Youth Build Confidence, Communication, and a Vision for Community Impact
St. Cloud, MN – A total of 10 teens from Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota gathered this week for a powerful two-day Teen Leadership Summit, themed “Lead Today. Inspire Tomorrow.” Held July 15-16, 2025, the summit focused on empowering young people to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and turn ideas into action through service and collaboration.
The event kicked off with Leadership in Action sessions at Granite Partners, where teens dove into interactive workshops, public speaking, and group challenges designed to build foundational leadership skills.
“We’re not just preparing teens to lead in the future—we’re equipping them to lead right now,” said Mary Swingle, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota. “The Teen Leadership Summit showcased the insight, passion, and drive our young people bring to the table. Throughout the summit, teens developed real, actionable plans to create positive change among their peers—starting now, not later.”
Highlights of Day 1 included:
- Kendyll Spells, a former Club member, inspired teens by sharing her personal journey from shy Club kid to confident leader, emphasizing the power of saying “yes” to opportunity.
- Eric Kenning, a Paralympian and motivational speaker, led a dynamic session on resilient leadership, showing how mindset, support systems, and determination can transform setbacks into strength.
- Brady DeGagne, Club staff, delivered a high-energy workshop on communication and confidence, helping youth discover how to use their “V.O.I.C.E.” to lead with clarity and courage.
- Over lunch, teens were paired with business leaders to share and learn about their professional leadership journeys.
Day 2, Community Leadership in Action, took teens into the field, where they put their leadership into practice by volunteering at local KIDSTOP sites.
Later, participants learned about advanced leadership opportunities through Keystone Club and the National Youth Voice initiative in Washington, D.C.
The team from Old Navy arrived at Granite Partners over lunch to instruct the teen leaders on how to build their professional wardrobe with style on a budget.
Over the course of the summit, teens developed individualized leadership goals for the upcoming school year and finalized an impact plan that reflects their shared vision for peer engagement and community service.
One teen participant, Jailia, found the lunch with a professional to be particularly inspiring. “They really listened to me! They were so nice!”
Brook’Lynn’s biggest takeaway was having the opportunity to voice her thoughts and experiences with the leadership team.
“The Teen Summit inspired me to lead with confidence and know my voice matters,” said Brook’Lynn.
Alastor learned the value of facing the fear of public speaking and feeling empowered. “Even though you’re scared, do it anyway,” said Alastor.
A parent even thanked the staff for the leadership opportunity and said their teen was already working on building their resume.
“Leadership isn’t about titles or awards—it’s about showing up for others,” Geri Bechtold, VP of Operations. “These young people are the future, and their energy ideas and positive action are exactly what our community needs.”
This year’s summit was made possible thanks to generous support from Granite Partners, Old Navy, Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, St. Cloud Police Department, and so many more local business leaders who generously gave their time, energy, and wisdom to the Teen Leadership Summit.