Hoop Shoot
Through the Hoop Shoot program, the Elks have been unleashing grit for more than 50 years—long before researchers and experts concluded that grit is so important for our children. It’s a free throw contest for boys and girls from 8-13. They’re talking about grit.
Basketball Hall of Fame
Each year, the six Hoop Shoot National Champions will have their names listed alongside their picture in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Additionally, the boy and girl Elks Champions are invited to attend when the Hall of Fame inductees are honored at the Enshrinement Ceremony in Springfield, MA.
Morgan Wootten Lifetime Achievement Award
The Elks Hoop Shoot is the proud sponsor of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Annual Morgan Wootten Lifetime Achievement. The Hall of Fame awards two Wootten Awards annually to boys and girls high school coaches who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of student athletes. The award is named for Morgan Wootten, a legendary high school basketball coach enshrined at the Hall of Fame
For more information go to www.elks.org/hoopshoot or
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2025 State Winners
Soccer Shoot
Soccer is one of the fastest growing youth activities in the country. The Elks Soccer Shoot Program is geared to coincide with this sport phenomenon. From toddlers to teens, in our large urban centers to our small suburban settings, soccer is becoming the sport of choice for our youth. This program is the kind of sporting event to help keep our youth focused and away from undesirable activities.
The Elks Soccer Shoot program consists of two different contests that test different level skills at different ages. A "Five Goal Contest" consists of a series of five goals, decreasing in size from 48 inches to 17 inches. The age group that uses the goals in this contest are U-8, for ages 7 years old and younger. The contest is open to boys and girls who shoot separately. The U-8 contestants kick from 15 feet from the face of the goal.
The Grid Goal Contest consists of a full-size goal sectioned off so points can be scored when the ball is kicked into certain sections. The age groups that use this goal are U-10, for ages 8 and 9, U-12, for ages 10 and 11, and U-14, for ages 12 and 13. The contest is open to both boys and girls and they shoot separately.
Winners at each contest are eligible to advance to the next level of competition. The levels are Local Lodge, State, and Region. Winners at both the State and Region levels will have their scores sent to the national level to determine a National Champion in each of the age and gender groups.
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Americanism
A program geared to students in 5th through 8th grades to promote patriotism among young people. It is an annual essay contest in which the theme varies from year to year and is an essay not exceeding 300 words, it may be typed or hand written. There are 4 divisions, one for each grade. Essay must be submitted to the Elks lodge nearest to them. Entries must be received to local lodge by December 15.
As Elks, we are committed to our country, our flag, and our communities. Our Order has made the commitment that "as long as there is a veteran in a hospital, they will not be forgotten." We respect our flag and all it stands for, support our Constitution, and salute the brave men and women who have or are serving in the defense of our country. We are the only organization in the country to have a flag day ceremony. "Elks care, Elks share" -- that is our motto, and we do so in any way that we can. But we have learned how to do this and have some fun at the same time.
Scholarships
Since 1931, the Elks National Foundation has helped students recognize their academic dreams. Each year, we award nearly $4 million in college scholarships to at least 850 outstanding, service-minded high school seniors. Once you're an Elks scholar, you're family.
For more information contact your local lodge or go to www.elks.com/scholars