Antlers Lodge #21

The Antlers are a youth program of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, an organization that promotes the support of our youth, our veterans, our communities and practices the principle of charity. Think of the Antlers as a junior Elk program. The Antlers program focuses on teaching our young people about:

• Patriotism

• Respect of Parents

• Love of Home

• Good Citizenship

• Aiding a worthy cause

The Antlers offer many activities that young people enjoy, including social sessions, group trips, and other events where they can get together, have fun, laugh, and make new friends. But fun is only part of the experience. Antlers learn how organizations work, through their meetings, participate in committee work, and by working together, aid a worthy cause in their community. This offers the members an understanding that helping others is what helps make them an important part of the community.

Membership in the Antlers is open to any young man or woman age 12 to 20 years of age. They do not have to be related to a member of the Elks to join. They must reside in the jurisdiction of a sponsoring Elks lodge, and be a United States citizen. Antler members must be of good character and believe in God.

To become a member, they must be proposed by another member of the Antlers, and fill out a proposal for membership. Once approved and have participated in the initiation ceremony and paid their dues, they will receive a membership card.

The Antlers Program is supervised by an adult Advisory Council who provides guidance for the officers and members of the group. The Advisory Council consists of Elks members who serve as mentors, and are there to assure that it is a safe environment for the youth. The Advisory Council is not intended to run the organization, but to provide direction and encouragement to keep the young people on track.

Parental involvement is also welcome as the success of the Antler lodge is closely tied to the reinforcement of good character both at home, at the Lodge, and at school.

The Antlers will meet at the Elks Lodge on an either a weekly or semi-monthly basis and parents are encouraged to attend the meetings.

The Antlers will often assist or participate in many Elk functions, including Flag day services, Americanism projects, Drug Awareness programs, Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot, as well as their own projects; projects that may include supporting children with special needs, food pantries, local charities, or even the Elks Lodge own Community Projects.

The Elks and Antlers both share the same common goals of supporting our communities and each other.