Since its inception in 1922, YMCA Blue Ridge Leaders’ School (BRLS) has retained its basic philosophy of training teens to be leaders in all aspects of YMCA health and wellness. For youth and adults, BRLS develops teaching and performance skills, builds self-esteem and leadership qualities, enhances leadership training with the local Association, and strengthens traditional Christian values that foster the essential unity of spirit, mind, and body for all. Blue Ridge Leaders’ School is committed to training teens to be leaders in their local YMCAs. It is a school  environment with a curriculum designed to maximize the benefit to Leaders Division participants (ages 13-18) as well as Senior Division participants (ages 19 and up).