This piece was written by Club teen Wendoly C. following her experience attending the 2026 National Keystone Conference in Orlando, FL, where she represented the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club. Through the conference, Wendoly connected with fellow Keystone members from across the country, participated in leadership opportunities, and gained new experiences that helped her grow as a leader and bring new ideas back to her Club.
This summer, I was chosen to represent Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties at the 2026 National Keystone Conference in Orlando, FL. This three-day event featured celebrity guests, educational sessions, volunteering, and networking opportunities with teen leaders from all across the globe. From meeting inspiring people to trying new things, come with me as I share some of the moments that made this trip one I'll never forget.
The Keystone Conference featured a college and career room where we connected with professionals and gained insight into all the various career paths out there, like engineering, photography, and real estate. Additionally, the college and career room gave us the opportunity to get a free professional headshot and a blazer to help prepare us for future events or job opportunities. A big passion of mine is capturing photos and memories, so I was excited to ask a photographer what they loved most about their work; they shared that meeting new people through events like these was the highlight of what they do and to never forget that “your mind is your limit” and that “you are the barrier to everything you want.”
During our daily general sessions, celebrity guest Erin Gruwell, author of the award-winning book Freedom Writers Diary, shared her passion for empowering youth and helping them become the best versions of themselves. Gruwell shared the impact her book has had on the lives of her students. Because of it, one of her former students is currently in medical school and is working to become a doctor. As a future doctor who was formerly undocumented, she wants to work on the front lines, helping young people in need- kids who were forced to grow up at such a young age. Getting to hear the profound difference Gruwell made was one of the most memorable parts of the conference. It taught me that sometimes it takes just one action to create long-lasting change in the world. Her work continues to shine a light on the lives of young people, inspiring a movie adaptation starring Hilary Swank and earning a spot on the New York Times bestseller list.
One of the coolest parts of the conference was a generous gift from Vans. Everyone attending the conference was given swag bags that included pins, lanyards, and last but not least, brand-new shoes in various sizes and colors. (Thank you, Vans!) Because of the hard work my Keystone peers and I put into fundraising and community service throughout the year, at the end of our stay, we were rewarded with a trip to Disney World's Magic Kingdom. There, we shared unforgettable memories and jokes that I will forever cherish. The conference was more than just exciting activities and volunteering; it brought me closer to Keystone members from different Clubs, and it allowed us to connect beyond event planning and community outreach, while also sharing our personal interests and plans for the future. Making it the perfect way to end my sophomore year and another great year in Keystone.
I want to give a big “Thank You” to our celebrity guests Erin Gruwell, Cam Newton, Supaman, Marsai Martin and Boys & Girls Clubs of America for coming out and speaking to all of us and making this conference even more unforgettable. Also, a huge thanks to Boys and Girls Clubs of America for making this experience possible!
In just three days, I learned the power of community service, met new faces, and am now ready to integrate new, diverse ideas into our Keystone program here at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. If three days could inspire this much growth, connection, and excitement, I can only imagine what next year will bring. I’m ready to take what I learned, put it into action, and continue making a difference in my community.
