The recent conference was quite a wrap to the regional conferences as the Northeast Conf. went out with fireworks!
By Allie H., myclubmylife.com Teen Reporter and member of 2011-12 National Keystone Conference Teen Steering Committee
NASHUA, N.H. -- Though the memories of the amazing national conference in Florida last spring had us silly with excitement and anxious to reunite with the rest of our Keystone family, no one was prepared for the magical experience that waited in Nashua at the 2011 Northeast Regional Keystone Conference!
The hotel looked like a medieval castle, like something right out of a fairy tale. It was a place fit for royalty and definitely appropriate for a gathering of America’s greatest teens!
After reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones through X-box Kinect dance-offs, ping pong tournaments, and intense games of Apples to Apples, everyone was ready for the festivities to begin.
The night was kicked off with performances by local dance teams, an incredible showing from hip-hop violinist, Ken Ford, and inspiring words from steering committee members Yawa and Paul.
A welcoming group of ManchVegas BGC staff and Keystoners waited by the doors and urged us into the Club where we were greeted by a buffet style dinner. Amongst the activities available at the Club were henna tattoos, caricatures, fortune tellers, a basketball tournament, and a psychedelic neon dance. The night flew by in a whirlwind of laughter, dancing, and Keystone claps!
Keystone Tracks Were Educational and Fun!
On Saturday morning the poor huddled masses stumbled sleepy-eyed into the main ballroom where we were awoken by an inspirational speech from Charles Henderson about his childhood, his quest for success, and how one mentor made it all possible!
We walked to the Keystone-based tracks feeling a little bit more appreciative of our advisors and all that they do for us. The Keystone-based tracks focused on a sharing of ideas between Clubs on effective methods to fundraise, break the ice, implement new events, and get more involved in the Club’s programs.
In the afternoon, we geared up for the issue-based tracks. Important session topics included teen pregnancy, self-esteem, gang violence, and depression, all of which have negative effects on teens nationwide. By educating themselves through the sessions run at conference, Keystoners hope to be able to not only lead their own lives in a healthy manner, but to inspire others to do so also!
Following the issue-based tracks, were the fun-track sessions, chock-full of, well, fun. The sessions were comprised of engaging activities such as Zumba, improvisation, and cosmetology.
Before leaving the hotel Saturday night, we were treated to an entertaining display of hypnosis, with our beloved advisors and fellow Keystoners as the subjects.
Nashua BGC put on a spectacular set of carnival games complete with jugglers, a man on stilts, karaoke, and inflatable laser tag. However, the best part of the whole night was when everyone filed outside to watch an incredible firework show. It was a fantastic wrap-up and an amazing reward for the busy but great day.
Finally, on Sunday morning, a breakfast buffet awaited us at the Keystone Awards ceremony, where Clubs from throughout the Northeast regions were awarded for their hard work and dedication over the past year. The morning was concluded by a performance from up-and-coming country singer Cassidy Monroe and an emotional moment when Josh Welper was named the Northeast Region Keystone Advisor of the Year.
See Ya in Texas!
Although it was heart-wrenching to leave our Keystone family behind after the Northeast Conference, the experience reminds us to look forward to the future to bigger and better things.
So, the countdown begins to the 2012 National Keystone Conference in Forth Worth, Texas. Remember to "Think Big," Keystoners! Because everything is bigger and better in Texas!