Elks Scholarships Committee

The Colorado Elks Association proudly supports the Elks National Foundation’s mission of providing educational opportunities to deserving students across the country. Through its three main scholarship programs—the Most Valuable Student (MVS) Scholarship, Legacy Awards, and Emergency Educational Grants—the Elks National Foundation awards more than $3.64 million in college scholarships each year.

These scholarship programs are designed to recognize academic achievement, leadership, and financial need, helping students achieve their educational goals. The application process and deadlines vary for each program, but all applications must first be submitted through a local Elks Lodge before reaching the Elks National Foundation for final consideration.

• Most Valuable Student (MVS) Scholarship: Open to all high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, and community service.
• Legacy Awards: Available to children and grandchildren of Elks members, this scholarship supports students who embody the Elks’ commitment to service and leadership.
• Emergency Educational Grants: These grants provide financial assistance to children of deceased or totally disabled Elks members, ensuring they have the opportunity to continue their education.

Our committee is dedicated to guiding applicants through the scholarship process, ensuring that every qualified student has the opportunity to apply and benefit from these valuable programs.

Committee Leadership
MVS Chair: Lyle Miller (Montrose 1053)
CEA Chair: Ray Ross (Colorado Springs 309)

For more information or assistance with your application, please contact your local Elks Lodge or reach out to our committee members. We are here to support the next generation of leaders as they pursue their dreams of higher education.

Hoop Shoot Committee

The Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest is one of the most beloved and impactful youth programs sponsored by the Colorado Elks Association. Our committee’s mission is to encourage all local lodges to offer the Hoop Shoot program to every eligible child across the state, and to provide support for the state and regional contests.

As the largest and most visible of the Elks’ youth activities, the Hoop Shoot brings together more than three million boys and girls, ages 8-13 each year. This fun and competitive event offers children the chance to showcase their skills, perseverance, and sportsmanship while highlighting the Elks’ deep commitment to supporting America's youth.

Participants compete at local, district, state, and regional levels, with the journey culminating in the naming of six national champions—one boy and one girl in each of three age categories (8-9, 10-11, and 12-13). These champions not only earn a trophy but also have their names permanently inscribed on a plaque displayed at the prestigious Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

A unique aspect of the Hoop Shoot is the family involvement throughout the competition. Parents accompany their children from the local to the national level, and at the state, regional, and national finals, they attend the events as honored guests of the Elks. The Hoop Shoot is more than just a contest—it’s a powerful way to connect families and communities through shared support for youth development.

Committee Leadership
Chair: Brandon Wilkins (Salida 808)

We invite all local lodges to get involved, and we’re here to assist with making the Hoop Shoot accessible to every child who wishes to participate. Join us in fostering youth sportsmanship, perseverance, and excellence through this exciting program!

Soccer Shoot Committee

The Elks Soccer Shoot program is an exciting new youth initiative that aims to foster a love for soccer while developing essential skills among children in our communities. Our committee is dedicated to promoting the Grand Lodge Soccer Shoot program and encouraging lodges throughout Colorado to get involved and maximize participation from local youth.

The Soccer Shoot consists of two distinct contests designed to challenge participants of various skill levels across different age groups:

Five Goal Contest
This contest features a series of five goals that decrease in size, ranging from 48 inches to just 17 inches. The competition is divided into two age categories:

• U-8: For boys and girls aged seven years and younger, who kick from 15 feet away from the face of the goal.
• U-10: For participants aged eight and nine, who kick from 18 feet away.
  Each group competes separately, ensuring a fair and fun environment for all contestants.

Grid Goal Contest
In this contest, a full-size goal is sectioned off, allowing participants to score points by kicking the ball into designated areas. This contest is designed for:

• U-12: Ages ten and eleven.
• U-14: Ages twelve and thirteen.
  Similar to the Five Goal Contest, boys and girls compete separately, promoting healthy competition and sportsmanship.

Our goal is to ensure that every lodge participates in the Soccer Shoot program, providing young athletes the opportunity to showcase their skills and passion for soccer while building a sense of community and camaraderie.

Committee Leadership
Chair: Cory Bungard (Florence 611)

Join us in making the Elks Soccer Shoot a vibrant and engaging program that not only nurtures athletic talent but also promotes teamwork, friendship, and community spirit among our youth. Together, we can encourage the next generation to thrive through the love of soccer!

Catch-A-Calf, Heifer Wrangle & Little Britches Rodeo Committee

The Catch-A-Calf, Heifer Wrangle, and Little Britches Rodeo programs are integral parts of Colorado's rich agricultural and rodeo heritage. Our committee is dedicated to collaborating with the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) in Denver to ensure the success of these exciting contests while fostering a love for agriculture and livestock management among youth.

Catch-A-Calf Contest
This thrilling competition challenges young participants to catch a calf during the NWSS, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with livestock and learn essential skills. Once a participant successfully catches a calf, our committee steps in to provide ongoing support. We maintain contact with these young cowboys and cowgirls throughout the year, offering guidance and encouragement as they care for and raise their calf. This experience not only teaches responsibility but also nurtures a lifelong passion for animal husbandry.

Heifer Wrangle Contest
Similar to the Catch-A-Calf contest, the Heifer Wrangle offers another dynamic opportunity for youth to showcase their skills in livestock management. Our committee works closely with participants, providing resources and assistance as they navigate the challenges of raising their heifer.

Little Britches Rodeo Program
We actively encourage and assist lodges who want to participate in the Little Britches Rodeo Program, which gives young participants the chance to experience the thrill of rodeo events in a supportive and fun environment. This program not only promotes sportsmanship and teamwork but also instills a deep appreciation for Western traditions and values.

Committee Leadership
Chair: Kenney Burns (Hotchkiss 1807)

We invite all members of the Colorado Elks Association to join us in celebrating and supporting these remarkable programs that empower youth through agriculture and rodeo. Together, we can help shape the next generation of ranchers, farmers, and rodeo stars, ensuring that our Western heritage continues to thrive!

Drug Awareness Committee

The Drug Awareness Committee is committed to implementing the Grand Lodge Drug Awareness Program across Colorado, taking a proactive stance against drug use among our youth. Our mission is to discourage illegal drug use and to promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles through education, outreach, and community involvement.

The Elks National Drug Awareness Program stands as the largest volunteer drug awareness initiative in the United States. It aims to educate children and parents alike about the dangers of illegal drug use and the potential risks associated with both legalized and prescription drugs. By fostering an understanding of these dangers, we empower families to make informed choices that prioritize health and well-being.

Our committee engages with state, district, and Lodge volunteers to promote a drug-free lifestyle through various educational initiatives and community events. By focusing on prevention, we take pride in our role as stewards of our communities and champions for the youth of Colorado. Our approach combines awareness campaigns, interactive workshops, and collaborative partnerships to create a supportive environment that inspires young people to choose a life free from drugs.

Committee Leadership
Chair: Tom Chambers (Northglenn 2438)

Together, we can combat youth drug use and cultivate a culture of awareness and responsibility. Join us in making a positive impact in our communities and ensuring a brighter, healthier future for our children. Let’s work hand-in-hand to inspire hope and change—because every child deserves the opportunity to thrive without the influence of drugs!

The Dictionary Project

Founded in 1995 by Mrs. Mary French of Charleston, SC, The Dictionary Project has a singular mission: to distribute dictionaries to as many third graders as possible across the United States and its territories. As a proud supporter of this initiative, the Elks share in this important mission. To date, over 16,997,292 dictionaries have been distributed, thanks to the efforts of various service clubs that have championed this cause.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks became actively involved in the project during the 2004-2005 Lodge year, further expanding its reach to every state, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Through this program, we not only promote literacy but also inspire a love of reading among young students, opening doors to a brighter future.

Why Get Involved?
The Dictionary Project offers a multitude of benefits for your Lodge and community:

• Promote Literacy: By providing dictionaries to third graders, we contribute to their education and literacy skills at a critical stage of their learning.
• Hands-On Engagement: This is a meaningful community service project that requires minimal time commitment while making a significant impact.
• Cost-Effective: The initiative is relatively inexpensive, making it an accessible way for your Lodge to participate in community service.
• Create Connections: This project opens doors into local schools, laying the groundwork for further youth-focused initiatives, such as scholarships, essay contests, scouting sponsorships, and more.
• Enhance Community Visibility: Participating in The Dictionary Project lends itself to positive media coverage, showcasing your Lodge's commitment to the welfare of our nation’s youth.

By getting involved in The Dictionary Project, your Lodge can play a vital role in enhancing literacy and fostering a love of learning in your community. Join us in this meaningful endeavor and make a lasting difference in the lives of young students. Together, we can continue to share knowledge and empower the next generation!

Antlers Program

Originally established in the late 1930s, the Antlers Program served as a vibrant youth initiative within the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Although it enjoyed several successful years, interest dwindled by the 1960s, leading to its eventual cessation. In recent years, however, several Lodges have reignited the program, experiencing tremendous success and enthusiasm among youth participants.

The Antlers Program aims to cultivate important values and life skills among young people, focusing on the following core objectives:

• Fostering American Patriotism: The program encourages a deep sense of pride and responsibility for one’s country, promoting the ideals of freedom and democracy.
• Teaching Respect and Love: Antlers members are taught to respect their parents and cherish the value of home, laying the groundwork for strong family bonds.
• Instilling Good Citizenship: Participants learn the fundamentals of being responsible citizens, understanding their roles and responsibilities within the community.
• Supporting Worthy Causes: The program inspires youth to contribute positively to society through service and philanthropy, fostering a spirit of generosity and community engagement.
• Building Character: By engaging in activities that promote personal growth and integrity, Antlers members establish a strong foundation of character that will guide them throughout their lives.
• Enhancing Member Welfare and Happiness: The program focuses on the well-being and happiness of its members, creating a supportive environment where youth can thrive.
• Embracing Religious Freedom: Antlers members are encouraged to respect the beliefs and convictions of others regarding worship and religion, reflecting the true spirit of Americanism.

During the Grand Lodge convention in St. Louis, the membership overwhelmingly supported the revival of the Antlers Program. Following ratification by the Lodges, this cherished initiative is set to once again play a vital role in the Elks’ youth outreach efforts.

Membership Eligibility
The Antlers Program welcomes any individual who has passed their twelfth birthday and has not yet reached their nineteenth birthday, is a citizen of the United States, possesses good character, and believes in the existence of God. This inclusive approach allows young people to connect with peers who share similar values and aspirations.

By participating in the Antlers Program, youth not only gain valuable life skills and experiences but also become part of a proud tradition that emphasizes the importance of community service, character building, and patriotism. Join us in empowering the next generation through the Antlers Program!

Elks & Scouting Committee

The Elks & Scouting Committee is dedicated to fostering a supportive and safe environment for local Troops and Units affiliated with our Lodges. Our primary objective is to ensure that these young scouts have the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to thrive in their pursuits and achieve their goals.

We believe that Scouting plays a vital role in the personal development of youth, instilling values such as teamwork, leadership, and community service. To that end, our committee works tirelessly to provide a welcoming meeting space for Troops and Units, allowing them to gather, plan activities, and build camaraderie in a secure setting.

In addition to offering a safe meeting environment, we actively support these groups by providing the necessary tools and resources to help them succeed. Whether through sponsorship of events, assistance with fundraising efforts, or offering mentorship from experienced Elks members, we strive to empower scouts in their journey. Our goal is to nurture their growth as leaders, community members, and responsible citizens.

Committee Leadership
Chair: Terry Gaber (Greeley 809)

By collaborating with local scouting organizations, we not only enrich the scouting experience but also strengthen the bonds between the Elks and our communities. Join us in supporting our youth and helping them discover their full potential through the values of scouting. Together, we can make a lasting impact in the lives of young people and the communities they serve!