Learn more about the CEA's youth services, and committees, and how you can help make a difference in the life of our youth!
Elks Scholarships
The Elks National Foundation provides more than $3.64 million in college scholarships each year through its three scholarship programs (Most Valuable Student, Legacy Awards, Emergency Educational Grants). The application process and deadlines vary for each program. All applications must go through a local Elks Lodge before reaching the Elks National Foundation office.
MVS Chair: Lyle Miller (Montrose 1053)
CEA Chair: Ray Ross (Colorado Springs 309)
Hoop Shoot
To encourage lodges to make available the Hoop Shoot program to every eligible child in the state and to assist with the state and regional Hoop Shoot contests.
The Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest is the largest and most visible of the many youth activities sponsored by Elks Lodges. More than three million boys and girls, ages 8-13, will participate this year. The Elks Hoop Shoot highlights the Elks commitment to America's youth. From the millions of youngsters who participate and advance through local, district, state and regional competition, six national champions are named — one boy and one girl in each of three categories: ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. The winners each receive a trophy and their names are inscribed on a plaque at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Parents accompany contestants throughout the competition. The parents of finalists at the state, regional and national levels attend the competitions as guests of the Elks
The Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest is the largest and most visible of the many youth activities sponsored by Elks Lodges. More than three million boys and girls, ages 8-13, will participate this year. The Elks Hoop Shoot highlights the Elks commitment to America's youth. From the millions of youngsters who participate and advance through local, district, state and regional competition, six national champions are named — one boy and one girl in each of three categories: ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. The winners each receive a trophy and their names are inscribed on a plaque at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Parents accompany contestants throughout the competition. The parents of finalists at the state, regional and national levels attend the competitions as guests of the Elks
Chair: Brandon Wilkins (Salida 808)
Soccer Shoot
To develop and promote the GL Soccer Shoot program, and encourage every lodge across the state to get involved in the program and get as much participation as possible from within their communities in this new youth program.
The Elks Soccer Shoot program consists of two different contests that test different level skills at different ages.
A "Five Goal Contest" consists of a series of five goals, decreasing in size from 48 inches to 17 inches. The age groups that use these goals are divided into two categories, U-8 contains all ages seven years old and younger, and U-10 group contains ages eight and nine. The contest is open to boys and girls who shoot separately. The U-8 contestants kick from 15 feet from the face of the goal, while the U-10 contestants kick from 18 feet from the goal.
The Grid Goal Contest consists of a full-size goal sectioned off so points can be scored when the ball is kicked into certain sections. The age groups that use this goal are U-12, which contain the ages ten and eleven, and U-14, which contain ages twelve and thirteen. The contest is open to both boys and girls, and they shoot separately.
Chair: Cory Bungard (Florence 611)
Catch-A-Calf, Heifer Wrangle & Little Britches Rodeo Committee
To cooperate with the NWSS in Denver regarding the Catch-a-Calf and Heifer Wrangle Contests. Meet the boy or girl that catch the CEA calf and offer assistance. Keep in contact with the boy or girl throughout the year regarding the progress of the calf. Encourage and assist lodges that want to participate in the Little Britches Rodeo Program.
Chair: Kenney Burns (Hotchkiss 1807)
Drug Awareness Committee
To implement the Grand Lodge Drug Awareness program in Colorado and exercise all means possible to discourage the use of drugs by the youth of our state.
The Elks National Drug Awareness Program strives to teach all children and parents about the dangers of illegal drug use and prevent the abuse of legalized and prescription drugs. As the largest volunteer drug awareness program in the United States, the program relies on state, district and Lodge volunteers to promote a drug-free lifestyle. By taking pride in America's communities and youth, the program takes action against youth drug use through education and inspiration.
Chair: Tom Chambers (Northglenn 2438)
Elks & Scouting
The objective of this committee is to provide a safe meeting environment for the Troops/Units in our local Lodges, and provide the Troops/Units with the kind of support these Troops/Units need to be successful!
Chair: Terry Gaber (Greeley 809)
The Dictionary Project
The Dictionary Project was founded in 1995 by Mrs. Mary French of Charleston, SC. The sole mission of this non-profit organization – which we as Elks, share – is to distribute dictionaries to as many 3rd graders as possible in the 50 United States and our environs. At this point in time more than 16,997,292 dictionaries have been distributed. Varying service clubs were the main thrust of sponsorship.
In the 2004-2005 Lodge year, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks became involved. Dictionaries have been distributed to every State of the Union, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The Dictionary Project is a wonderful community service project. Consider these motivations for your Lodge to become involved. It is: A wonderful literacy project; an opportunity to be involved in a hands-on-project that does not require a great deal of time; relatively inexpensive; an opener of doors into the schools of your community paving the way for other Youth Projects - scholarships, essay contests, sponsorship of scouting, an Antlers Program, etc.; lends itself to media coverage, to let the community know of the good works you do, of your concern for our Nations young people
In the 2004-2005 Lodge year, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks became involved. Dictionaries have been distributed to every State of the Union, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The Dictionary Project is a wonderful community service project. Consider these motivations for your Lodge to become involved. It is: A wonderful literacy project; an opportunity to be involved in a hands-on-project that does not require a great deal of time; relatively inexpensive; an opener of doors into the schools of your community paving the way for other Youth Projects - scholarships, essay contests, sponsorship of scouting, an Antlers Program, etc.; lends itself to media coverage, to let the community know of the good works you do, of your concern for our Nations young people
Antlers
The program was initially organized in the late 1930s and went well for several years as an active arm of the Elks. However, by the 1960s interest in the program had waned and was ended. Recently, a few Lodges have restarted the program with great success.
The Antlers of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America has as its major objective the following:
To quicken the spirit of American Patriotism;
To teach respect for parents and love of home;
To inculcate the fundamentals of good citizenship;
To aid in a worthy cause;
To establish foundation of character;
To promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members;
And to respect the conviction of others in the matters of worship and religion is true Americanism.
The Members of Grand Lodge at the convention in St. Louis overwhelmingly voted in support of renewing the program. After ratification by the Lodges, "the Antlers" will once again become a part of the Elks Program for youth. Membership in the organization is open to any individual who has passed their twelfth and not yet reached their nineteenth birthday, who is a citizen of the United States of America, of good character and who believes in the existence of God.
To teach respect for parents and love of home;
To inculcate the fundamentals of good citizenship;
To aid in a worthy cause;
To establish foundation of character;
To promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members;
And to respect the conviction of others in the matters of worship and religion is true Americanism.
The Members of Grand Lodge at the convention in St. Louis overwhelmingly voted in support of renewing the program. After ratification by the Lodges, "the Antlers" will once again become a part of the Elks Program for youth. Membership in the organization is open to any individual who has passed their twelfth and not yet reached their nineteenth birthday, who is a citizen of the United States of America, of good character and who believes in the existence of God.