stations filled with toys and games (twister, battleship, jenga, etc.) which will be run by Torch Club members. Participants must raise a minimum of $20 in order to participate. Registration date – Thursday, September 4th

Meetings will be held every other Sunday unless there is a long weekend, in which they will then be held that following Wednesday from 6:00pm-7:30pm. Our first meeting is October 5 followed by October 19, November 2, November 16, December 14, December 28, January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22, March 8, March 22, April 19, April 30, May 10, May 24, June 14.

TEENSupreme Keystone Club Program – Keystoning is one of the premier leadership and service programs in America. Founded in 1964, Keystoning meets adolescents' vitally important needs for positive group experience. With the guidance of an adult advisor, opportunities are provided to make decisions and serve others. Keystoning is a group club program for Boys & Girls Club members 14 - 18 years old. Keystone Clubs are designed to help teen members become more productive citizens and leaders. Keystone Clubs consist of an adult advisor and approximately 15 young men and women who elect their own officers, and plan and implement their own activities in six-core program areas: Character and Leadership, Service to Club and Community, Education and Career Exploration, Free Enterprise, Unity, and Social Recreation.

All Keystone Club activities whether a drug prevention help line or a holiday food basket program, THEY ALL stress service and leadership. Keystoning is learning in the best sense of the word because it is integrated with action. It is a unique character development experience that gives young people the opportunity to contribute something of value to others and to have a voice in how that contribution is made. Service and leadership are the highest responsibilities of citizenship. They are hallmarks of the TEENSupreme Keystone experience. Young people get the chance to act on their humanitarian ideals through the Keystone experience by building self-respect and strong attachments to family and community. Any questions please contact Maria Cimina at 259-4805.

The Boy and Girl of the year are chosen each spring. From these, one member is selected as the Youth of the Year. He or she will represent Wakeman in a Boys & Girls Clubs of America National competition. The selection of Wakeman's Boy and Girl of the Year is based on the following:

• Club service - length of membership, activities, responsibilities, dependability
• Obstacles overcome - physical, economic or social
• Community -activities outside of school and club
• School -grades, activities, and contributions made to school
• Home and family responsibilities
• Spiritual Values - dedication to principals, participation in religious community
• Life goals
• Writing ability
• Your interview/poise/speaking ability

The greatest emphasis is placed on Service to the Club. In order to participate in the selection process, a lengthy packet of information must be completed and returned to Wakeman. A panel of judges made up of board members and community leaders will review these packets. An interview with the judges will also be conducted with each candidate. Whoever is chosen as Youth of the Year will be required to write six more essays detailing points made on your resume and secure more recommendations supporting these essays for the state competition.

This award is the highest accolade that Wakeman bestows on one of its members. All Junior and Seniors are eligible to participate. For further information contact Jenn at the Club.