Youth Activities

youth camp 1 youth camp 2
<
>

The Virginia Elks Youth Camp, is an ACA accredited camp, that is offered free of charge to boys & girls, ages 8-13, throughout the state of Virginia through their local Elks Lodge


Richmond Girls Camping Dates are: July 9th-15th, 2023

Richmond Boys Camping Dates are:  July 23rd-29th, 2023

Description

The Virginia Elks Youth Camp, in continuous operation since 1950, is for deserving girls and boys of the Commonwealth of Virginia between the ages of eight (8) and thirteen (13). It is nonsectarian and operated without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap. Every effort is made to select youth who are sociable and in good health. A camper may attend more than one year.The camp is operated for six weeks each summer. The first three weeks are for the girls and the last three week for the boys. The camp is an accredited member of the American Camping Association and its Camp Director is an active member of the Virginia's Section of the A.C.A.

The 137 acre camp is located in the beautiful mountain area of the Alleghenies on the Cow Pasture River, eight miles north of Clifton Forge on State Route #42 in Bath County. The Virginia Elks Youth Camp is the State Project of the Virginia Elks Association consisting of 31 lodges located throughout the state and the National Home Lodge located in Bedford, Va.

All campers who attend the Virginia Elks Youth Camp have a great chance to bring home an award, as well as many great memories. Ribbons are awarded for our "Land Olympics" and "Water Olympics" activities. Also, outstanding camper plaques are given to those campers who earn them. The Arts and Crafts Director plans and assists campers with many different and exciting activities which also may be brought home by each camper.

The camp offers one of the most ideal and beautiful swimming spots that could be desired. Quite different from the modem swimming pool, it is fed by cool, sparkling mountain streams from the surrounding hillsides and is of sufficient size to make swimming a challenge as well as a pleasure. The area is roped off for non-swimmers, beginners and swimmers so that each group can be handled safely. Good fishing and canoeing are also part of the fine waterfront program. All activities are under close supervision of trained and qualified staff members.

Weather permitting, practically all activities are of the outdoor type, with basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer, camp-wide games and races keeping the youngsters busy from early morning until taps at 9:30 p.m. Instructions in cheer-leading, modem dance, singing, painting and crafts are activities enjoyed by the girls as well as the sports programs.

The large dining hall is used for program activities on rainy days, plus the camp provides a fine craft opportunity featuring leatherwork items. Opening and closing campfires, along with other camp-wide events, such as "earth ball", candy carnival, staff hunt, and water carnival are enjoyed by all.

A modem kitchen, staffed by qualified cooks, provides excellent meals. The camp participates in the summer Food Service Program for Children sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture. (Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA related activity should write immediately to: Administer, Food and Nutrition Service - USDA - 3101 Park Center Dr., Alexandria, VA 22302)

A trained staff of 25 men and women handles the administration and program. The staff includes Camp Director and Assistant, Program Director, Waterfront Director, Arts & Crafts Counselor, Program Counselors, Dining Hall Steward plus full time nurse and 13 cabin counselors.

The Health and Safety program is under the direction of a doctor licensed by the State of Virginia who supervises all health related incidents at camp. Arrangements are made to use the facilities at the Alleghany Regional Hospital in nearby Low Moor, Va. in case of serious illness or accident, and a camp vehicle is always available for taking campers to the hospital.

All campers live in cabins under the supervision of a Cabin Counselor with each cabin holding as many as eight campers. Two large shower buildings are located near the cabin rows so that the campers can practice good habits in regard to personal cleanliness and hygiene.

Blankets and linens are provided by the camp while the camp laundry washes all, clothes of each camper during their stay. Each camper provides his own personal items such as sneakers or shoes, warm sleeping garments, dungarees, T-Shirts, shorts, socks, underwear, bathing trunks, towels and washcloths. The Elks Lodges who sponsor the camper, pay the cost of the one-week camp, plus his or her transportation and may assist in providing clothing if necessary. The camping season runs from mid-June until early August.

Directions to Elks Youth Camp
If you are using a GPS, enter: N 37° 54' 58.6" W 79° 44' 43.2". For those driving, take exit 29 (VA42 North) off I64 west, turn right, go 7 miles and look for the "George Washington National Forest" sign on the right. Slow down immediately as the road to the Camp is the next left (Indian Hill Lane). Follow it about 3/4 mile to the Camp sign on the right. If coming in on VA42 south, it is 9 miles south of Millboro and turn right at the sign.


Lodge Hoop Shoot Director:

Joanne White
(804) 690-2150
whitejoanne1957@gmail.com


Date and location TBA

Registration begins 8:00 a.m. and event starts at 9:00 a.m.

Registration Form

Rules of the Contest

Hoop Shoot Brochure

The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2015 competition.

  • Any high school senior who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to apply.
  • Applicants need not be related to a member of the Elks.
  • College students are not eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are signed; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.
  • Male and female students compete separately.

The 2016 contest will begin on September 1, 2016. Applications should be submitted by November 30th, 2016. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.

Applications must advance through local, district and state competitions to reach national judging. In late April, the 20 top finalists will participate in a Leadership Weekend in Chicago during which they’ll interview with the national judges. These 20 finalists will be vying for two first-place awards of $50,000; two second-place awards of $40,000; and two third-place awards of $30,000. The remaining 14 finalists will receive awards of $20,000. The 480 runners-up will receive fifth-place scholarships of $4,000.

Most Valuable Student Scholarship Brochure

Scholarships for Elks Families Brochure

 

2020-2021 Contest
“How can Patriotism be Demonstrated”
RULES:
1. Eligible participants must be Students enrolled in the 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grade at the time of the contest.
2. Essay length is not to exceed 300 words.
3. Essay must be typed or legibly printed in ink. Also, Essay must be
submitted as written (or typed) by the entrant.
4. Essay must be submitted for judging to the Elks Lodge nearest to
the address of the entrant.
5. Participant must be identified by name, grade, school attending and sponsoring Elks Lodge on the Essay.
AWARDS:
Plaques will be awarded by the Grand Lodge for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place for national winning essays in Division I and Division II. Winners will be announced at the Grand Lodge Session in Tampa, FL, July 4-7, 2021.
ENTRY DATE:
Essay should be submitted to local Elks Lodge on/before December 15, 2020.
The Essay Contest Cover Sheet must be completed for each level of competition and remain attached to the Essay.

Sponsoring Elks Lodge:_______________________________No._______________
Address:_________________________________________________________________
Contact Person:__________________________________________________________
Phone No._______________________________________________________________