2017 National Keystone Conference
 
Conference Theme: Activate Your LEGACY

TOP THREE REASONS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
THE 2017 NATIONAL KEYSTONE CONFERENCE:

  1. It’s the 50th Anniversary of the National Keystone Conference! This year’s conference will celebrate its milestone in some huge ways – some will be a surprise – so get excited!

  2.  You will join the biggest and best-ever National Keystone Conference, as 2,500 Keystoners and advisors take over the great city of Chicago!

  3. You’ll have high-energy and engaging leadership experiences from expos to workshops, off-site experiences and a ton of fun activities designed to reinforce Keystone’s four focus areas.


PURPOSE

The National Keystone Conference is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier teen conference. The conference provides Keystoners with positive opportunities to engage and socialize with peers, explore teen issues relevant to their lives, and develop skills to support and enhance service and leadership efforts in their Clubs and communities.


 OBJECTIVES

  1. Develop and enhance leadership skills enabling participants to be leaders and ambassadors in their Clubs and communities in the following Keystone focus areas: academic success, career exploration, community service projects and teen outreach.

  2. All conference offerings will focus on three main areas of learning: Activism, Teen Voice and Legacy.
     

  3. Teens will establish positive relationships with peers from throughout the U.S. and around the globe.


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The 2017 National Keystone Conference would not be possible without the generous support of Aaron’s, Inc.

BGCA gratefully acknowledges the support of this year’s co-host organizations, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and Union League Boys & Girls Clubs. We extend our deep appreciation and recognize the efforts of their staff and volunteers. These individuals have been a tremendous asset in planning the 2017 National Keystone Conference.

Finally, BGCA thanks the members of the National Keystone Conference Steering Committee and National Keystone Advisory group, as well as other Keystone Club advisors and conference volunteers for their assistance, guidance and support.


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Fifty years ago the first National Keystone Conference was held in Chicago at the Palmer House Hotel. In 2017, 2,500 Keystoners and advisors will take over the Hilton Chicago in this 50th Anniversary Celebration. Conference participants will enjoy a three-day experience that drives home the four focus areas of Keystone and continues the great work of Clubs on the National Project: Dialogue with Law Enforcement.

Teens and advisors will enjoy sessions that address critical teen issues, promote community service, encourage inclusion and learn how to take their local Keystone Club to the next level. The conference will feature interactive, high-energy experiences in the areas of academic success, healthy lifestyles and career exploration while inspiring them to pursue their passions. The 2017 National Keystone Conference will also offer opportunities for teens to hang out, network and just have fun. The gamesroom and social media engagement opportunities will keep Keystoners engaged physically and digitally throughout the entire conference. The 2017 National Keystone Conference program is designed to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the National Keystone Conference and dive into the idea of Legacy, personally, communally and as a Keystone movement.  The conference theme: Activate Your LEGACY. 


CONFERENCE START AND END TIMES

  • Conference registration will open at 9:00am CST on Thursday, March 2 at the Hilton Chicago.
  • The conference will officially start at 1:00pm CST on Thursday, March 2 with the College, Career & Workforce Development Expo at the Hilton Chicago.
  • The Kickoff General Session will begin at 6:00 pm CST at the Hilton Chicago.
  • The conference will conclude at 11:00pm CST on Saturday, March 4 following the 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Hilton Chicago.


ON-SITE EXPERIENCES - HIGHLIGHTS


College, Career & Workforce Development Expo

  • Over 80 vendors representing colleges, institutions and workforce opportunities will be on site at the Keystone Conference.
  • Thursday, March 2 from 1:00-5:00pm

Program Tracks

On Friday, March 3, the program track will provide Keystoners an opportunity to do a deeper dive into issues and topics that interest them.

  • Teen Issues & Answers Track: Explore key issues important to the teen journey
  • Keystone 2.0 Track: Develop new skills and refine existing strengths to elevate your Keystone Club
  • Just for Fun Track: Explore your passions and have some fun!


Super Saturday

Conference attendees will engage in different thought-provoking conversations and experiences on Sat., March 4, including:

  • National Project Seminars
  • SMART Girls Program and Expo
  • Passport to Manhood Program and Expo
  • College & Career Seminars


OFF-SITE EXPERIENCES - HIGHLIGHTS

Attendees must pre-register for off-site experiences. A listing of pre-registration opportunities will be posted on the Keystone Online Community with a description and registration instructions by Feb. 1, 2017. Advisors will be responsible for registering themselves and their teens. 


College Experience  

These exciting experiences will give Keystoners a taste of college life as they spend the day at a local university, trade or technical school. Keystoners will learn about financial aid and college admissions requirements as well as meet college students and more.

Limited to 500 participants.


Career Experience   

These exciting experiences will allow Keystoners to visit local businesses in the Chicago area. Keystoners will get the chance to shadow professionals in their work environments and expand their awareness of various careers.

Limited to 500 participants.


Community Service Experience        

Service is an essential part of the Keystone Club experience. This experience will allow Keystoners to work together on a substantive community project in the Chicago area.

Limited to 400 participants.


EVENING ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday Night: On-Site Activities

50 Years of Keystone!  This history-themed night will allow attendees to show their skills on the dance floor, challenge their friends in the gamesroom, or explore one of the many evening activations.  Additionally, sports activities and skills camp experiences will be available on-site.


Friday Night: On-Site Activities

Bulls vs. Bears! This sports-themed night continues the tradition of #WeOwnFriday with a taste of Chicago sports. Additionally, sports activities and skills camp experiences will be available on-site.


Saturday Night: On-Site Activities

Super Saturday continues with an evening of activities honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Keystone Conference. Don’t miss the many AMAZING surprises planned to continue the great legacy of the Keystone program and conferences.