JUNIOR GOLF

One of the newer programs. Junior golf is on the upswing and is very popular with the kids through the schools and local golf courses. This program may not require serious financial involvement. The USGA and the PGA have funds available for junior golf programs. For assistance contact: GLYAC member - Kevin L. Entze at (253)265-1930 / e-mail: bubentze@ceturytel.net .

ANTLERS PROGRAM

The program consist of Elks and the Youth of the community in joining together and creating a (Elks) youth group. It is opened to young people between the ages of 12 through 20 years of age who reside in the jurisdiction of the sponsoring Elks lodge. The Antlers Program will have elected officers and will use the sponsoring lodge facilities for meetings. The lodge will also provide an Advisory Council to oversee their activities. The program's purpose was to establish a positive foundation of character in their daily life. Also, may encourage its members to become Elks members upon reaching the age of 21. For assistance contact: GLYAC member Otto G. Sayles at (816) 761-3706 or e-mail: gvhm2008@aol.com

STUDENT I VETERAN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The intent of this program is to get the youth of our nation involved with the Veterans of our nation. As Elks, we now have the chance to establish a program for our youth with a new twist. Instead of giving something to them, we are going to ask them to give something back to the community by working with and for those who help secure the comforts they enjoy today, our nation's veterans. To obtain program suggestions or assistance contact GLYAC member - Ernest Southworth at (607) 756-2631 or e-mail: esouthwo@twcny.rr.com

BUGLES ACROSS AMERICA

This program allows any youth who plays a horn in their school band to sign up for playing taps at funerals for veterans. For assistance contact: Tom Day at (708) 484-9029 or e-mail: tomdaybuqles@aol.com

VETERANS HISTORY PROJECT

This program is sponsored by the Library of Congress. It involves youth interviewing Veterans about their experiences while serving in the military. The Library of Congress provides a kit that can be use. It contains several items and explains their format to conduct the interview. For assistance contact: Library of Congress Office at (202) 707-4916 or email: vohp@loc.gov

NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK

The Grand Exalted Ruler of our Order request all Subordinate Lodges in the Order, to set aside a week to begin on the 1st Sunday in May to recognize the youth in each community with special plan programs. Grand Lodge conducts a brochure contest with recognition awards. Contest details, Youth Activities Manual on page 20 and 21. For assistance contact: GLYAC member Jack C. Warter at (928) 473-2168 or email: jwjw@cybertrails.com

TEENAGER I STUDENT OF THE MONTH I YEAR

SCOUTING

The Grand Exalted Ruler request a strong emphasis be place on enhancing scouting programs by both Youth Activities Committee in Lodges and State Associations. The Elks National Foundation appropriates Scout awards for scholarships in Girl Scout Gold and Boy Scout Eagle Programs. Elks consider Scouting as one of American's finest traditions. For assistance contact: GLYAC member Wesley Scott at (970) 737-2614 or e-mail: wesnjosco@msn.com

BEST YOUTH PROGRAM-SUBORDINATE LODGE CONTEST

Subordinate Lodge's collect and compile materials pertaining to their youth programs into a brochure layout. The program has six membership divisions. State winners from each category are submitted to Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee for judging on the National level. Lodges that communicate and share their ideas in a brochure create a positive image between both Lodge members and others within their community. Contest details, Youth Activities Manual page 21 and 22. For assistance contact: GLYAC member - Tom Biggs, (419) 866-1874 / e-mail: psptbiggs@adelphia.net

CERTIFICATES

Grand Lodge provides certificates to assist and promote special types of youth programs. Student of the Month-Teenager of the Month-Junior StudentlTeenager of the Month-Boy Scouts Eagle Award-Girl Scouts Gold and Silver Award. These certificates are available at no cost to the Lodge. To order, contact: State Chairman., Jean A. Zink at (419) 303-9050/ e-mail: jaz@woh.rr.com

STATE ASSOCIATION CONTEST FOR BEST YOUTH PROGRAM

This contest provides an opportunity for state committees to prepare brochures outlining their programs for judging by Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee. It is designed to recognize state associations whose youth committees that have provided guidance to their subordinate lodges and have achieve state wide participation with strong and meaningful programs. Youth Activities remain one of the best opportunities we have to get the name of "ELKS" out before our communities. Ohio to obtain entering G/L contest, several Lodges must commit and provide the necessary materials to compile the brochure. For assistance contact: State Chairman-Jean A. Zink at (419) 303-9050 / email: jaz@woh.rr.com or GLYAC member - Kevin Entze at (253)265-1930 / e-mail: bubentze@ceturytel.net

"NEW" DICTIONARY PROJECT

Founded in 1995 by Mary French in Charleston, South Carolina. The organization mission is to distribute dictionaries to as many 3rd graders as possible. By 1999, enough money had been raised to put dictionaries in every public school 3rd graders in South Carolina. Now, the Youth Activities Committee is joining Mary in the effort to help children throughout America discover the power of knowledge of words. The Dictionary Project has been implemented in all fifty states by Grand Lodge and is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. For assistance contact: GLYAC member - Ernest E. Southworth at (607) 756-2631 or e-mail: esouthwo@twcny.rr.com or e-mail the Dictionary Project source directly at www.dictionaryproject.org You may also order sample copies by calling area (843) 856-2706 at a cost of $10.00.