What Is the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks?
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the United States. Today there are more than 1.3 million men and women in 2,300 local Elks Lodges located in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Elks provide recreational facilities for the entire family and are the focal point for many community service and charitable programs that are an Elks tradition. The Elks devote a great deal of attention to youth programs. Lodges and individual members today sponsor more than 1,000 Boy and Girl Scout troops and 3,000 youth sports teams, as well as Boys and Girls Clubs and Campfire groups. One of the most important youth programs in recent years has been the annual Elks “Hoop Shoot,” a national free throw shooting contest for boys and girls from ages 8-13. More than three million youngsters from all 50 states participated in last year’s “Hoop Shoot,” from local contests to the national finals where six champions were named.
