Teens Take the Lead: An Inside Look at our Inaugural Teen Summit

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Greater Dover Boys & Girls Club hosted more than 75 teens from Clubs across the state for Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware's inaugural Teen Summit. This new event was created to inspire leadership, foster open dialogue, and empower young people to shape their own futures.

We were honored to kick off the summit with a visit from Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, whose warmth and encouragement set a powerful tone for the day. Speaking directly to the teens, she reminded them of the importance of staying focused, resilient, and grounded in their purpose. She urged them, “Don’t get distracted. Keep your eyes on the prize.” Her message echoed Dr. King’s own teachings and served as a fitting tribute to the legacy celebrated that day.

From there, attendees heard from a dynamic panel of community leaders including Devon Morrison, MBA; Julian Brinkley, Community & Sports Industry Strategist; and Jordan Spencer of the New Castle Chamber of Commerce. Each panelist shared personal stories about grit, mentorship, and navigating the unexpected twists of their professional journeys. Their insights reinforced a simple but powerful truth: success is not linear, but hard work and perseverance always move you forward.

Next, we turned the spotlight to the teens themselves. During the youth-led panel, teens spoke candidly about their experiences at home, in school, and throughout their community. They opened up about the pressures they face, the importance of mental health, how they support one another, and how the Boys & Girls Club has shaped their confidence and character.

A special highlight of the summit was the Teen Marketplace, where young entrepreneurs showcased and sold products from their own small businesses. From branded merchandise to colorful flowers crafted by hand, their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shined. Teens had the chance not only to sell their creations, but to share their stories, including how they launched their businesses, what inspires them, and what they hope to build next.

After a community lunch, participants broke into afternoon workshops focused on mental health and wellness. Small group sessions explored subjects such as gun violence, healthy relationships, and practical strategies for managing stress. Members of our Youth Support Services team served as facilitators led honest, supportive conversations, providing tools and resources while also giving teens space to connect and be heard. The day wrapped up with performances from our incredibly talented teens and raffle prizes.

The Teen Summit was a celebration of youth potential, leadership, and community. It was a day filled with courage, creativity, and connection, and a powerful reminder of the brilliance our teens carry with them every day.