Bradenton Kiwanis Sets Plans for Fourth Annual Key Leader Weekend

Plans are underway for the Bradenton Kiwanis Club’s Key Leader Weekend 2026, a three-day leadership development experience scheduled for March 6–8 at the new Dream Oaks Camp facility in Parrish. The site, formerly known as the Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, is located on Rye Wilderness Trail and will host students from across the region for a weekend focused on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.

This year marks the fourth consecutive Key Leader Weekend hosted by the Bradenton Kiwanis Club. The annual event has steadily grown since its local debut, earning strong feedback from students, families, and volunteers who have participated in past weekends. Organizers say each year has built on the last, refining activities and programming designed to help students gain confidence and leadership skills in a supportive, engaging environment.

Key Leader is a weekend-long, sleep-away leadership camp open to students in 8th through 12th grade. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through group challenges, guided discussions, and team-building exercises. In addition to developing leadership skills, participants are encouraged to build friendships and enjoy a fun, immersive camp experience.

The Key Leader program itself has a broader history beyond Manatee County. It was developed by Kiwanis International and first launched in 2005 as a service leadership education program for high school students. Since then, Key Leader weekends have been held across the United States and internationally, reaching tens of thousands of students. The program is built around five core principles: integrity, personal growth, respect, building community, and striving for excellence, with an emphasis on leadership through service to others.

Locally, Bradenton Kiwanis leaders say one of the most rewarding aspects of the weekend is witnessing the transformation that occurs over just a few days. Students often arrive Friday evening feeling uncertain or reserved and leave Sunday morning with increased confidence, stronger communication skills, and a greater awareness of their ability to positively influence others.

Community members are encouraged to support the event by spreading the word to students who may benefit from the experience or by volunteering as chaperones. Registration information and additional details about the weekend are available on the Bradenton Kiwanis Club website.

Organizers say the 2026 Key Leader Weekend is shaping up to be the strongest yet, continuing a growing tradition of investing in the next generation of leaders in Manatee County and beyond.