Child and Youth Programs (CYP) Bahrain's Teen Center, onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, was awarded Gold status for their Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) chartered Keystone Club for the second consecutive year.

Keystone is a BGCA program focused on community service, academic success, and career preparation. CYP Bahrain is one of 38 clubs worldwide and the first Navy club to achieve Gold status so far this charter year.

"It is a big deal to have earned Gold status for our teens because it shows consistency of our Keystone members and their ability to continue to not only meet, but exceed the standards set before them year in and year out," said Martin Greenwood, CYP Program Assistant. "It shows by achieving Gold status, our teens are not only making an impact amongst other teens at the Teen Center and their school, but our entire community here at NSA Bahrain."

Earning Gold status isn't just a hard-earned achievement; it comes with benefits too. Clubs attaining the status are eligible to attend the annual National Keystone Conference. This year CNIC funded 5 Navy Keystone Clubs, including NSA Bahrain, that attained Gold status during the 2013/14 Charter year to participate in the week-long 2015 National Keystone Conference in Orlando, Florida.

"We learned how to collaborate with other teen centers and share ideas about how to make ours better and make them all better as a whole," said Ethan Hubbard. "It was a great experience; it's a lot of work but it pays off in the end. It was a privilege to be able to go to Orlando."

Bahrain sent five Keystone members who engaged and socialized with their peers from Keystone Clubs around the world. They had the opportunity to explore relevant issues, and develop skills to support and enhance efforts in their local clubs.

"The conference was a great experience," said Rory Bobrowski. "We were able to learn about the other Teen Centers and share ideas about new things we can do here in Bahrain."

"I highly recommend going to the Keystone Club and having the chance to go to the conference and meet new people," said Hannah Lemon. "Everyone was super kind and always helping. You learn a lot about leadership and public speaking. I found it very beneficial."

A club must reach Silver status before moving on to Gold and it takes a lot of preparation and commitment from its members. The BGCA recently added Legacy status, which the keystone Club is currently working on. One of the requirements for Legacy status is reaching Gold status for two consecutive years.

"Events such as the National Keystone Conference is a constant reminder to the teens that if you work hard, you play hard. Being able to mix the two together makes everything that much sweeter."

For more news from Naval Support Activity Bahrain, visit www.navy.mil/.