Cape Ann YMCA Teen Leaders Club
Executive Committee
Paul Bondarev..............President
Alex Jones................Vice-President
Heather Boudrow..........Secretary
Shannon Gallagher........Treasurer
Zach White...............Chaplain
"We start by doing the necessary...then by doing the possible...and suddenly: WE'RE DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE!"
- Norman Ebsbu
Weekly Meetings
Thursday Evenings 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Gloucester Teen Center 9 Center Street
Committed to the values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT and RESPONSIBILITY, the members of the Cape Ann YMCA Teen Leaders Club have dedicated themselves to working together to “give back”.
Since 1995, these teens have chosen to actively volunteer time and effort for the betterment of the community to which they belong. This self-governed group of teens interacts closely with their “Leaders Club Advisor” and YMCA Professional Staff. One of the key components of the club is the concept of “being a leader 24/7”; that is to say that all involved strive to incorporate the values espoused and lessons learned into their daily life.
Efforts and activities include:
- Each teen contributes 8 – 12 volunteer hours monthly to local organizations and causes; including the YMCA, Open Door, Toys for Tots, Food Pantry, Harvest Meals, the Red Cross and many others.
- The annual “Rock-A-Thon to Feed Cape Ann’s Hungry”. In January, each member of our club (and the adult volunteer advisors) spend 24 sleepless hours in rocking chairs. Club members solicit donations of non-perishable food items for our efforts. To date we have collected and dispensed more than 35,000 pounds of food to the Cape Ann Food Pantry and local households.
- Leaders Prepare & serve meals quarterly at Open Door Food Pantry
- Teens participate in the GLOUCESTER PRIDESTRIDE every year, not only raising funds for teen events – but also playing an integral role in the day’s operations.
- Teens spend time helping teach and guide YMCA programs for youth – many of today’s YMCA Staff started out as Teen Leaders.
- Teen Leaders help solicit donations for the YMCA’s Annual Y FOR ALL Campaign to provide financial assistance for those in need.
- Club members may participate three weekend-long regional rallies throughout New England.
- We participate in the weeklong Northeast Teen Leaders School – held each summer at Lake George in New York.
Most importantly, teens are constantly encouraged to hold each other to high-standard and together seize upon opportunities to lead and make a difference.
