Youth

The Elks supports many endeavors involving the youth, both inside and outside our membership. Below are some of the projects and events we sponsor and support.

Antlers

Building Future Leaders at the Lodge

The Antlers Program is the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks youth initiative, designed for young people ages 12–20 (members and non-members) who want to get involved, give back, and have fun. Meetings are held the first Sunday of each month at 5PM upstairs in the Lodge.

Antlers is built on fun, fellowship, and service—helping young people grow into strong, community-minded leaders. The program promotes patriotism, respect for family, good citizenship, and strong character, while encouraging respect for others and their beliefs.

Our Antlers are actively involved in Lodge life and the community. They help plan and support our family holiday events like the Easter Egg Hunt, Trunk or Treat, and Breakfast with Santa. They also give back through service projects with organizations such as Out of the Garden and the Guilford County Animal Shelter. In addition, they host babysitting nights at the Lodge—giving parents a chance to enjoy a well-deserved night out.

Membership is open to any young person ages 12–20 of good character who believes in God. We encourage all interested teens to attend a meeting—parents are welcome to join the first visit to learn more about the program. Antlers meet usually on the first Sunday of the month at the Lodge at 5PM upstairs.

Hoops Shoot

The Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program is one of the most impactful youth initiatives of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, combining competition, character-building, and opportunity.

At its core, Hoop Shoot is a national free throw contest for boys and girls ages 8–13, designed to promote perseverance, discipline, and confidence. What begins at the local Lodge level can advance through district, state, and regional competitions—all the way to the National Finals in Chicago, where the top youth shooters in the country compete.

But Hoop Shoot is about far more than basketball. The program emphasizes:

Hard work and practice paying off
Good sportsmanship and respect for others
Handling pressure and building confidence
Setting and achieving personal goals

Each year, thousands of young participants gain recognition, build self-esteem, and create lasting memories—regardless of whether they advance.

In short, Hoop Shoot is a simple game with a powerful purpose: helping young people grow into confident, capable individuals—one free throw at a time.

Scholarships

The Elks Scholarship Program, offered by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is one of the largest private scholarship programs in the country—awarding millions of dollars each year to help students pursue higher education, second only to the US Government.

At its core, the program recognizes and rewards students who demonstrate a strong combination of academic achievement, leadership, and community service—not just grades alone. It’s designed to support well-rounded young people who are making a positive impact in their schools and communities.

Types of Elks Scholarships

1. Most Valuable Student (MVS) Scholarship
The flagship program, open to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens. Awards range from $1,000 to $12,500 per year, renewable for four years. Applicants are judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.

2. Legacy Awards
Available to children and grandchildren of active Elks members. These are $4,000 scholarships ($1,000 per year for four years) and help extend the impact of Elk membership across generations.

3. Emergency Educational Grants
Designed for children of deceased or totally disabled Elks members, providing financial assistance for college or vocational education when families face unexpected hardship.

Overall, the Elks Scholarship Program is about more than financial support—it’s about investing in the future, recognizing young leaders, and helping them reach their full potential while continuing the Elks’ tradition of service and community impact.