YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- The club is available for ages 13 to 18. It dates back over 50 years in schools across the U.S. and abroad at military installations. The key club components are academic success, career preparation and community service.
“A keystone is a stone on top of an arch that locks it all together, and Keystone Club stands true to that name,” said Cade Kirkpatrick, Keystone Club vice president. “The club offers a place for teens to go when they require academic assistance, stress relief and staying connected to those around them. Our main goal is to build a safe place for teens to come together and have a good time.”
The Keystone staff themselves are teens helping other teens and are an example of diversity, each coming from different backgrounds, personalities and reasons for participating. By utilizing a teen volunteer staff, the program’s goal is to prepare them for future responsibilities as they reach adulthood by developing leadership skills and encouraging communication and collaboration.
“Our role is to engage these teens to get out of their comfort zones to produce quality results in what they attempt to achieve in their professional lives,” said Micah Clemens, 374th Force Support Squadron Teen Center manager and Keystone Club supervisor.
Keystone youth program assistants plan events that are appealing to teen audiences, developing leadership and problem-solving abilities in the process. Their most successful event is We Own Friday.
“The main goal of We Own Friday is to give teens a break from school and to help reduce stress,” said Angela Sylvain, Keystone Club president. “Club members put great effort into providing a fun and safe environment for the guests. Planning these events, serving food and supervising the guests may be hard work, but being able to put smiles on our guests' faces is the greatest thanks we could ever receive.”