The YMCA of Greenwich is proud to announce the launch of its new Leaders Club, a youth community service and leadership program designed to help students in grades 4–12 become more engaged in the community while developing confidence, responsibility and leadership skills.
Photo: Y-USA
As schools and families in Greenwich seek meaningful, structured ways for teens to give back, Leaders Club responds to a growing need for accessible volunteer opportunities that benefit both young people and the local organizations they serve. Many area high schools require students to complete volunteer or service hours, and participation in Leaders Club can be used toward fulfilling those requirements.
Leaders Club brings together youth and teens to participate in hands-on community service projects, partnering with local nonprofits to address real community needs. Each month focuses on a new cause, giving participants the opportunity to learn about an organization’s mission, contribute meaningful service, and see firsthand the impact of their efforts.
Participants are grouped by age:
• Jr. Leaders: Grades 4-5
• Leaders: Grades 6–8
• Sr. Leaders: Grades 9–12
The program is structured to encourage mentorship, with older participants guiding and supporting younger members. To help fund service projects, participants will also sell concessions at YMCA events, building teamwork, responsibility, and leadership skills while supporting partner organizations.
The program’s first three service projects include:
• February: Making dog toys for a local animal shelter
• March: Clothing and toiletry drive benefiting Kids In Crisis
• April: Food drive supporting Neighbor to Neighbor
• May: Activity day for local senior citizens
Students who complete three service projects will receive a certificate of completion, and an end-of-year group experience or trip is also being considered.
“The Leaders Club creates a pathway for young people to get involved, give back, and see how their actions can make a difference,” said Kelley Gordon-Minott, Senior Director of Youth Programs. “At the same time, it provides vital support to local nonprofits that rely on volunteers to serve the community.”
The Leaders Club is now open for registration and the first meeting will be on Friday, Feb 5.
Families interested in learning more can visit
greenwichymca.org/programs/youth/leadership
The YMCA of Greenwich is one of the largest community-based organizations in Greenwich, CT. Founded in 1916, the YMCA of Greenwich offers programs and services that promote and sustain healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility to nurture the potential of everyone in our community. Our YMCA is a membership organization open to all people. The YMCA welcomes people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities and financial circumstances. With our “Y For All Membership” program, your rates are based on total household income and circumstance.